When you start to consider repairs to your home, it’s important that you make sure you take your roof into account.  It is the largest surface area of your home that is in direct contact with the elements and when it’s time to replace it, you need to make sure your decision is based on comprehensive information and research.  Additionally, you want to choose a qualified professional to replace your roof for you.  They have the means and the tools to ensure that your roof is safe for you and your family, looks good as part of the house, and will stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws at it no matter what type of roofing material was used.

There are a lot of materials currently on the market that you can choose for your roofing and the professional you hire to replace and repair your roof can tell which one they recommend for the job.  There are two common materials that are used more often than any others and they are steel roofing and tiles.

• Steel roofing – Flexible and with ability to withstand harsh weather, steel roofs come in treated zinc-aluminum like Color bond and untreated zinc-aluminum.  A good steel roof will come with at least a 20 year warranty.
• Tiles – Tiles are another option when it comes to roofing material and they generally come in concrete, slate or terracotta depending on where you live.  Concrete tile are durable and should last you at least 45 years as part of your roof.  Slate tiles are also very durable, will not fade, crack or discolor, and come with a life span of over 95 years if they are installed properly.  Terracotta tiles, seen typically in the southwest, are non-combustible, frost-resistant, and come in a wide range of finishes.  Terracotta and slate are the best to use if you want your roof to really stand out.

Insulating your Roof

Regardless of what roofing material you choose for your roof there are some things you need to keep in mind.  First, make sure you insulate your roof properly to keep heat from escaping if you live in extremely cold areas.  A lighter color roof will deflect heat better and keep your home cooler which is why they are good in warm climates.  A few of the steel roofs are thermally efficient and you should ask your roofing professional which ones they are.  Concrete is best used to keep your home at a steady temperature all year round.