How to Choose the Best Type of Roof for Your Home in Madison, WI

Is your roof well overdue for an overhaul? Or perhaps you’re building your dream home from scratch and it’s time to consider roofing options? Whatever the case may be, this decision should not be taken lightly. 

The roof of your home is one of your largest and most expensive investments. It needs to stand up to the elements, for years on end, without fail. Ultimately, the roofing material you choose plays a major role in this longevity. 

Here’s what to consider when choosing the best type of roof for your home…

Top Considerations When Choosing the Best Type of Roof 

Some of the most popular and robust roofing materials on the market today include asphalt, wood composite shingles, slate, concrete, and metal. 

Sure, style and aesthetics play a major role in the choice of your roofing. But weight, product costs, installation, safety, and longevity are almost more important. 

Here are a few questions you may want to ask before choosing a particular roofing material for your home: 

• What is the general lifespan of this material? 
• How hard-wearing is the material, what type of weather can it withstand?
• Does the material suit your existing roof frame i.e. is it too heavy? 
• Does the slope of your roof suit this particular type of material?
• Is the roofing material suitable according to local building codes?
• Does this roofing material complement the aesthetics of my home?

And finally, one of the most important factors that will affect your roofing material choice is cost. But the actual price of the material is only the starting point.

Other than this you’ll need to consider the following:

• The condition of your existing roof and whether old materials must be stripped off beforehand
• Does the supporting structure of your roof need repair?
• Does the shape of the roof need to be altered to suit your new roofing materials?

It’s also worth noting that if your home features multiple chimneys, skylights, turrets, or intersecting rooflines this makes for pricier installation. 

Popular Roofing Materials to Consider 

Not all roofing materials can be used on every type of roof – this is one of the most important factors to keep in mind. Ultimately, the slope and detail of your roof will narrow down your material choices. 

If your home has a flat roof with a low slope this is a very different surface to a roof with a steep pitch. Additionally, some materials such as tile and slate may be too heavy for your roof to handle. 

Here are some of the best roofing options and their unique qualities:  

1. Asphalt

Without-a-doubt, asphalt is one of the most popular roofing materials on the market today, and for very good reason. 

For one, it’s the least expensive of all material types and requires very basic roofing skill to install. 

Asphalt is a fiberglass-based material that is reinforced with asphalt which gives the material it’s signature granulated finish. This reinforcement also makes asphalt hardwearing against the elements. 

Asphalt is available in two basic configurations: standard thickness and a laminated product. Standard asphalt tiles are half the price of the latter. Laminated shingles, on the other hand, have a far more appealing look and feel, but only last half as long as standard shingles (typically 25 years). 

2. Wood

Wood has long been a popular medium for roofing, but in certain areas across the U.S., this material is banned due to fire codes. Most commonly, wood roofing shingles are made from redwood, cedar, or southern pine varieties. 

Wood shingles also have a life expectancy of about 25 years, but on average, cost almost double the price of asphalt shingles! 

3. Metal

Some of the most popular material varieties for roofing include the likes of steel, copper, lead, and a mixture of copper and asphalt. 

Lead and copper-asphalt metal roofing is installed as shingles. However, other varieties of metal are manufactured as sheets for seamed roofs. These sheets of metal are soldered together. 

Metal roofing is on the pricier end of the spectrum with a starting price of approximately $250 per square. A roofing square is 100 square feet in area, the equivalent of a 10-foot by 10-foot square.

4. Tile and Cement

This is more of a niche type of roofing material as tile and cement is typically very heavy and rather expensive, but also extremely durable. 

Tile and cement half-cylinders are ideal if you have a very particular style in mind for your home, such as the Spanish Colonial or Mission influences. 

5. Slate

Slate is one of the most hardwearing and durable of all roofing materials, known to last for 100 years or more. In fact, slate tiles will most likely outlast the metal fasteners that hold them in place on your roof! 

This being said, slate is another expensive roofing material and is also quite heavy. Your home must have an adequate roofing frame to be able to withstand the weight of slate. 

Typically, prices for slate roofing start at $800 per square foot. 

Tips on Roofing Installation 

Keep in mind that whatever roofing material you choose, you will need flashing. This is a crucial part of your roofing exterior as it protects your home and roof from water damage. 

Flashing is available in metal or hardened plastic film. It is added to your roof in strips where certain areas of your home intersect and join. Make sure to consider the type of flashing your roof needs and the material that will suit your home best. 

Turn to Double D Builders for Your Roof Installation 

At Double D Builders we are your go-to for the best type of roofing material installation. Whether you’re in need of a remodel, damage repairs or a brand new installation, we have the expertise and finesse!

Your home is your biggest investment, that’s why you need trusted professionals to get the job done for you. Contact us today for an obligation-free estimate for your home remodel project.