Thursday, May 17, 2012

Choose Correctly When Purchasing a New Roof!


While certain roofs such as slate have a service life that will likely surpass those who occupy the building covered, most other types of roofs will not last nearly that long. This means that after living in the same house for a few decades, any occupants would eventually have to replace this structure.
A roof that is quite popular in a neighborhood might be the choice; others may be selected based on budgetary concerns and others decisions may be based on the recommendations of a building designer. So the question to be asked about what is the best criteria to use when deciding upon the design and materials that to use in the construction of a new roof.
Factors to Consider
When it comes to choosing a particular type of roof, there are certain factors that should be prioritized and considered before making a final decision.
  • Climate - Prevailing climate and weather conditions should be a primary consideration when deciding what type of structure to build. For example, using clay tile in a hail-prone area is not a wise idea. Similarly, using ordinary asphalt shingles in places with many tornadoes could result in costly repairs. These are just some examples of how climate and weather should be studied.

  • Cost - Budget is another determining factor in making a roofing system choice. There are more options than ever before when it comes to the type of material to use for such a project, some more affordable than others. It is important to realize that not all low-cost material is low quality and not all expensive ones are the best to use; therefore, a balance must be established between material quality and material cost.

  • Fire Resistant - It helps to be prepared for even the worst circumstances such as fire. Various types have different fire resistance values so it is important to select materials that are fire resistant or at least not fire prone. Some substances that have a high fire resistance value are concrete, slate, tile and metal.

  • Longevity - Slate and metal last much longer than other possible selections which generally means the structure will need fewer repairs and be less costly to maintain. Although the initial cost may be high, such expenses can be recovered because of the long service life offered by slate and metal. As an opposite example, asphalt shingles may have a very low initial cost, but will require more maintenance and eventual replacement after a few decades.

  • Maintenance - While every roofing system requires some sort of maintenance, there is a huge difference on just how much and how often it is needed. Metal requires regular painting to protect it from corrosion; ordinary shingles need to be checked after every storm for any damage. Asphalt shingles are also prone to the growth of microbes and require frequent cleaning. Because maintenance is a crucial part of a roof's longevity, it is imperative that a decision be based on how much effort will be taken or money spent for this ongoing upkeep.

  • Aesthetics - The last element that should be considered is aesthetics. If there is a certain style or material that is preferred and meets the other criteria, there is no reason why it should not be used. It is important to keep in mind that aesthetics should be the last criteria to consider as providing protection from outside elements is the most important aspect in any selection process.
Having to pay for a roof is something that will be encountered by many homeowners; when that time comes, it is important to make a wise decision. Lack of attention to the details of climate and weather conditions can lead to costly repairs in the future. Required maintenance is also important when making such a purchase. Hopefully this article has been helpful in providing important criteria on how to properly choose a roof!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7035557

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