Ideas for Choosing the Best Roofing Option for Your Home
The roof is quite possibly the most important part of your home. It has the power to protect your family and home from the elements as well as provide amazing aesthetic allure. Roof modifications are one of the best ways to increase curb appeal and truly differentiate your home from all others in the neighborhood. The roof is the one place where you can really play with peaks and valleys to create unique profile for your home. Here are a few things that may help you choose the best roofing for your home:
Framing – The frame is the very first thing we’ll build when we are building or modifying your roof. The framing must be strong enough to hold whatever roofing material you plan to use. If you’re in the process of reroofing the home, we will make sure the frame will hold the new roofing material.
Modifications – Reroofing the home offers you the unique opportunity to make modifications to the existing roof. Consider adding dormers or other accents to create a unique appeal.
Slope – The roof must have adequate slope to allow snow to drift away and let water flow without creating ice dams during the winter.
Longevity – The roof must be built to last. We see some pretty crazy winter weather here in Colchester, and the roof has to be able to withstand it with grace and beauty.
Roofing Materials
The slope of your roof helps determine the best materials for the job. The variety of materials available today often leaves homeowners wondering if they made the right choice. We can help you make the difficult decision and explain why one roofing material may work better than another for your home. Here are the basic materials available:
Asphalt Shingles – These are the most commonly used roofing material. They’re one of the least expensive materials available and are relatively easy to replace if a leak develops. They’re made of fiberglass, asphalt, and sand-like material to provide a rough feel. They typically last roughly 20-25 years.
Wood – Wood has been the choice in roofing materials for many years. You can usually find it in cedar, redwood, or southern pine. It is a little more difficult to install than asphalt shingles but it is just as durable, offering roughly 25 year protection.
Metal – Several types of metal are used for roofing purposes. You may choose between aluminum, steel, copper, or lead. Metal roofing materials are more expensive than their asphalt counterparts, but are more durable. Many barn roofs and old home roofs have remained in place for 80-150 years with only rust to hinder their performance.
Tile – Tile roofing is most common on Spanish style homes. Tile takes a very long time to install because each tile is roughly six inches. They are very heavy, so you have to make sure the roof can handle the weight. They are also very durable and last for many years. They do break if they are impacted by flying debris, and may crack under the pressure of a heavy snow.
Slate – Slate is an incredibly beautiful choice for roofing material. Much of it is quarried right here in Vermont, but don’t expect much of a price cut due to location. Slate – essentially a rock – may last for several hundred years and is often repurposed for new home builds once the old home is demolished.
Roofing in Vermont
Whatever material and type of roof you choose, we’re here to help ensure it is installed to perfection. We work with homeowners in Colchester and the surrounding area on a regular basis. Our roofing experts are great at their job and we’re very proud of the work we do in our neighborhoods. Call us at 802-862-4754 to schedule a consultation.