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A roof above your head is very important, and this statement can get very literal. You cannot call a construction a house without the roof. It completes the concrete and makes us more than the people who are working on it.
It is not an element of completion; it is also an element of protection. Your house is protected from heat, rain, and adverse weather. At the same time, it also protects your house from possible burglaries.
For something which holds so many responsibilities, they are bound to have to endure a lot of adversities. They are the strongest part of your house, but the concrete is also susceptible to damage, and you will need all the people.
Therefore, choosing the right roof is an important decision when you build your house. You have to make a choice based on your environment and the kind of house you are residing in.
The Factors To Keep In Mind While Choosing A Roof
Here are some of the strong expertise you have to keep in mind when choosing a roof for your brand new house.
1. Material
Not all materials will suit the weather. For example, in case of heavy rain or hail, a clay rooftop can be a nuisance because the wind would knock them. At the same time, a metal roof won’t be idle for some tropical temperatures.
2. How Much Slope
The slope of a roof can be crucial with the housing plan. The slopes are a great option for heavy rain or snow, as it will be easier to get rid of the rainwater and accumulated snow. It is not very ideal for hurricane-prone areas.
3. Will It Look Good With The House
The roof should be practical and protect us from the elements of weather and environment, but at the same time, it cannot have all the practicality with no design. It has to look good with the current design of the house.
Make sure it doesn’t look like an odd pick where there is no sense of style depicted in the house.
4. Will It Compliment The Roof Framing
This is for someone who is not making the house from scratch. When your house is under construction, you can have some say on the framing of the room. However, if you live in an already built house and just need to change the roof, you will have to check the frame.
The frame might not be able to handle the roof you are planning onto. However, the roof framing should be able to hold the roof in place. If you have to change the roof framing, then do it rather than regretting it later.
5. What Is The Cost
The cost could be the last point, but it is nevertheless important. You can have all your desired roof toppings and features, but it also has to fit within a budget. Since roofing is very important, it can sometimes exceed your budget, but it is not limitless.
Types Of Roof Material Which You Can Choose From
These are some of the roof materials you choose from. Of course, these will depend on durability, environment, and weight so that you can choose the roof frame beforehand.
1. Metal
Weight: 80-150lb
Lifespan: 40-60 years
Cost per square: $250-$450
Maintenance Cost: $5-15
This is one of the sturdiest ones, which is the most wind and fire-resistant. They will be perfect for areas that are prone to wildfires and hurricanes. These metal roofings are not placed in tiles, making them less likely to break during heavy wind.
They are sometimes mixed with steel, aluminum, or copper. However, they are not very ideal for tropical places.
2. Asphalt
Weight: 190-250 lb
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Cost per square: $125-$450
Maintenance Cost: $4-$10
Most of the housing tiles are done with these materials. One of the main reasons is, it is eco-friendly. It is made of an organic fiber mat that is mixed with asphalt. They can be placed with the design of the shingles, which gives them a good look.
They are best for cold weather as it retains some of the heat.
3. Concrete
Weight: 550lb- 1,000lb
Lifespan: 60+ years
Cost per square: $300- $500
Maintenance Cost: $5-$10
These are other sturdy choices that are made with sand and cement. The best part is, you do not have to compromise with the fashion as these can be turned into anything. They are good for windy and rainy regions because they are likely to endure less damage in these climates.
However, the roof framing has to be strong since it is quite heavy.
4. Clay Tiles
Weight: 600lb-1800lb
Lifespan: 50+ years
Cost per square: $800-$1,000
Maintenance Cost: $13-$20
There is a common misconception that clay tiles are not long-lasting. Let us debunk that theory today. Clay tiles are the best choice in tropical areas which have high temperatures in the summer.
They are made from eco-friendly materials but are not ideal for resisting too much wind. The fire resistance, on the other hand, is pretty commendable. The appearance will also compliment every house type.
5. Plastic Polyester
Weight: 70-300lb
Lifespan: 50+years
Cost per square: $400-$650
Maintenance Cost: $7-$13
This is another cost-effective roofing that can resemble any material with the help of shingles or slate. The polyester material makes it long-lasting without too much maintenance.
The material is lightweight and will not need a strong roof framing. In addition, contrary to popular belief, the wind and fire resistance is excellent.
Final Note
Your roof will resemble the character of your house. This is the first thing that people will notice when they see your house for the first time. Maintaining your roof is very important, but at the same time, it is essential to make it sturdy and long-lasting.
Keep the budget in mind, and check your yearly climatic conditions before you decide on the design.
