There are many decisions you must make as a homeowner. If it’s time to replace your roof, you must decide on the best roofing materials to use. In addition to finding the right roofing contractor, here are some considerations for deciding on the ideal roofing.

Durability

No homeowner wants to replace their roof every year. While it’s highly unlikely that you’d need such frequent replacements, you can end up needing a replacement earlier than normal if you don’t use the right materials and keep up with inspections. If you’re a fan of the standard American shingle roofing, be aware that those roofs typically last for around 15 to 30 years according to our experts. However, if you want a roofing material that might outlast you, you should consider steel. According to Bob Vila, a well-maintained steel roof can easily last for 50 to 70 years.

Budget

What is the budget for your roofing looking like? Well, since all roofing isn’t created the same, you have various pricing levels to consider. Normally roofing is charged per square foot, so the larger your roof is, the more expensive it will be to replace. In terms of material cost, shingle roofing is one of the most affordable roofs you can install. On the higher end, steel roofing is a more expensive roofing material due to its durability and aesthetic quality. Keep in mind that your roof is an important investment, so spending more money upfront may save you from costly repair bills in the future.

Architecture

Does your home have a certain style you want to maintain with your roof? If you want a roof with a more sleek, modern design, a steel roof can fit the look and will work well with any slope. Are you interested in a classic American home associated with suburbia? Then asphalt shingles are usually the first choice for that. Are you a commercial business looking to protect your flat rooftop? Then rubber roofing is the way to go. Regardless of the current construction and shape of your home, there is a roofing that will perfectly complement your style.

Climate

Unless you’re new to the area, everyone knows how Minnesota can experience the extremes of all four seasons. With this in mind, it’s important that your roof can face the elements. Steel roofing has fantastic heat-resistant qualities, which can come in handy if you live in an area prone to brush fires or on those hot summer days. If you want a cool home with good insulation from hot weather, call a roofing contractor that specializes in steel since it can reflect heat away from the house. However, if you want good multipurpose roofing, asphalt tiles are used throughout all areas of the United States for their lightweight durability throughout every season.

Maintenance

Do you dream of living in a log cabin-like home? While a wooden roof can still protect your home, you’d have to do extra work to keep it up in a wet environment. That’s because wood is susceptible to rot. If you’re in an area that rains a lot, which we certainly are accustomed to our fair share of precipitation throughout the year, a wooden roof would need extra sealants or additional repairs to last. While you’ll pay more upfront for a steel roof, you’ll have less maintenance issues with this material. With asphalt tiles, you have a roofing that is easy to replace if the tiles fall off or warp, making repairs much easier than with metal roofing. However, if you live in an area prone to hail storms, don’t be surprised if you frequently replace asphalt shingles. To further extend the life of an asphalt roof, your roofing contractor can use special sealants to help protect it from UV rays.

As you can see, you have many choices for installing a new roof or replacing it. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert on all roofing materials. It’s best to start with a professional roofing contractor you can ask the right questions of. As a result, they’ll be able to help you decide on the best type of roofing based on your preferences, budget, and location. Call our team at Billings Roofing today for a consultation.