While asphalt shingles have become the most popular form of residential roofing material on the market, there are several alternatives to traditional roofing shingles which can give your home an entirely new look. Here are a few options to consider if you’re thinking about investing in shingle roof replacement.
Tile
While tiles cost more than asphalt due to their weight and installation difficulty, tiles can give any home a distinctive, sophisticated appearance. Tile is known for its durability and expanded lifespan lasting as long as 100 years. It is also very resistant to fire, with many tile materials assigned a Class A fire rating. A tile roof will also hold up well against heavy rain and wind.
Metal
Metal roofs are by far the most rugged and long-lasting but they can also be the most expensive. A properly installed metal roof can last for 50, 75, or even 100 years before replacement is needed. Additionally, metal roofs require the least amount of maintenance and are outstanding at resisting fire. Metal is also excellent at protecting a home from the elements. Many metal roofs are engineered to withstand winds in excess of 140 miles per hour. A metal roof can easily be painted to accentuate the colors of your home and the addition of metal accents can dramatically improve its aesthetic appeal.
Solar Roofing
Solar technology is constantly improving and becoming more cost-effective, making it an attractive investment for homeowners. With solar roofing, the shingles or tiles of the roof are replaced with solar panels which can contribute to or completely fulfill a home’s energy needs. Any extra power produced can be sold back to the grid, turning an investment into a potential source of passive income. While more expensive to install than traditional roofing materials, solar roof systems tend to pay for themselves over time and are often well worth the increased upfront cost.
Solar roof systems are especially efficient in the sunny environment of Florida but may not be the right option for every homeowner. These rooftops are only as effective as their ability to receive sunlight, so homes with roof slopes which don’t receive much direct sunlight won’t enjoy the full benefits of solar roof systems. While solar rooftops can be a great option for homes in urban environments, they are also an excellent option for isolated homes without easy access to power sources.
Green Roofing Options
More eco-friendly roof options like the Duro-Last CoolZone flat roof offer another way for homeowners to save on energy costs. This roof system works well to reflect the sun’s rays and reduce heat gain in the home during the hot summer months. This will lower your reliance on the air conditioner to maintain a consistent temperature in your home. This contributes directly to decreased fossil fuel consumption which helps to lower your home’s carbon footprint.
Roof Repair
In some cases, repairs can be done to restore the integrity of your home’s roof. You’ll want to contact a trusted roofing professional to conduct a thorough inspection of your roof and attic space to determine the full scope of the damage. They will be able to provide you with an accurate cost estimate on the repair along with a timeline for how long the job will take.
If the damage to your roof is so extensive the cost of replacement would be less than or equal to repair, it’s probably best to simply invest in roof replacement. It’s important to take the time to discuss all the options available with experts to determine the best roofing material for your particular home. Factors like aesthetic appeal, budget and potential energy savings will all need to be considered.
If you’re interested in exploring options for your new roof, contact Mark Kaufman Roofing for guidance. Our team has provided quality roofing solutions to homeowners throughout southwestern Florida for over 30 years. We are committed to providing superior customer service every single time. Call us today to schedule a roofing inspection with one of our friendly associates or receive a written proposal for your new roof installation.
