If you’ve decided that it’s time to invest in a new roof, you’ll have to consider several factors before making the final choice. You’ll need to decide what type of roofing to get, what company to hire, even the color of your roof is important.
If you live in Texas, you need to make sure that your roof is strong and durable enough for the brutal summer heat or a blizzard.
What Kinds of Roofing are There?
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt Shingles are the most frequently used roofing material in San Antonio. They are more affordable than most roofing materials and will last you for a long time. There are numerous varieties of shingles and each type has its own pros and cons, so chose them according to your unique needs.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is the most durable type of roofing. It has been used for hundreds of years withstanding all the elements of nature. Slate roofs are expensive, but synthetic version of slate roofing is more affordable and easier to install.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Standing seam metal roofing has many advantages, like its light weight. Metal roofing is suitable for areas that see a lot of natural disturbances like hail or high wind. It can serve you well for about 50 years, which twice as long as your regular asphalt roofing.
Flat and Low Slope Roof
Flat roofing has become very popular. It is most suitable for dry climate. It is comprised of hot asphalt and felt paper with gravel ballast. There are more material configurations that can be used for different types of roofs.
How to Choose the Right Asphalt Shingle?
Not all types of shingles are suitable for Texas climate with its heat, hail, and humidity. Choosing the right asphalt shingles is very important as you don’t want to have to change the roof every other year.
Asphalt shingles are durable and affordable – and come in different colors to match your home’s style. There are two types of asphalt shingles – fiberglass and organic, both of which are suitable for Texas homes. The main difference is that fiberglass additionally protects your home from fire.
An asphalt shingle roofing is easy to install and will last for up to 20 years.
How to Choose A Shingle Color?
A shingle color for your roof is more than just an aesthetic decision. Darker color shingles will heat up, while lighter colors will reflect the sun. A shingle color can affect the temperature inside your home by 20-40 degrees. If you live in central Texas, shingles of a lighter color will keep your cooling costs down in the summer months.
Here are some aspects to keep in mind when choosing a shingle color.
Climate. Since Teas is a hot state, and it doesn’t get cold here, lighter shingles will suit your home perfectly.
Design. Consider the colors of the rest of the house – the walls, the trim, etc. For example, if your house is of a cold tone – like blue or grey, a grey colored roof would suit you better. For a warm tone, like red or brown, consider beige for the roof.
Architecture. Color can impact the style of your home, for example, a light-colored roof will make he house visually appear larger, while a dark roof will make it look smaller.
HOA. In a lot of neighborhoods, you can’t get a color for your roof that is too much out there, like hot pink. Even if your HOA doesn’t have very strict rules, it’s still a nice gesture to consider your neighbors and how the new roof color will affect the view of the whole street.
What Is the Most Common Type Of Roofing In San Antonio?
The most common roofing material in San Antonio is asphalt or composite shingles.
They come in different styles to fit any aesthetic you might prefer for your home. There are three most common styles of shingles: 3-tab, architectural, and designer.
The two other types of roofs that homeowners go for are ether tile and metal. Tile or also known as clay roofs, have their pros and cons. A tile roof can cost several times that of an asphalt roof. This is mainly because the installation itself is more costly. Many roofs aren’t ready to support a lot of weight without getting reinforcements. The higher cost is worth the investment, since this type of roof is very durable and will last you a century. The warranty will also most likely be longer than on other roofs.
Metal roofs will last for about 40-50 years, which is still twice longer than a regular shingle roof.
This is caused by the fact that metal expands and contracts, which causes small leaks. So, depending on the environment and weather conditions, a metal roof will eventually start to rust, if it’s not covered by paint.
An advantage that metal roofs have is their high fire resistance. A metal roof won’t combust or burn in case of a fire or heat.
A disadvantage of a metal roof is the flexibility of the material. If it gets hit with hail, the dents on it will be very noticeable. A good way around it is to install metal shingles instead of panels, so that if a shingle or few get damaged, they are easy to replace.
Let Experts Help You Choose
Choosing the right right type can be difficult and overwhelming. You’d have to consider how durable you want it to be, what your budget is, how easy it is to install, and how much a fitting roof can ease your electric bills. Let us make your life easier by walking you through all your options and helping you pick the most suitable roof for your unique needs.
