If you’re in need of a new roof, you’ll probably have lots of questions when selecting the right roofing material for your home. The type, style, and color of shingles are all important decisions you’ll need to make when purchasing a new roof.

Choosing the right roofing material is not only important in terms of appearance, but it’s also important in terms of maintenance costs and the overall property value. You want the color and material of your roof to blend in with your surroundings, neighborhood, and architectural style of your home.

Your roof makes up about 40% of the visible exterior of your home, so choosing the right materials and colors impact the first impression people have of your home. Your new roof should enhance curb appeal and increase the value of your home, as well as express your own personality and style.

Your new roof is a significant investment, so it’s important to choose your materials wisely. If you’ve never shopped for a new roof before, here’s what you need to know:

Roofing Terminology

Before you choose a material, it helps to know some roofing terminology. Roofers don’t usually measure square feet, but instead talk in squares. A square is the basic unit of measurement, so one square is 100 square feet, or equal to a 10 foot by 10-foot square. A typical two-story, 2,000 square foot home with a gable roof consists of about 1500 square feet or less of roofing area, or approximately fifteen squares.

Cost of a New Roof

There are several factors in determining the cost of a new roof in addition to the cost of materials. One factor is the condition of your current roof. If old materials need to be stripped, or if the structure needs repaired, that will increase the cost. The shape of your roof is another factor. A gable roof with little to no breaks in its planes (chimneys, dormers, or vent pipes) is a simple, pretty straightforward roofing job. Houses with intersecting rooflines (points of intersection are called valleys), turrets, skylights, etc., will ultimately cost more.

Roofing Materials

Not all roofing materials are appropriate for all roofs. A flat roof or one with a low slope may require a different surface than one with a steeper pitch. Materials such as clay or slate are very heavy, so the structure of some homes aren’t meant to support the load, and those materials are better suited for climates that never freeze.

• Asphalt Shingle

Asphalt shingle is the most common roofing material because it’s the least expensive, wears incredibly well, and is the easiest to install. It’s made of a fiberglass medium that’s been mixed with asphalt and given a surface of sand-like granules. Asphalt is available in many colors, works well with multiple architectural styles, and has a lifespan of 20 to 40 years depending on your climate.

• Wood

Wood makes a beautiful, rustic option, but is forbidden in some areas because of fire codes. Wood shingles are made of cedar, redwood, or southern pine and have an average lifespan of 25 years. They also cost a lot more than asphalt.

How to Choose a New Roof?

To make it easier, many homeowners opt for the same type of roofing material as their existing roof. If you want a different material for your new roof, it’s important to consult your roofing professional for guidance. Your local, trusted roofing experts at Armorvue Home Exteriors are standing by ready to help with any roofing related questions or needs, so call us today.