A great house is made up of many things and one of these things is the roof. When you are out shopping for a roof you need to look for one that has a good material among other things.
There are many factors to consider when selecting a roof including:
How long will it last?
Does it hold up during natural disasters such as wildfires or hurricanes?
Is it too heavy for the existing roof framing?
Does the roof have enough slope?
Will the look complement the style of the house?
Are the materials eco-friendly and recyclable?
Is the type of roofing allowed by local building codes?
And finally, how much does it cost?
Sourced from: http://www.todayshomeowner.com/choosing-a-roof/
When it comes to materials, it is important to consider the slope of the roof and if the structure of the roof is able to bear the weight of the roof material. Bearing this in mind you can choose between wood, metal and asphalt shingle.
Asphalt Shingle. This is the most commonly used of all roof materials, probably because it’s the least expensive and requires a minimum of skill to install. It’s made of a fiberglass medium that’s been impregnated with asphalt and then given a surface of sand-like granules. Two basic configurations are sold: the standard single-thickness variety and thicker, laminated products. The standard type costs roughly half as much, but laminated shingles have an appealing textured appearance and last roughly half as long (typically 25 years or more, versus 15 years plus). Prices begin at about $50 a square, but depending upon the type of shingle chosen and the installation, can cost many times that.
Wood. Wood was the main choice for centuries, and it’s still a good option, though in some areas fire codes forbid its use. Usually made of cedar, redwood, or southern pine, shingles are sawn or split. They have a life expectancy in the 25-year range (like asphalt shingles) but cost an average of twice as much.
Metal. Aluminum, steel, copper, copper-and-asphalt, and lead are all durable—and expensive—roofing surfaces. Lead and the copper/asphalt varieties are typically installed as shingles, but others are manufactured for seamed roofs consisting of vertical lengths of metal that are joined with solder. These roofs start at about $250 per square but often cost two or three times that.
Sourced from: http://www.bobvila.com/articles/35-how-to-choose-a-new-roof-for-your-house/#.V2gLYNJ97IU
Apart from considering the roof you should ensure that the roofing material you go for is weather proof. This means it should be able to withstand any weather.
Weather Barrier
Roofing materials must be capable of handling whatever weather comes their way.
Because your home’s roof is the primary barrier between you and Mother Nature, it’s critical to choose a material that will shelter your home reliably. It must shed rain and snow, hold up in wind, and endure the sun for many years. Depending upon your climate and the shape and orientation of your home’s roof, some materials will do this job better than others.
Roof Slope
The slope of your roof’s surface is a consideration that may eliminate some some roofing possibilities, especially if the slope is low. A roof’s slope is the number of inches it rises for every 12 inches of horizontal “run.” For example, a roof with a “4-in-12 slope” rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run.
Sourced from: http://www.hometips.com/home_roofing.html
