What Are My Options For A New Roof?

You know one thing: you need a new roof on your house. What you’re not sure of is what type of roofing shingles you should have installed. Of course, your roofing company will have suggestions based on the style of your house, your budget and your overall goals for looks, reliability and longevity.

Any local residential roofer is a good source of information on roofing options since they have experience not only installing, but also maintaining and repairing roofs. A roofer sees firsthand everyday which materials and manufacturers outperform, and more importantly, which don’t.  The pro’s at Redhammer Roof Group are your best resource for more information on what roof’s hold up best under the tough conditions in the Midwest.  The rain, wind, heat and snow we go through every year makes it important to choose the right shingle or material.  Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more about roofing material options for your home.

Remember, when you’re choosing shingles for your new roof, you have several options including: asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate roofing, synthetic roofing, tile roofing and wood shake shingles. While each material has its unique qualities, asphalt roofing shingles are by far the most popular for Kansas City area homeowners. So let’s start with asphalt roofs…

When it comes to affordability, maintenance and protection from harsh Kansas City weather, it’s hard to beat asphalt shingles. With the new crop of colors and high-end textures, asphalt shingles can take on the look of other roof options like slate and wood shake.

Metal roofing is a premium roofing option, and primarily used for commercial roofing jobs. Though the initial cost is higher than other roofing options, metal roofs can last a lifetime, increase property value, cut property insurance premiums and reduce energy costs by 20% to 30%. Metal roofs are true workhorses with superior weather, fire and spark resistance making metal an easy choice for both residential and commercial roofs.  The trick is making it “look” like you want it to if being used in a residential setting.

Slate roofs can last well beyond a century. Some of the oldest buildings in the world have original slate roofs. Since they last seemingly forever, there are some higher costs involved and the roofer must have a lot of experience in their installation. Slate is especially popular in restoration projects where the original grandeur of slate needs to be retained. Maintenance costs associated with slate are little to none.  Choosing this for your new roof may require a little additional support and extra decking, which is why costs are driven up.

Recyclable and made from recycled materials, synthetic roofing products are gaining in popularity as more people seek durable, eco-friendly roofing options. Synthetic roofing can mimic cement, clay, cedar, asphalt and slate roofing, and requires little maintenance. For those concerned with weather damage and extreme temperatures, synthetic roofing is the way to go.

Concrete and clay tiles have some of the best warranties in the industry because they are proven to endure high winds, torrential rains, hail, fire, earthquakes and pests. Tile roofs require little upkeep and are environmentally friends since they’re made from natural materials and reduce energy costs by reflecting summer heat and retaining winter warmth.

Wood shakes and shingles are cut from western red cedar, cypress, pine, and redwood trees. Wood shakes are slightly thicker compared to shingles. A variety of textures and stylish finishes lend well to both rustic and elegant properties. Fancy cut shingles can be used to create round, half-cove, diagonal, octagonal, fish-scale, arrow, diamond, and more designs.

Regardless of the type of roofing material you choose, its durability and performance come down to the quality of the shingle and proper installation. To ensure you get the most from your roofing investment, make sure to work with a qualified local roofing company with loads of experience installing your specific shingle type on numerous Kansas City area homes.

Below is a great video resource for an unbiased comparison of some of the best shingles you can work with (and of course, we carry these lines as well as many other competitive roof coverings).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st2bATMcFL4

If you still have questions about what the best option is for your home, call or email Redhammer Roof Group’s customer support team today.  If you’d like us to get you a roofing estimate, click the embedded link and let’s get started today.  And don’t forget, we can work directly with your insurance company if there’s been damage, or set you up with quick and easy financing for a new roof.  It’s the first step to the new roof of your dreams!