Roofing Tips for Your New Home Construction

Here are a few simple tips to help you choose the right roof for your new home construction.

The climate in which you live should help determine which type of roof is best for the conditions, including heat, humidity, or high winds. For example, terra cotta or tile roofs work great in hotter climates because the materials are weather resistant and the natural curved shaped helps air circulate beneath the tiles, which can keep your home cooler.

Metal roofs are a great option for any climate because the material is durable and is designed and installed to help regulate the temperatures inside the house. The metal roof will be installed to create a space between the metal sheets or tiles and the underlayment below.

This space between the metal and the underlayment allows for positive airflow, which can help lower your energy costs. Additionally, many metal roofing materials are manufactured from recycled materials, which also makes the product more eco-friendly.

The cost of materials and installation can vary, so making a budget first can help you determine which roofing material is the best option for you. For example, asphalt shingles are popular because they are often more cost-effective, and the installation is not as labor-intensive. However, asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than other materials, such as tiles or metal roofing.

Metal roofing is typically more expensive than asphalt and should always be installed by a professional with the right tools and equipment. However, while metal roofing has a higher upfront cost, the cost of maintenance is often less than asphalt shingles and the lifespan of a typical metal roof is several decades.

Slate is another luxury option that can last several decades and is also fireproof. Because the material can be cracked by an untrained installer, it should only be installed by a professional.

Finally, one last choice is the color of the roof. Keep the following things in mind when choosing the color of your roofing materials:

• The climate. Lighter colors will reflect heat while darker colors will absorb the heat of the sun's rays. If your home is being built in a hotter climate, consider a lighter color to keep your energy bills lower.
• Your home's size and architectural style. Darker colors will make an already small home seem smaller, while a lighter color will create a more open look and feel.
• Your home's color. Choose a color palette that will complement the colors in your home's siding and trim. For example, if you are choosing a neutral color for your home, a bolder colored metal roof could help draw positive attention to your home.
  
  

Contact your local homeowner's association if you are building a home in a planned community. Most HOAs have rules and restrictions about the colors that can be used in the construction of a home.