Choosing the Right Roof for Your Home
One of the main purposes of a house is to keep you and your loved ones safe. To make this happen, you must ensure that every aspect of your home is made with the right design and materials. A perfect example is choosing the best style for your roof, which is your first line of defense against outdoor elements.
Like any other part of a house, there are many types of roofs to decide on. And it can be overwhelming to pick from all the selections. It’s easy to just ask roofing contractors for help, but it’s also important that you understand how to decide on a style of roofing. To give you a glimpse of it, below are some crucial information.
Importance of Getting the Right Roof
The roof is one of the most vital parts of a house. As mentioned, it protects you from being exposed to climate conditions like rain, hail, thunderstorms, snow, and even harsh ultraviolet rays from the sun. It is also one of the things in charge of insulation in your home. It keeps your interior warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
However, your roof can only do these things if you’ve installed the right roofing style and materials. Choosing the best style and materials for your roofing also affects things like your home’s energy consumption, additional living space, and utility bills.
Factors To Consider
There are varying factors to consider in choosing a roof that will work best with your living conditions. To learn what these are, listed below are some qualities you should be checking.
- Style
The first factor you should think about is the style of your roof. This is important as the structural integrity of your preferred roof design is affected by elements like the climate in your state.
Another reason why it should be given enough thought is because you need to check if it abides by specific building codes in your area. Some local municipalities have these types of restrictions to ensure the safety of their residents, especially if they often encounter hurricanes, tornadoes, or even forest fires.
- DurabilityÂ
Durability is another factor you should look into when getting a new roof. This pertains to the roof’s ability to withstand the natural environment of your home and the longevity of the materials used. These things typically include parts like the roof membrane, underlays, and gutters.
- Cost
The cost of a roof is likewise an essential aspect you should think about. Although roofs are a worthy investment, it’s equally important to check their prices, especially if you’re working within a budget.
In the US, the average cost of a new roof is typically around $4,707 to $10,450. It will still depend on the total square footage of the required roof measurement and materials to be used. At present, the most affordable roofing materials are asphalt, while solar and clay are the most expensive.
Common Styles of Roof
There are different types of roofs with varying pros and cons. It’s important to learn about these things so you can weigh your options better before finalizing your decision. Listed below are some of the common ones:
- Gable Roof
A gable roof is one of the most popular styles of roofing. It is shaped as a simple triangle with two sloped sides that start from the ridge and extend all the way to the end. Most homeowners choose this design as it is often suitable for most home exteriors. But one con of having this structure is that it is prone to wind damage, often causing the roof to peel off.
- Hip Roof
If a gable roof has two equal-length slopes, a typical hip roof has four of them that also start at the ridge. One of its advantages is that it helps contribute to having an effective gutter system. Meanwhile, a disadvantage it has is that it usually costs more than a gable roof, considering it has a complex design.
- Dutch Gable Roof
The style of a Dutch gable roof combines a gable and hip roof. It is assembled in a way where a mini version of the gable roof is attached to the A-shaped feature of a hip roof. This gives homeowners the advantage of having more attic space. On the contrary, snow can collect in certain roof areas because of its structure and lead to leaks.
- Clipped Gable Roof
A clipped gable roof is known for its many names, some of which are bullnose and jerkinhead. It is best described as a basic but flattened version of a gable roof. It’s because, at the rising point of the roof, the front tip is clipped and has a slope that extends downwards. Although it offers a great architectural view of your house, it can be difficult to repair or build this type of roof, given its complicated structure.
- Shed Roof
A shed roof, also widely known as a skillion roof, is one of the popular modern designs. It’s a single sloped roof usually positioned on a steep pitch. This is a unique roof structure that provides more usable space underneath. But the downside is that this style may not work on all house designs.
- Flat Roof
Flat roofs are also referred to as low-sloped roofs. It is an equally leveled surface that acts as a roof and is commonly used on most industrial structures. One benefit it provides is that it offers more roof space, and it is easier to repair compared to roofs with higher slopes. On the flip side, its drawbacks include needing a specialized drainage system and that snow and ice can quickly settle on its surface.
Key Takeaway
Your house is a place you go to seek comfort and protection. That’s why it’s only right you look for the best options, like the right type of roof, possible in building your home. Before sticking to a decision, make sure you’ve exhausted all your resources by looking into the pros and cons of all your choices. Like all other things, if there are processes involved that confuse you, don’t be shy to ask for help from experts, such as roofing contractors in your area.
