Thursday 31 December 2020

Choosing the Right Roof for Your Home

Posted by at 10:28 AM in

Whether you're building a new construction home or getting a new roof due to that big hail storm that came through, the type, style, and color of your roof might be one of the biggest decisions you'll make about your property.  These decisions will affect everything from the visual appeal of your property to the maintenance costs to the overall value.  So, what are some things that should be taken into consideration when choosing the right roof for your home?

choosing the right roof for your columbia sc home

Color and Style

The color and style of roof you choose is one of the first and most important considerations when making your new roof decisions.  These choices will showcase your personal style and can set the tone for your entire property.  When deciding the color and style of your roof there are a few things to think about.

  • Style and Architecture of the Home

You might be dreaming of that old school, traditional roof with wooden shingles, but consider the rest of your home as well.If you're living in a brand new, modern build your dream roof is going to stick out like a sore thumb.Your overall property and home style will dictate what colors and styles of roofs are going to work best for your home.

  • Pattern and Texture

Color isn't the only thing that changes the look of your roof.Different materials offer different looks based on the textural changes in them.This can be a fun area to play around with your roof.You may not be able to get away with the trendy new color, but you can choose a classic color combination while still giving your home a unique look by mixing and matching textures on the home's exterior.

  • Neighboring Homes

Do you want your home to stand out from the neighbors or mix well with them?In a sea of dark roofs, a lighter color can make your home stand out and look bigger than the other homes.Alternately, a darker roof will blend in and can make other aspects of your exterior, like beautiful masonry or landscaping, more prominent.

Material

When deciding what material to use for your new roof, you'll want to consider everything from price to availability to climate to style.  Asphalt shingles are among the most popular roofing materials in the US because they're affordable, durable, and low maintenance.  Wood shingles require more maintenance and are less durable because they're more susceptible to the elements, but they have a wide range of prices and can offer your home a classic look that you won't find with asphalt shingles.  Metal roofing is less common and can be expensive but depending on your climate and needs, it can be just the ticket. It's wonderful for hotter climates because it reflects heat, and it generally adds greater value to your home than other roofing materials. 

Other Considerations

There are a few other things that should be considered when deciding what kind of roof you're going to put on your home. 

Homeowner's Association

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner's association this should be one of your first stops when determining your roof replacement options.  Community associations often have precise guidelines regarding allowable colors and styles of roofs.  Before falling in love with a roof style, make sure it fits these guidelines, so you aren't disappointed later. 

Climate

Different roof styles and materials are popular in different areas of the US, and for a good reason.  While you might love the look of a light-colored roof, if you're living in the north or Midwest a dark roof that will absorb heat will be more energy efficient.  Likewise, a light-colored, metal roof will reflect light and heat and would be ideal in a warm, southern climate. 

Architecture

As mentioned, the overall style and architecture of your home will affect what type of roof will look best on the home.  Your traditional brick home will certainly look lovely with a classic look, but the texture afforded by the brick can also offer some room for experimentation with colors and textures. 

Resale Value

Although resale value might not be at the forefront of your mind when making decisions for your home, it should be considered. It's estimated that your roof accounts for around 40 percent of your home's curb appeal, so a roof that sticks out in a bad way is not going to bode well for resale.  Additionally, higher-end materials will offer a return on investment by increasing the value of the home. 

A new roof is a huge investment in your property.  Researching the front end will ensure that you end up with a roof you love and a home you feel proud of.