Balancing Style and Durability in Roofing: A Homeowner's Guide

Learn how to balance style and durability when choosing roofing, with insights on materials, climate fit, maintenance, and long-term home value.

Are you looking for roofing materials that both look amazing and will last?

This is the dilemma every homeowner goes through when trying to decide on new roof materials. You want your home to have incredible curb appeal and really stand out. But you also need a roof that can protect your home from all of nature's surprises.

Here's the thing…

You can actually have both!

It is possible to find roofing materials that strike the perfect balance between stunning good looks and long-lasting durability. Let's take a look at how you can accomplish this.

What you're going to learn:

• Why You Need To Care About Style AND Durability

• Top Materials To Choose From For Any Budget

• Choosing The Correct Style For Your Home

• Hiring An Experienced Roofing Contractor

Why You Need To Care About Style AND Durability

Alright… let's keep it real for a minute here…

Your roof is a huge part of what people see when they look at your home. In fact, your roof makes up to 40% of your home's visible exterior. That's right there for all to see when they drive or walk by.

But…

Having an attractive roof isn't going to do you any good if it doesn't last long. When homeowners go too far on one end of the spectrum with things looking pretty, they are often faced with a huge replacement down the road. According to NAHB, roofing is one of the top 3 home improvements homeowners spend their money on.

Homeowners care about their roofs. They want a roof that not only looks good but performs well.

Your job is to find that happy medium of having a roof that looks good AND lasts. Teaming up with an expert roofing contractor is one of the best ways to ensure you are getting professional advice on finding materials that give you the best of both worlds.

Top Materials To Choose From For Any Budget

When it comes to roofing materials, there are a lot of different options. Some options may look better but won't last as long as others. And some roofing materials will wow your friends but might break your budget.

Let's dive into some of your options.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles

You knew we were gonna start here didn't you? Asphalt shingles are pretty much the most popular roofing material used by homeowners in America. In fact, estimates show that asphalt makes up around 80% of roofing materials.

It's a winner because it's:

• Inexpensive for most budgets

• Available in many colors and styles

• Typically lasts 20-30 years

• Easy to install and repair

Architectural asphalt shingles are a game changer. They can replicate the look of more expensive materials like slate or wood shake, but without the crazy prices. If your heart is set on high-end looks but you have a limited budget, look into architectural asphalt shingles as your first option.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs have really grown in popularity over the last decade.

Why? Because metal roofs are hands-down one of the most durable roofing materials on the market today. Depending on the material, your new metal roof can last anywhere from 40-70+ years. They can stand up to strong winds, hail, and even fire pretty well. And if you thought roofing materials weren't available in colors, think again! Metal roofs come in far more colors and styles than you would think.

Price-wise they are a little more expensive than asphalt roofs. However, when you do the math on their lifespan, metal roofing often comes out on top as the cheaper option. You may spend more money upfront, but you'll probably never have to replace your roof again.

Higher End Options

If you don't have a budget and want some of the nicer options, take a look at these:

• Slate

• Clay tiles

• Cedar shake

• Synthetic / Manmade materials

All of these roofing options are very durable and long-lasting. Plus they offer that wow factor to make your home stand out.

Choosing The Correct Style For Your Home

Just because you can install a certain type of roof material doesn't mean you should.

You have to take into consideration what your home is. A modern farmhouse is not going to look good with clay tile roofing (awesome on a Mediterranean home though!). And that Spanish-style home you love will not look good with THREE TAB asphalt shingles!

Things to consider:

Style Of Home

What style of home are you bringing your roofing material too? A colonial styled home would look great with dark asphalt shingles or even slate. Ranch style homes look fantastic with earth tone colors. And by earth tone I mean greens, browns, oranges, and reds. Your contemporary home can pull of bold colors and even metal roofing materials.

Ask yourself this… when you drive around your neighborhood what kinds of homes have you seen that have roofing materials that catch your eye? These are probably some popular styles that will look good on homes in your area.

Climate You Live In

Climate is a huge factor when it comes to your roof's durability.

If you live in an area that gets heavy snow, you need to have roofing materials that can support that weight. Hot climates should use reflective roofing materials to keep your home cooler. And if you live near the ocean, you need to make sure that your materials are corrosion resistant.

Think about where you live when deciding on a roofing material. What works in Arizona is probably not going to work so well in Seattle.

How Old Will You Be When It Needs To Be Replaced?

Okay this is kind of like thinking of the climate thing. But apply this to yourself. How old will you be when that material you are putting on your home needs to be replaced?

You want to look into how the material ages over time. Some materials become more attractive as they age. While others just look dingy and tired.

High-quality materials from name brand companies will typically last longer and hold their appeal.

Hiring An Experienced Roofing Contractor

Here's a little known fact.

You can have all of the best materials in the world, but if they aren't installed correctly your roof isn't going to last. Installation is key when it comes to your roof's longevity. That is why you need to hire a quality roofing contractor that knows what they are doing.

Look for these qualities when hiring your roofing contractor.

Experienced

Make sure that they have experience with the specific material you would like installed on your home. You want someone who does a lot of metal roofing if that is what you want. Check their reviews online and ask for recent references.

Communication

Can they communicate effectively with you? Roofing contractors should be able to walk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. Any reputable roofing contractor should have no problem giving you a detailed written estimate.

Warranty

Look for contractors who warranty their work. If they put their name on something they should stand behind it. Make sure there is a good warranty that covers both labor and materials.

Wrapping It All Up

Finding that balance between style and durability is achievable when it comes to your roof.

You want a roof that is going to boost your homes curb appeal, but also protect your biggest investment. There are many different materials that can give you different levels of both.

Remember to choose a material that goes well with your home's architecture and climate. Lastly, make sure you hire an experienced roofing contractor to do the installation.

Let's review

• Roofing makes up 40% of your home's visible exterior

• Don't sacrifice one for the other

• There are many materials to choose from that offer style and durability

• Take into consideration your home's style, climate, and age when you will need to replace your roof.

• Installation makes a big difference. Choose an experienced contractor.