How to Choose the Best Roofing Material for Your New Home

Are you looking to build a home? It’s one of the most exciting journeys you can take.

To have a home designed and built for the needs of your family is incredibly rewarding. But the problem with building a home is that there are an endless amount of choices that need to be made.

One of the biggest choices you’ll make is the type of roofing material you crown your new home with. It’s one of the most visible aspects of your home. It is also one of the most protective and energy-saving features of a house.

It’s not a decision that should be made quickly. If you are spending the time and money to build your very own home, make sure to choose the best roofing material for your home.

Wondering what goes into choosing, and what the best materials are? Keep reading this roofing materials list to find out.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Material

There are many choices when it comes to material. But there are just as many factors to consider when choosing the perfect roof. From your home and roof design to the climate you live in, and more, you can’t just pick the roof that looks the best. You have to choose what is right for your home.

Home Style

This is oftentimes all that homeowners consider when choosing a new roof. While it is important for a good looking home and high resale value, it’s not the only factor.

But you do want to consider the types of roofing materials that match the style of your home. The material that looks best on a historic style home will be different than a roof on a modern or minimalist style home.

A classic home in the southwest will likely utilize a different style than what is normally found in New England, and so on. Consider the style of home you are building and choose a material and color that will match your home.

Roof Pitch

The pitch of your roof can be described as how steep your roof is. If your roof has a high pitch, it will be more vertical and steep.

If your roof has a low pitch, it will be flat or almost flat. Different materials are designed to function better with lower or higher pitches.

With a flat or near flat roof, you want to use roofing that is one continuous piece. Seems or gaps would allow pooling water to move back into these gaps, damaging your home. A seamless rubber sheet roof works best on a flat pitch.

With a higher pitch, water will only move downward. As such, you can use virtually any type of roofing material. With a steeper roof, the material will be much more visible, so aesthetics come into play.

Climate Conditions

If you travel around the US, you’ll notice that different regions use different roofing materials. In the Southwest, for example, most homes utilize stone roofs; clay, slate, or concrete.

These materials can withstand extreme heat and sunshine found in the desert. Stone roofs can expand and contract in the heat without being damaged. They are also fire-resistant.

In cooler, wetter climates such as the Midwest or the Northeast, you’ll primarily see asphalt shingles. You’ll also notice more metal roofs, which are much more capable of handling snow.

Best Roofing Materials

First and foremost, you need to consider what types of roofs will work with your climate, pitch, and home style. Once you narrow it down, you can choose between these most popular roofing materials.

Asphalt

Asphalt roofing is the most common choice for homes across the country, particularly those in 4-season climates. They are the most affordable option and also the easiest to install.

Many homeowners install or replace their asphalt roofing on their own. They also work with almost any style of home due to a variety of colors and styles available.

The downside is that asphalt roofs don’t last as long as other materials. A properly installed asphalt roof can last about 30 years.

Metal

Metal is an incredible choice for homes in colder climates. They can withstand sitting snow much more effectively than other materials. They also insulate well.

A metal roof can last 50 years or longer with hardly any need for repair or upkeep when installed properly. Metal roofing materials and installation cost much more than asphalt, but the investment makes sense on custom-built homes you plan to live in forever.

Rubber

As mentioned earlier, a rubber roofing material is ideal for homes with flat or almost flat roofs. You find this roof style most with modern and contemporary homes.

Modern rubber can easily withstand light and heat and will last for 50 years or longer. And because the material is light and inexpensive, installing a rubber roof is very affordable.

Rubber roofing materials require less energy to produce and are recyclable once removed, making rubber an eco-friendly choice. The only downside to installing rubber roofing is the bland appearance.

Clay

Clay, as mentioned earlier, is the most popular roofing choice in the Southwest. Clay is heat and fire-resistant and will help keep your home cool in the summer.

The tiles are heavy but durable, making it a more expensive choice, but a longer-lasting one. You can expect a clay roof to last 50 years or more.

The tiles are made from terra cotta clay, making them another eco-friendly roofing choice. The deep orange color makes this material suitable for Southwest and Mediterranean style homes.

Concrete

Concrete functions similarly to clay roofs. It reflects light rather than absorbing it, keeping your home cool. But because concrete is so heavy, additional roof framing may be required for installation, increasing the cost.

But concrete offers a wider range of styles than clay, making it more suitable for various home styles.

Choosing the Best Material for Your Home

When it comes time to choose a roofing material for your home, you can’t decide on your own. You need input from your architect and contractor to ensure you make the wisest choice.

They will let you know what type of materials work best in your area and which will look best on your home. Once they narrow it down, you can determine your roofing budget and start building.

For those near Granbury, Godley, Aledo, or Stephenville, Texas, you can contact us at Rock Ridge Homes for help dreaming and building your new home.

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