Shingles, metal, or tile?
When building a newly constructed home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choosing the best roof material expected to keep your family covered. Each option comes with advantages and disadvantages. Some options may offer a lower investment whereas others can increase the value of your home. Whether you’re narrowing your options based on cost, longevity, or style – here’s a look at some of the pros and cons from several popular roof types to help you decide before you build.
Shingle Roof
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, traditional roofing option, a shingle roof may be the best option for you.
The Pros
- Lower up-front costs. Shingle roofs can be more forgiving on the budget, saving you money elsewhere in your new home construction.
- Readily Available. Being one of the most popular roof types means you won’t have to look far to find a general contractor or construction team to install and maintain it.
- Less Expensive Repairs. Shingle roofs can often be replaced one at a time if wear and tear are contained in an isolated area.
The Cons
- Shorter lifespan. The average shingle roof has a lifecycle of about 20 years, possibly shorter if you live in a more environmentally active area.
- Higher cost long-term. Although shingle roofs can have a lower initial investment, they can end up costing you more in the long run with repairs and replacements.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs can be a great choice when you have durability in mind.
The Pros
- Durability and Safety. Metal roofs can sustain environments extremes like gusty winds, hail, and lightning strikes.
- Lifespan. Depending on the material, metal roofs can last up to 60 years.
- Energy Efficient. A natural heat reflector, having a metal roof can save you 10-25% on your cooling costs.
The Cons
- Up-Front Investment. A metal roof will be long-lasting, but it comes at a price. Fortunately, it’s a worthwhile investment that will add home value.
- Noise. Although metal roofs excel at weathering the extremes, it can be noisy during a storm with heavy rain or hail.
Tile Roof
Tile roofing is effective and stylish and handles extreme weather conditions well.
The Pros
- Longevity. Similar to metal roofs, tile roofs are long-lasting, able to endure up to 50 years or more.
- Multiple options. Tile roofs can come in a variety of materials, making them easily able to complement any home style.
- Low-maintenance. Tile roofs are extremely durable for all weather extremes and even resist rot and insects.
The Cons
- Heavy. Tile is a heavy material that not all homes are built to support.
- Difficult to install. Tile roofing needs to be laid in a very specific pattern to ensure a weatherproof seal, making a proper installation time consuming and expensive.
Other Things to Consider When Choosing a Roof Type:
Prepare for Environmental Factors. Don’t forget to take your location into consideration when making a choice for the best roof material. Building a home in Florida can come with its own special challenges like making sure your roof is up to par with the latest hurricane and wind mitigation standards. Fortunately, working with a custom home builder who specializes in new home construction can give you peace of mind that your roof can weather any storm.
Contact Passage Island Construction today for your new home construction needs!