Whether you are building your home from scratch or choosing a roof for your existing home, there is a wide range of roofing materials that you are going to be able to choose from that are readily available. The most common types are asphalt, composite shingles, wood, concrete, slate, and clay tiles. Style is very important to you and your home, but it is not the only important factor to consider. You also have to look at the installation requirements, material weight, and the cost. Your Minneapolis roofing contractor will advise you in these technical areas, narrowing down your options so that you can make the right choice.
Educating You On Your Options
You’ll notice that roofing contractors use certain terms. For instance, they don’t necessarily say “square feet.” Instead, they talk about the squares since one square is 100 square feet in an area. They may refer to a 1,500 square foot area as “15 squares.”
Now that you know how they refer to the areas in which the work is done, there is the cost. Considering price is a good starting point, but the condition of the existing roof may play into this as well, especially if what is being done is a remodel. If old materials have to be stripped off and the supporting structure repaired, that is going to add to the cost.
The shape of the roof also factors into cost. A gable roof with no or very few breaks is an easy roofing job. A house with more than one chimney, rooflines that intersect, and skylights is going to cost more to roof.
Helping You Find The Right Materials
You may be shocked to know that not every roof can use just any roofing material. A flat roof or one with a low slope is going to require a different surface than a roof with a steeper pitch. Materials, such as tile and slate are very heavy, so the home’s structure may not be adequate enough to carry the weight. If that’s the case, consider other options. Those options include:
- Asphalt shingles – These are the most commonly used of all roofing materials and also the least expensive. There are different configurations of shingles and your Minneapolis roofing contractor will advise you on what those types are and the differences between them so that you can make your choice.
- Wood – Wood was the primary choice for centuries and it is still a preferred type among many homeowners.
- Metal – Metal has been growing in popularity because it is durable, but it is also more costly.
- Tile and cement – Tile roofing cylinders are common on Mission and Colonial style homes. There are some cement and metal roofs that imitate the wavy effect of tile. While expensive, it is durable.
- Slate is among the most durable, but not all types of slate are the same since they can come from different quarries. Slate tends to outlast the fasteners that keep it in place and it is expensive.
The choice is entirely up to you. Using this information and the information your roofing contractor gives you, you should have no problem finding the roofing material that works best for you.
Contact A Minneapolis Roofing Contractor
If you need a new roof, then you want to know what type of roof is the best for your home and your budget, while also looking great. First Impressions Exteriors can help you choose the right roofing type that will last for many years to come. To learn more, call us at 612-532-2036 for a free estimate.