A majority of homeowners will replace the roof on their home at least once. This is due to the fact that most roofs will last anywhere from ten to twenty years, depending on the materials used. A new roof can also increase resale value, add curb appeal, increase energy efficiency and resolve leaks or water damming problems. For all these reasons thousands of homeowners will be hiring roofing contractors in Calgary this year to replace their existing roof. Many of these homeowners will have never replaced a roof before, and often wonder what option is best for them. Here is a quick guide to various roof options in case you are one of these curious homeowners:
Asphalt Shingles: By far the most popular type of roofing material is asphalt shingles. Roofing contractors in Calgary will tell you that the majority of existing roofs, and a great many of the new roofs they will be putting on, are of this material. The reason for this is pretty simple: asphalt shingles are the most affordable option out there, and you get a pretty good bang for your buck. They are also the easiest type of roof to install, meaning less overall time you need to pay a roofing contractor in Calgary for. There are only a few drawbacks to this type of roof. They have a slightly lower life span than other options and they have a pretty low insulation value. Considering the money saved however, these drawbacks shouldn’t limit anyone in choosing an asphalt shingle roof.
Wood Shingles: It may come as a surprise that wood shingling has even made this list. You would be surprised to know however that these shingles are still used on many types of properties, especially in rural areas for seasonal homes. They come in all sorts of woods and the price varies greatly depending on what level of prefabrication the shingles have gone through, type of wood and difficultly of installation. Be advised though that these types of roof are often only reserved for special circumstances, especially because they are subject to building codes in various areas.
Clay/Concrete Tiles: Clay and concrete tiles can drastically change the look of an existing home, sometimes greatly increasing curb appeal, efficiency, and resale. It comes at a cost though, the materials are more expensive than most other options, and the installation often requires extra work, meaning more money upfront. Tiles are also very durable and will last much longer than comparable roofing options, so if your budget allows it, don’t count out clay and concrete tiles.
Metal: Metal has been quickly increasing in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Various types of metals are available with different aesthetics, often deriving from recycled materials. With increased popularity, the pricing options have become much more competitive, to the point of becoming as affordable as many other roofing options. The insulation and durability factors are excellent, although its curb appeal is dependent on personal preferences. Either way, it is a great idea to ask your roofing contractor in Calgary about their metal roofing options.