Ritco Group, Inc.

According to local roofing companies, most roofs have a two-decade lifespan. However, some systems may get damaged due to inclement weather, moss, termites and faulty workmanship, eventually requiring a repair or replacement. To ensure the longevity of your roofing, it’s essential to understand which type of material suits your needs best. In today’s post, we’ll delve into the matter in detail. Here are some essentials you may consider:

1. Home Design
   Experts suggest that choosing the right roofing material may depend on your home’s aesthetics. Although asphalt shingles are versatile and are a great match to any architectural design, tiles, on the other hand, may be ideal for antique-style homes. Meanwhile, the shade of black never goes out of style as it represents power and authority. This notion made the shade black one of the most go-to roof colors. Gray is easily selected by many because the lighter shade of black effortlessly complements most roofs. 

2. Cost
   This is probably the most important factor a homeowner must prioritize. As with any home improvement project, this comes into play when picking roofing materials. It is important to understand that just because a material is expensive doesn’t mean that it will last forever. Roofers note that it may only be expensive because of its brand. Pro-tip: never hesitate to consult a reliable roofing company to help you select the material that best suits your demands and budget.

3. Climate Condition
   Never forget to take the local climate into account. It is best to avoid roof damage by getting a material that can handle various environmental conditions. Terracotta, concrete and slate tiles are ideal for hotter climates. For cooler regions, slate, metal and asphalt shingles can be included in your list.

4. Maintenance
   Consider upkeep factors whenever choosing a roofing material. Take note of how you’re going to maintain it and how often. Determine whether it needs annual recoating or painting. You may also ask how often will you need to hire a roofing contractor.

5. Durability
   As mentioned, the lifespan of a roof, although expected to reach 20 years, still varies. Hence, you are urged to choose the one that best meets your goals. Make your decision based on your preferences and future plans. One of the main functions of a roof is to protect your home against natural weather elements. While a well-built and maintained roof will keep the occupants comfortable and secure, choosing the right material is beyond important. 

Questions You Should Ask Your Roofer

In order for homeowners to guarantee the quality of their system, these are some of the questions they can ask themselves or their roofers prior to installation.

• How long will the roof last? Some materials are equipped to last longer than others. For example, asphalt shingles are inexpensive and popular among budget-conscious homeowners, but they aren’t very durable. On the other hand, plastic polymer and clay tiles are some of the most durable products on the market.

• Will the material match the style of the home? It’s vital to choose or consider a specific artistic approach before purchasing a roof. Some homes may look better with clay tiles than asphalt materials or wood shingles than plastic polymer. Consult with your roofing new construction pro to determine the best materials for your home’s style. A new roof that matches your home will increase your home’s value and create beautiful curb appeal.

• What roofing materials withstand natural disasters? Whenever shopping for your new roof, it’s vital to select something that is at least wind- and fire-resistant. Metal roofs are great all the way around and offer the best protection against unexpected weather events. Slate is also a great product. 

• How much will the roof cost? It’s certain that not all homeowners have the budget when it comes to roof installation or replacement. Keep in mind that your statement may dictate the choices available to you. 

What You Need To Know

Besides the type of roofing material that you need to take note of when purchasing your new roof, people are also urged to consider going green to eventually save money in the future. Here are some factors you may list down to ensure your system and property are energy efficient.

• ENERGY STAR® Rating
  According to local roofing companies, ENERGY STAR® is the authority on what building materials and consumer products are considered energy-efficient. When you see the ENERGY STAR label, you are assured that the product will help you save more energy than ordinary products. Roofs built using ENERGY STAR shingles reflect more of the sun’s rays. This can lower roof surface temperature by up to 50 degrees, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into a building. They can also help reduce the amount of air conditioning needed in every establishment and can reduce peak cooling demand by 10% to 15%.

• Shingle Color
  The color of your roof should vary depending on where you live and your local climate. Although often overlooked, being keen on the shingle color you add to your home will have a significant impact on your utility bills. Homes in cold-weather areas benefit from dark shingles while homes in hot climates should have lighter roof colors to help deflect sunlight.

• Ventilation
  When a roof isn’t properly ventilated, hot air can become trapped inside the attic causing your entire house to heat up extremely. Roofs are built with ventilation to allow proper airflow between the attic and outdoors. So, always have your systems checked to immediately know if there are issues you must address.

• Solar Reflection
  Roofs with high solar reflection can lower the surface temperature by as much as 30%. The more effectively your roof reflects solar light, the more energy-efficient it is. If your roof isn’t able to reflect sunlight away from your home, the shingles then absorb the solar heat and transfer it into your home. 

Aside from providing roofing new construction services, Ritco Group Inc can also handle your home remodeling needs. With our top-tier solutions and professional design team, we’ll make sure your project, whether it involves home additions or bathroom renovations, goes safely and smoothly. We proudly serve the areas in and around Brentwood, Franklin, Columbia and Murfreesboro, TN. Call us today at (931) 345-3569, or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation. We’d love to hear from you!