The foundation of the house might be the most important part structurally speaking, but roofs for houses are definitely a close second. Some construction companies and general contractors spend the vats majority of their careers working almost exclusively on roofs for houses.
As the first line of defense against weather and the elements, it’s crucial to have a quality roof that will hold up for years to come. Either that or you end up spending a lot of time and money on roof repairs, or complete roof replacement.
The first thing you should consider when it comes to roofs is what type of roofing materials you’re going to want. While there are numerous amounts of different and specific types, here are three of the most common roofs for houses and some of theri advantages/disadvantages.
- Shingle: Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular choice for roofs in the United States. In many ways they’re the ‘standard’ style of roofing. Not extremely durable or energy efficient, but also pretty inexpensive and reliable. This sort of traditional roofing material only reflect between five and 15% of energy and heat from the sun.
- Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tile is a much less common form of house roofing as it is one of the more expensive materials out there. Two of the major selling points for these roofs for houses is that it can last a very long time, and the aesthetic appearance is virtually unmatched. With the ability to ornate a house in the style of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, some people say ceramic tile can even left for 100 years if well maintained.
- Metal: Cool-colored metal roofing is incredibly energy efficient as some can reflect up to 90% of the sun’s heat! Estimates suggest that a homeowner can save up to 40% on cooling energy costs during the summer. Metal roofs are also touted for their durability (typically at least 30 year lifespan) and overall weather-resistance.
There really is no “right” answer when it comes to picking out the type of roofing materials for your house as it can vary. The important thing is to consider the climate/environment you live in, how much money you want to spend, and consult with a professional to determine which options might be better than others.