10 Things to Consider when Choosing Roof Material

Alexi Ojeda • Oct 20, 2022

10 Things To Consider When Choosing Roof Materials

The rooftop of your house is just as important as other areas of your house. It's crucial to keep your home and family safe from the elements and intruders. The roofing material you choose will significantly impact your property's safety.


Some homeowners believe they can decide on roofing material just based on how it looks, but this is not the case. While outside appearance is essential, there are other important considerations.

Here are essential aspects to consider when choosing the best roofing material for your home:


1.The Slope of the Rooftop
It would help if you considered the roof's slope before making a final decision. Your roof's capacity to shed water will be a deciding factor. Most American homes have high roof pitches, making asphalt shingles the most common roofing material.

You should use material designed to withstand the weight of pooled water if your rooftop has low slopes.

2.Weight of the Material
Roofing materials vary in their heaviness. Before deciding on a roofing material, you should check that your home's structure can handle the weight. The structural integrity of your home is at stake, making this a crucial consideration.


If the material is heavy, you may need more time or money to complete the project. If you want to replace your current roofing material with something heavier, you may need to have your house's structure reinforced.

3.The Local Environment
Depending on the severity of the weather where you live, you may require exceptionally sturdy roofing materials that are resistant to high temperatures. There are several types of roofing materials, each of which is best suited to a different climate.

A rooftop with a gentle slope will let water and snow slide off. For instance, if you live in an area with frequent downpours, you'll want to use a material that will hold up to water.

Mold, mildew, moss, and algae can develop on your rooftop and reduce its effectiveness if you live in a humid coastal area. You should pick material that is more resistant.

Roofing can be easily damaged by extreme weather; therefore, selecting materials that can withstand it is crucial. For example, tiles made of terracotta, concrete, or slate are excellent choices for regions with high temperatures.

Building materials like slate, metal, and asphalt shingles are great for retaining heat, which is especially important if you reside in a colder climate. It would help if you talked to a roofer about your alternatives to choose the one that works best for your house.


4.Color Options
You shouldn't be restricted in your options just because you buy a home. When designing your rooftop, keep in mind your property's practical and aesthetic requirements. The ability to choose the exact shade of your rooftop is essential.

5.Need for Roof Repair
Consider how much you value your time and energy and how much you are prepared to invest in roof replacement, maintenance, and repair. For example, metal requires far less maintenance, making it a good choice if you are busy.

Investing in a new rooftop is a long-term decision. All materials require maintenance to last but some need more maintenance than others. It would be best if you chose materials that suit you.

6.Material Longevity
It would be best if you considered the material's longevity. You should know the product's projected lifespan to ensure a flawless installation and maximum longevity for your rooftop.

Find out how every roofing material reacts to elements like wind and water and the environment in your location before making a decision. The material's set of attributes defines its weather resistance.

7.Energy Efficiency
The level of indoor comfort you experience is directly related to how well your rooftop reflects heat. To find the material that makes the most significant difference in energy efficiency, it's vital to investigate the thermal qualities of all available options.

You can reduce your monthly energy costs if you have the correct roofing materials. Specific building components, such as metal and asphalt shingles, are better at reflecting the sun's heat away than absorbing it.


If you have a cool rooftop, your air conditioner won't have to work hard to maintain a pleasant indoor temperature. Your monthly energy costs may dramatically change if you do this.

8.Cost Variation
To determine your financial limitations, you must first review your budget. The cost of materials will heavily influence your project's bottom line, and the pricing of roofing materials might vary widely.

It is essential to factor in the cost of labor, the cost of obtaining necessary permits, and the cost of any unforeseen modifications or repairs when estimating the total project cost.

Knowing your budget can help you narrow down the options for roofing materials. Remember that it's not always the case that the most expensive materials are the best.

9.Home Architectural Style
Roofing materials are not universally suitable for all house designs, and you should consider your home's architectural style while making your final decision. For instance, although tiles are best for homes with ancient designs, asphalt shingles may be used on any rooftop.

When paired with dark rooftops, bright colors like red, green, and yellow provide a striking contrast. If you want a conventional but contrasting style, pair a white house with a black roof, or vice versa.

Brown rooftops, combined with a cream color, look great on homes painted tan, cream, or brown. Make sure the material you pick complements your home's design and your walls' color scheme.

10.Roofing Application
If your rooftop is going on a brand-new building, an upgrade to an already-existing one, or a replacement for an older one, all these factors will affect the material you choose.

Compared to roofing repairs, installing a new roof gives you greater flexibility regarding material, pitch, and underlying rooftop structure.

Because an extension must perform as intended and blend in with the existing structure, you are restricted in your material choices if you decide to add roofing.

Bottom Line
Once a homeowner's newly installed roofing system begins giving them trouble, they often appreciate the value of roofing material. If you want a rooftop that lasts, looks good, saves you money on energy bills, and doesn't break the bank, you need to consider the materials you use carefully.

You are likely to make a more educated decision when you are aware of the benefits and drawbacks of various materials and their level of sustainability. Get in touch with us immediately to arrange a free consultation, and we'll instruct you on the best material for your rooftop and handle any repair or replacement you need.

Alexi Ojeda Roofing has been providing high-quality service to customers in Edmond and the surrounding area for over 15 years. We hope to earn your trust by exceeding your expectations. For an evaluation and cost estimate, don't hesitate to contact us at (405) 914-4691.

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