Roofing Options for You and Your Family

Roofing style and the material that it’s made from will have a big impact on the curb appeal of one’s home. While appearance is important in terms of an eye-pleasing design statement, the roof is also crucial in terms of functionality. The roof is like the hat on your home’s head. To make the house visually appealing and protected from the elements, it must be well built. Here are some roof options and tips:

- Hire a licensed contractor to install it: The three most important licensed building professionals to hire are plumbers, electricians and roofers. These three experts who install plumbing, electricity and the roof of a dwelling can make or break its safety and functionality. If any of these components malfunction, the entire house can be damaged. The imagination can certainly conjure up images of flooring, ceiling and walls damaged by botched plumbing jobs, electrical fires by faulty wiring and the entire house being damaged by a leaky roof. Hiring a licensed contractor will ensure that you will have a reputable professional working for you.

- Material selection will affect appearance, price tag and maintenance requirements. Some possibilities for roofing materials include shingles, metal and tile. Shingles come in a variety of colors and durability. This is the least expensive option, especially the products on the lower end of the pricing scale which are guaranteed for fewer years than the higher price alternatives. When a shingled roof needs patching years down the road, a homeowner may install another layer over the top. This is a way to save money since the tear-off of an old roof costs more hours of labor. Metal roofing is an attractive and contemporary option that will last for many years. It is more expensive than the shingle option. Tile makes a classic Southwestern design statement. Colors choices may come in terra cotta, red or beige. This material is very durable and able to withstand the triple digit heat of regions with high summer temperatures.

- Slope is another option to think about: Some roofs have no slope at all and are perfectly flat. This look is a classic adobe look but flat roofs need more maintenance. They should be swept free of leaves and debris on a regular basis and recoated with sealant in order to keep it leak-free. Hip roof styles add an extra element of character and design impact with the more unusual roofline. A-frames are basically all-roof from top to bottom. This is a perfect look for that cabin getaway in the mountains. Snow will easily fall right off. Traditionally sloped abodes are suitable for nearly every design scheme and one of the options for the more budget minded homeowner.

The roofing on a home tops it off in terms of protection and architectural design.