Choosing a roof for your home is a huge decision. Over the years, I’ve helped many clients find the roof that works best for them. We’re lucky in our modern world that a plethora of options for roofing material exist, but with so many choices comes uncertainty and decision paralysis.

What to Look for in a Roof

There are numerous important factors to consider when selecting a new roof for your home, such as:

• Aesthetics — Will the appearance complement your home’s architecture and design?
• Building codes — Is the roofing allowed by your local codes? Some materials, like thatched roofs, are prohibited in certain areas.
• Cost — How much does the roofing cost, and does that fit your budget?
• Durability — How long will the roof last before needing replacement? Some roofing materials like slate or clay tiles can last 50 years or longer. Asphalt shingles typically need replacement every 15 to 30 years.
• Eco-friendliness — Is the roofing made from recycled material or recyclable at the end of life?
• Fire rating — Does the product have a Class A fire rating? This is important for homes in wildfire zones.
• Slope — Does your roof slope sufficiently for the roofing type? Low-slope roofs are limited to asphalt, metal, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Steep roofs can accommodate slate, tile, or metal roofing.
• Warranties — Does the manufacturer offer a long warranty (30 years or more)?
• Weather resistance — How well does the roof withstand the climate in your area? Metal, slate, and tile roofs do well in most climates, whereas asphalt shingles are more suited to temperate and cooler climates.
• Wind rating — A roofing material with a wind rating that accounts for the weather extremes in your area is important to maximizing the life of your roof.