The roof of your custom home significantly affects its cost, appearance, feel, and lifespan. Your homeowner’s organization may have rules governing the color, design, pitch, and types of materials you are permitted to use for your roof. If not, you can educate yourself on the numerous types of roofing materials available and select the finest option for your home.
Since roofing materials have improved over time, you now have more alternatives than ever.
Based on Requirements, Selecting a Roof Design and Material
The type of roofing material you should consider for your house will depend on a number of factors.
- The architectural style of the house has an impact on the design of your roof. Most varieties feature various roof materials and lines as part of their overall aesthetic.
- Homeowners groups usually advise using standard roof colors and materials. Community covenants and rules may forbid you from using a particular type of roofing material or limit the color. Local building codes specify requirements for fire and weather safety, and sporadically they also specify criteria for energy efficiency or the use of environmentally friendly materials.
- The color of your roof should mix in with the façade of your home and the surrounding area. Many colors are likewise believed to be more energy-efficient color choices.
- The roof rating takes into account both the expected lifespan of the roof under normal wear and tear as well as its energy efficiency through color, reflectivity, emittance, and sustainable material choices.
- The local weather and environment, particularly the amount of rainfall and humidity, may have an impact on the choice of roofing material.
- Your specific budget may also influence the type of roof you install on your home. Because replacing a roof is a costly proposition that you might not want to do frequently, if you have a little extra cash to spare, consider how long and durable your roof will last.
Before choosing the type of roofing material you want to use for it, be sure it conforms with local standards AND complements the aesthetic and architectural style of your home.
Materials Used for Roofing
There are many different roofing material options available. These are the most well-liked ones, listed in order of increasing price.
Constructed From Asphalt And Asphalt
Shingles made of asphalt and asphalt composite are the most often used and least expensive roofing materials. The most typical materials used to make it are fiberglass bases covered in asphalt and mineral granules or recycled paper saturated in asphalt and covered with granules. It is widely used and available in a variety of hues. Although asphalt roofs are considered of as being easy to install and maintain, they can be fortified with organic materials or fiberglass to increase their longevity.
Pros:
- They are not only commonly available, affordable, and available in a number of colors, but they are also simple to replace.
- If asphalt shingles are painted in lighter colors, they can reflect light to improve a house’s energy efficiency. Some shingles might emit light in addition to requiring less energy.
- Fiberglass shingles, which are reputed to offer excellent fire protection, may qualify you for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance.
Cons:
- When it comes to roofing materials, asphalt shingles aren’t extremely durable; they typically last 20 to 25 years, but if they’re built cheaply, they could last as little as 10.
- Their quality varies widely, and they don’t have much insulation power on their own.
- Despite the fact that they can be recycled, they are not seen to be sustainable. Usually, this item ends up in the trash.
Shingles And Shakes Made Of Wood
Wood shakes and shingles will make your roof appear natural. Shingles are machine-cut and have smooth surfaces and clean edges, in contrast to shakes, which are hand-cut from wood blocks and have a more rustic appearance.
Pros:
- Among the different woods available are pressure-treated pine, redwood, cedar, cypress, and others.
- Wooden shingles and shakes last between five and ten years longer than asphalt shingles.
- Treated wood shingles have a Class A fire rating, which may entitle you to a reduction in your insurance premium.
- In addition to being recyclable, a lot of wood shakes and shingles are made from trees that have fallen during storms.
Cons:
- Because non-treated wood shingles have a Class C fire rating, your home insurance premiums could go up if you don’t treat them.
- In areas where flames occur frequently, wood shakes and shingles may not be permitted.
- If left untouched, this type of roofing material requires frequent cleaning in order to prevent the growth of moss or algae, making it a high-maintenance material. Additionally, stains are frequently produced by environmental interactions between wood oils and oils.
Concrete Tiles For Roofs
Concrete roof tiles have a rough surface due to the lightweight concrete used in their construction, but installation is straightforward. Some concrete mixes contain wood or clay fibers to boost strength without adding to weight.
Pros:
- Concrete tiles may not need to be replaced for more than 50 years.
- They won’t be harmed by fire or insects.
- Concrete tiles come in a wide range of sizes, textures, and hues, and they can be recycled.
- Light-colored tiles increase the energy efficiency of your home.
Cons:
- Despite the fact that the tiles are lighter than most concrete, you still need additional support because they are heavier than most roofing materials.
- When someone walks on your roof, tiles may be damaged, making roof repair difficult.
Metal and Metal with a Coating of Stone
Metal roofing has replaced corrugated tin, which you might remember from old pictures. Currently, metal roofs made of zinc, steel, copper, and aluminum are in high demand due to their durability. Metal roofs can be produced in any color, pattern, or texture you can imagine, along with fresh variations on the corrugated design. Clay tiles, asphalt shingles, or wood shakes can be made to look even more realistic by having them stone-coated.
Pros:
- resilience’s significance. Metal is thought of as a roofing material with a lifespan of 50 to 100 years and is typically covered by a 30 to 50 year warranty.
- There are many that can resist a Class A fire, saving you money on your homeowner’s insurance and preventing the spread of fire to your roof.
- The majority of metal roof parts are made from recycled metals, as are the roof’s actual materials.
- Because of the swift water and snow runoff from metal roofs, ice dams are prevented in cold weather.
- Numerous roofing materials for residential buildings meet even the strictest building codes.
Cons:
- Metal roofing is more expensive than wood and asphalt, copper in particular. But the longevity and toughness outweigh the cost.
- Since it can dent when hit by a heavy object, repairs for this material are more expensive than for many other roofing materials.
- A metal roof might make it difficult for firefighters to get through the roof when attempting to use water to put out a house fire.
Fabricated Tiles
Synthetic roofing materials include clay, rubber, asphalt, and plastic. There are times when it resembles slate or wood. There are many synthetic materials that can be used for flat and low-sloped roofs, which may be found on some of your custom homes.
Pros:
- Excellent results from performance testing on synthetics have been obtained.
- Most warranties last for up to 50 years.
- Thermoplastic single-ply, which is used on flat or low-pitched roofs, is the type of roofing material with the highest energy star rating.
Cons:
- Synthetics’ resilience and longevity haven’t been thoroughly researched.
- Because they are still relatively new, you must do extensive research before selecting a synthetic.
- Flat or low-pitched roofs are typically made of synthetic materials, but your homeowner’s association may not allow them.
- Since most subcontractors have little to no experience installing synthetic roofing materials, your builder will need to educate both themselves and their sub on how to ensure proper installation.
Marble Tile
The use of slate tiles in your particular home lends it a European appearance. European structures have had slate tile roofs for more than a thousand years.
Pros:
- Your custom home will look opulent and European thanks to the slate.
- Slate is durable, recyclable, and needs only a small amount of maintenance.
Cons:
- Natural slate is incredibly heavy. What we’re talking about is 1,500 pounds per 100 square feet. You must purchase additional framing to provide support.
- If the slate is installed incorrectly, moisture problems will arise quickly.
- The slate that breaks when people walk on it makes repairing roofs more challenging.
Clay Tile
Clay tile is frequently used in architecture with Spanish or Mediterranean influences. It has been improved and fortified over time for greater strength and toughness. The glaze or coating of the tiles is frequently treated with a waterproofing agent.
Pros:
- Clay has a lifespan of at least 50 years.
- Clay tiles are resistant to burning by pests.
- Following use, these may be recycled.
Cons:
- Clay, like slate, needs more framing support due to its weight.
- Similar to the slate tile, it is frequently the most expensive option for roofing material.
- Given how brittle the tiles are, roof repairs may be challenging.
You have a selection of roofing material choices for your custom home. The material that best matches the architectural design of your home and whether your homeowner’s association has any roofing restrictions or regulations should be your top priority when choosing a roofing material, but there are many other factors that can also affect your choice. Make sure to consult your reputable custom builder and architect for advice on choosing the best roofing material for your home.