How to Choose the Right Roof for Your House

Mar 09, 2022

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How to Choose the Right Roof for Your House

How to Choose the Right Roof for Your House

When it comes to roofing, there are a lot of factors to consider. You need to think about the climate, the type of house, the materials available, and your budget. Roofs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose the one that will work best for your home.

Terminology of the trade:

Roofers don’t usually measure “square feet.” Instead, they use the term “squares.” A square is a roofer’s fundamental measurement unit—one square is 100 square feet in area, making it equivalent to a 10-foot by 10-foot section. For reference, A typical two-story, 2,000-square-foot home with a gable roof will have less than 1,500 square feet of roof area or about fifteen squares.

Here is some more terminology that you may hear:

Rafters: The rafters are the wooden beams that support the roof.
Sheathing: The sheathing is the material that goes over the rafters and provides a surface for the roofing material to attach to.
Roofing Material: The roofing material can be asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile, etc.
The roofing underlayment is a layer of material that goes between the sheathing and the roofing material to help
Flashing: Flashing is the material that is used to seal the joints between roofing materials and the chimney, skylight, or other roof penetrations

Climate

The most important factor when choosing a roof is climate. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll need a roof that can keep the heat in. New Jersey is known for its cold weather, so you may want to choose a roof that is made from materials that can withstand the cold.

Materials

Another major factor is durability. Different materials have different durability levels. If you live in an area prone to storms, you’ll need a roof that can withstand wind and rain. Additionally, you will always want a roof that will age well.

When it comes to roofing, there are a variety of materials to choose from. The most popular materials are asphalt, metal, wood, and tile.

Asphalt is the most common material because it is easy installation and its affordability, and it’s durability. Asphalt shingles also come in a variety of colors to match the style of your home.
Metal roofs are becoming more popular because they are very durable and can last for up to 50 years. A metal roof is the most durable and energy-efficient material available for protecting a building from wind, rain, hail, fire, or decay.
Many homeowners are partial towards wood roofs because they are stylish and can be customized to match the style of any home. However, wood roofs require more maintenance than other materials. Maintenance for wood roofs requires periotic treatments with preservatives and fungicides to prevent warping, cracks, or being attacked by mildew or fungus. Additionally, they are also susceptible to fire.
Clay and concrete roofs are stylish for houses that are going for southwest or Mediterranean look. These roofs are extremely durable and long-lasting. In some cases, these roofs have lasted centuries.

Cost

You’ll also want to consider your budget when choosing a roof. Some roofs are more expensive than others. You need to find a roof that fits your budget without compromising on quality. A good starting point is understanding the cost of the materials. Some materials and brands are more affordable than others, so you may want to do some research before committing to your material.

Structure

A second factor to consider is the condition of your existing roof and if old materials need to be stripped off. This will cost extra.

The shape of the roof is essential too. A relatively simple roofing task is to install a gable roof with few or no breaks in its planes (such as chimneys, vent pipes, or dormers). However, an irregularly shaped house with multiple chimneys or intersecting rooflines, turrets, skylights, or other unique qualities may add to the price. You may also want to consider the height of your house. A house with a high roof may cost extra.

When choosing a roof, it’s essential to think about the type of house you have. If you have a two-story house, you’ll need a roof that can support the weight of the second story. If you have a ranch-style house, you won’t need as much coverage because your house is one story.

Solar Panels

These days more and more homeowners are investing in solar panels as a way to be environmentally friendly and save money on their electric bills. If you’re interested in installing solar panels, you’ll need to choose a roof that can support their weight.

Warranty

Another important factor to consider when choosing a roof is the warranty. A warranty guarantees that the roof will be free from defects for a certain number of years. Most roofs come with a warranty, but you should always read the terms and conditions to make sure you understand what’s covered.

We are happy to help!

If you’re having trouble deciding which roof is right for you, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We would be happy to help you choose the right roof for your house and budget. We have been in the business for over 20 years, so this isn’t our first rodeo. We strive to give you the best deal possible with the highest quality roof.