Imagine being able to design your dream home from the ground up. You get to choose every element of this house, and you may not know where to start. Many people in the situation focus on aspects such as the siding, kitchen design, and square footage. The roof is often an afterthought, and it shouldn’t be.
The roof does more than protect the home from the elements. It plays a role in the curb appeal of the property and the energy efficiency of the house. Several factors, including climate and budget, play a role in which roofing material is selected. These same factors influence the choice of material for a roof replacement.
What should you know about the different types of roofing materials as you go to make this crucial choice? Is it better to have a metal roof or shingles? When should tile, slate, or wood shakes be selected? The following information is priceless when making your choice.
Choosing a Roofing Material
A roof isn’t something you buy every day, and it is an expensive purchase, so you want to ensure the right choice is made. Knowing which factors to consider when making this selection is essential. Consult with the roofing contractor to determine the best roofing materials for your local climate and other factors.
Local Climate
Heat and intense sunlight are concerns in Central Texas, so consider choosing a roofing material that reflects heat. Metal and tile are two excellent options. If your area is known for heavy precipitation, asphalt shingles and metal roofs are ideal. Your home might also be in a high-wind zone and would benefit from a slate or metal roof.
Durability
Nobody wants to learn they need to replace their roof. Not only will this be an expensive purchase, but the disruption to family members is frustrating. Consider the durability of different roofing materials to find one that is right for your home. Asphalt shingles have the shortest lifespan, while slate roofs can easily last up to 100 years.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is essential to every homeowner. When you are choosing a roofing material, consider how it will blend with other architectural features of the home. Look into different styles and colors, and consider the texture of these roofing materials. If your home is a log cabin, wood shakes would add to the rustic look. A high-end home benefits from a slate roof, while a metal roof is perfect for a modern home.
Budget
Unless you are a millionaire, budget will likely play a role in your choice of roofing materials. Homeowners typically find that asphalt shingles are the most affordable at the time of purchase, while slate and metal roofs come with the highest price tag. Plan for the future and consider ongoing maintenance and replacement costs. Although slate roofs are expensive initially, they can save you large sums of money over their lifespan due to reduced maintenance and replacement costs. A slate roof may never need replacement, whereas an asphalt shingle roof typically requires replacement every 20 to 30 years.
Local Building Codes
Work with a reputable roofing contractor to learn which roofing materials are permitted under local building codes and regulations. Many areas restrict roofing material options for fire safety reasons or to comply with environmental regulations. Furthermore, many localities require homeowners to obtain permits before having a new roof installed. The roofing contractor can help you determine what is needed for this project to avoid costly fines or removal of the new roof and a suitable replacement installed.
Environmental Concerns
You may be worried about the environmental impact of your new roof. Don’t worry. You aren’t alone. Many homeowners have this concern today. Consider choosing a roofing material that can be recycled when it is removed. Metal is an excellent choice. Wooden shingles may also be renewed or recycled. Talk with the roofing contractor to learn about sustainable materials and their benefits.
Ease of Installation
Some roofing materials are difficult to install. Slate is a good example of a material that can be challenging to install, leading to higher labor costs. Furthermore, the home may need to be modified to support the weight. A reputable contractor can provide quotes for different roofing materials, including installation costs. When requesting these quotes, require them to be in writing.
Architectural Style
The roofing material should complement other architectural elements of the home. Colonial and Victorian homes benefit from wood shakes or slate roofing, as the classic look of these materials adds to the charm of these homes. Modern homes look best with metal or concrete tile roofs, as they enhance the sleek aesthetic of the structure rather than overwhelming it.
Roofing Materials
With this information in mind, it’s time to choose your roofing material. Look at the homes around you to see what roofs they have and if there is a particular style you like. Discuss your options with your roofing contractor and share what appeals to you. They can help you choose from the following options and find the right material for your home.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing material in America today. The shingles are incredibly affordable and will last approximately 20 to 30 years when properly cared for. You can choose a style and color that enhances the appeal of the home, as the shingles are easy to install and repair.
If you decide asphalt shingles are right for the home, ensure the ones you select are high-quality and impact-resistant. These features are needed to ensure the roof will hold up during a hail storm or high winds. The goal is to find shingles that have a class for impact resistance rating to ensure the roof will not be damaged if it is bombarded with hailstones up to 2 in in diameter.
Consider shingles that come with cool roof technology to reflect sunlight and help keep the home at a comfortable temperature during the summer months. The interior of the home will be more comfortable if the shingles come equipped with this technology.
Wood Shakes and Shingles
Wood shakes and shingles give a rustic look to any home. These roofing materials are made from cedar, pine, or redwood and last up to 50 years. However, you must regularly maintain them to reduce the risk of rot and mold. A professional roofer must install the shakes and shingles, as they have to be layered and offset to handle water runoff properly.
Wood is a natural insulator. It minimizes heat transfer, helping to keep energy costs down while reducing your reliance on an air conditioner. Wood also helps to soundproof the home, which may be of importance if your dream house is located in a busy urban or suburban area. Talk with your roofer to learn which wood type they will use and why, as the durability of the shakes or shingles is dependent in part on the wood type and local climate.
Metal
Metal roofs are increasing in popularity because they can last up to 70 years if properly installed. If you decide a metal roof is right for the home, you may choose materials such as copper, aluminum, and steel. Metal is lightweight, and the roof can be recycled when removed, making this a sustainable option appreciated by those who are worried about their carbon footprint. In fact, many metal roofs today are made from recycled materials. The reflective properties of a metal roof increase the energy efficiency of your home. However, you must ensure you work with a reputable contractor experienced in installing metal roofs to prevent potential issues, as installing a metal roof requires specialized skills.
Metal roofs are an excellent choice for homes in central Texas. They can withstand extreme weather conditions frequently seen in this part of the state, including hailstorms, high winds, and wildfires. However, one of the main reasons you should consider a metal roof is that it reflects heat, keeping the home cooler when temperatures rise in the summer. By choosing a metal roof, you can save on cooling costs, which are typically extremely high in the state.
Tile
If you love the look of tile, you may want this material for your roof. Roofing tiles are made of concrete, slate, or clay, and the new roof could last 50 years or more. People love the elegant appearance of roofing tiles, but it’s essential to note that these tiles are heavy. Your home may need additional support before the roof can be installed to ensure it can accommodate the weight of the tiles.
Tile roofs easily withstand high winds, and they resist rot and fire. Homeowners in Central Texas love that these tiles help insulate the home to keep it at a comfortable temperature. Energy bills decrease when a tile roof is selected, so consider this in your decision-making process. With energy bills on the rise, you need to do everything possible to keep them down. A tile roof is one way to achieve the goal.
Slate Roofing
If you are purchasing a home that you plan to pass down to your children, consider a slate roof. This roofing material, made from natural stone, can last a century or more, so your children won’t need to worry about replacing the roof anytime soon, and neither will you. While this roofing material costs more than other options, slate requires minimal maintenance. You will find many shades and textures to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect roof for your dream home.
Slate is fire-resistant. Furthermore, it won’t absorb water. As slate is made from metamorphic rock, it can withstand extreme weather conditions easily.
Choosing a roofing material shouldn’t be a tedious process. When you know what to look for, you can select a material that adds to the home’s curb appeal without decimating your budget. This roof will be durable and have minimal impact on the environment. Your house will be one step closer to your dream home, so feel free to celebrate when the work is complete. You wouldn’t be the only one to do so when they see how a new roof enhances their home.
Dean has extensive experience in the roofing and construction business with over 26 years under his belt. As a former insurance adjuster, Dean got into this industry knowing what is required for a good durable quality roof, founding JDCC Roofing in 1999. Over the years, creating roofs that are not only safe and dry but add beauty and style to a house led JDCC Roofing into the remodeling business.
Dean and his family proudly support “Bearcat Nation” in Aledo, TX. Dean also enjoys spending time outdoors and playing golf in his spare time.
© Copyright 2025 JDCC Roofing, All Rights Reserved.