When you’re replacing your roofing or having a roof installed on a new construction or addition, the first decision you’ll need to make is which type of roofing material to use. This is hugely important, as your roofing is one of the most crucial parts of your Calgary home’s structure.
There are number of factors that will influence the decision you end up making, including your energy efficiency needs, your budget, and the architectural style of your home. And since your decision can’t be changed very easily or very inexpensively, you should consider your choice very carefully.
The professional roofing contractors at Daza Roofing can help you with this decision and go into more of the specifics of each roofing material with you. But here are a few of the things you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re making the decision:
Your home’s structural design.
The first thing to consider is what professionals refer to as the “pitch” of your roof. This is the most important part of the way your home is built when it comes to roofing. “Pitch” simply refers to the angle of your roof’s slope.
A higher pitch is a steeper angle, and a roof with a lower pitch is flatter. If your Calgary home’s roof pitch is low, water drainage is more difficult for your roof to achieve on its own. So you’ll need a roofing material that can help with drainage.
Also look at the placement of any chimneys, pipes, or roof intersections (where to angles of roofing meet). Anything that causes a break in the roof lining will make the job more complicated, and often more expensive. So take note of these spots when you’re working on your budget.
Your home’s aesthetic style and design.
You’ll also want to look at your Calgary home’s design and choose a roofing material that will match it. For instance, you probably would not want to choose cedar shakes for a Southern Colonial style home. But cedar shakes work with a lot of types of homes, adding a rustic and natural feeling to their design.
Asphalt shingles are most likely your safest bet, as they’ll work with nearly any style of home. That’s part of what makes them so popular, along with…
Cost and efficiency.
Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing material you’ll find, and, not just for that reason, they’re the most popular. Cost is an important factor consider, especially if you have a limited budget, but so is efficiency. Asphalt shingles won’t last as long as some other materials, so you could end up saving money in the long run by spending a bit more upfront.
Overview of materials:
- Asphalt shingles, as we stated above, won’t last as long as other materials. However, they are usually still a cost-effective option. Asphalt shingles are easy and relatively inexpensive to repair and replace.
- Cedar shakes are more expensive, but they can last up to 30 years or more. And they can be stained or painted to change their appearance to match your home.
- Concrete tile roofing is increasing in popularity. It’s very durable and can help out a lot with the energy efficiency or your Calgary home.
- Metal roofing, which is available in many different types of metal, can also help with energy efficiency if it’s properly installed. And with proper maintenance, metal roofing can last a lifetime.