The time has come to install a new roof on your house and with it the question of which of the many roofing options you want to use. Most of the decision will be made by the pitch of your roof, its condition as well as how much your budget can afford. Another value in the equation is how long you expect a new roof to last and the potential to increase, or decrease the resale value of the house with your choice of roofing options.
Asphalt shingles are the most widely used in today's market with about 90 percent of the houses wearing asphalt. When considering roofing options be sure to have the framing of the roof checked to make sure it can support the type of roofing materials you want to choose. It is best to check it before deciding on the material than to find out later you need to reinforce the roof trusses to support the new roofing materials.
Asphalt shingles will weight between 240 and 400 pounds per hundred square feet, which is one of the reasons why removing the old roof is always recommended. Lighter roofing options include metal roofing at between 40 and 60 pounds per 100 square feet for aluminum and steel will average between 80 and 150 pounds per 100 square feet.
Durability Almost Always Costs More
When examining the cost of roofing options the initial expense should only be a starting point. Most asphalt shingles will last about 20 years and will cost between $50 and $150 per square, which is 100 square feet. Better brands may be available at a higher cost as well. Installing a slate roof may cost up to $1,000 per square, considering the price of materials and the skill needed for installation. However, it should last about 100 years or longer.
Depending on how long you plan to own the house or keep it in the family, as well as how much you have to budget for a new roof will help make the decision on roofing options more realistic. Additionally, slate tile is considerably heavier than asphalt and could weigh up to 700 to 800 pounds per square, depending on thickness, and additional strengthening of the trusses may push the cost even higher.
When planning to install a new roof it is advisable to examine closely all the roofing options available, and all the information about your house. Weather conditions could also help with the decision about finding the best materials for the roof of your house, but return on available investment should be the deciding factor.
