When a roof is continually leaking, we have a choice – repair or replace. However, homeowners often consider opting for the second option–installing a replacement roof with the help of a a roofing contractor as it tends to be more cost-effective. Moreover, when compared to the old roof, a replacement roof can often provide better protection from heavy outpours, gusty winds, and extreme temperatures, which makes it the preferred choice. After all, it is your property (it is like your child), and you have to protect it at all costs.

So, it is worth this new year consulting a roofing company to discuss your options. Below we will consider just what areas you should focus on in your decision making.

The things that matter about a roof are the materials used and the shape that you go for. Just hope many slopes will not just be about design but weather protection.

Materials

There is no doubt that the greater your budget, the longer your roof can last for. All the typical roofing materials can construct a roof that is safe and will keep you dry and warm, but they last varying amounts of time. If you are thinking of your roof as an investment in terms of it as a home improvement, then you will want to know just how long the varied materials will typically last.

We should bear in mind that the longevity of a roof is also about correct installation and maintenance, but the material is the main factor in terms of how long a roof will remain protective and purposeful.

The average lifespans are as follows:

Asphalt / Shingles – 15 to 20 years

Metal – 30 to 50 years

Fibre Cement – 30 to 60 years

Concrete – 40 to 75 years

Clay – 50 to 100 years

Slate – 100+ years

For a cheaper option with roofing materials, it is possible to have the look of a certain material without it costing the same amount. The compromise, though, is longevity. Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing material but will only last up to 20 years on average. It costs more to have separate tiles of any material but is considered the best investment as it attracts house buyers.

Single natural slates fitted will last the longest of all the materials, if well maintained. This can be for well over 100 years, in many cases. It is a fact that the supporting timbers will deteriorate before the slate tiles themselves do. It is worth fitting quality materials for all areas of your roof.

Shape

The shape of a roof can make all the difference in protecting it from the weather. There are two types of roofs – sloping or flat. The sloped roof will be the most expensive to construct but require less maintenance in the long term. Flat roofs, which require regular maintenance, will gather water and so not be as protective as a sloping roof that will deflect it.

The more slopes that you have, the better your roof will cope with high winds and storms. A hip roof with 4 slopes will prove more effective than a gable roof that has just 2 slopes where you face these conditions. In case, you feel these are generalized data, it would be best that you get consultancy from a local Residential Roofing expert, who can let you know what’s best for your building depending on the weather condition of your area.

Snow can be thought of like rainwater when it comes to how a sloped roof will protect the property more than a flat roof that will collect the snow which then melts and becomes water to potentially leak in. A south-facing slope of 54 degrees is thought to receive the most intense sunlight. That is something to consider if you are looking to have solar power to protect the environment.

A flat roof can have used in terms of creating a green roof with plants or housing an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit. Also, you may want to sunbathe on top of a flat roof or admire the view from above.

There are pros and cons of both shapes but if you want your roof to better withstand the elements then go for a sloped roof.

Design

Sloped roofs will also make for a more stylish design. The more slopes that you have, the better your roof will cope with high winds and storms. Even if a heavy hailstorm were to come your way, the storm damage repair can be easily carried out with more slopes. A hip roof with 4 slopes will prove more effective than a gable roof that has just 2 slopes where you face these conditions.

You can see then how there are some things that you just cannot ignore about a roofing decision. If you have the wrong type of roof, then it might be more cost-effective to consider a replacement rather than continue with the same roof that constantly needs repairing. It might have outlived its life or just be the wrong type of roof for the weather conditions that you are experiencing. Hence, hiring an experienced roofer can be a wise investment for your home, allowing you to bring a brand new design to your home while also making it more resistant to extreme weather conditions.

Considering the above, think about the materials used as well as the shape you choose for your roof. The shape can be a practical choice or a matter of style. That is practical in the sense of what you could do with the space on top of a flat roof rather than the practicalities of weather protection, which makes the sloped roof best from every angle. It all depends on your budget right now or whether you are looking ahead with your decision.