As we always say, roofing and siding are the most important parts for a home’s exterior. They accentuate the building’s appearance as well as act as a shield of protection from various external elements.
When you are planning to change the existing roofing of your home or looking to make a purchase for your new home, you will be left with an overwhelming array of options — from materials you are already familiar with to those you have never heard of before.
Some common roofing materials, such as copper, wood, slate, etc., have remained the same for decades. However, in recent years a myriad of new roofing types have been added to the list, making the choice for homeowners that much more difficult.
The same principles apply to siding as well. Installation of new siding provides a whole host of benefits to your home. By increasing the aesthetic appeal of your home, new siding increases its value and will attract more buyers in the future, in case you wish to sell your home. And similar to what roofing does, siding also protects the structure of your home from moisture, insect infestation, and other such factors that could cause serious damage to your building.
Things to Consider
Here are a few tips from a Voorhees Township contractor on selecting the best roofing and siding for your home.
Most homeowners tend to choose the same material over again when replacing their existing roofing or siding. While this is perfectly fine, especially because you will already know that durability of the material and how long it will likely last, you may miss the opportunity to use new, even more durable and longer lasting options that can totally upgrade the functionality and look of your roofing and siding. So, when choosing new roofing and siding, following are a few factors to consider:
- Roofing and Siding Materials Should be Weather Resistant: Since the roofing and siding of your home act as the primary barriers against nature, it is crucial to choose materials that will best protect your home in the most efficient manner. The materials you choose should be able to endure tough weather conditions, from the hot sun to cold rain, snow, and heavy winds. Based on where you live and the climate in your location, the materials to use will vary. For instance, if you happen to live in a place with severe weather conditions, vinyl might be the best material to use for your siding.
- Roofing and Siding Materials Should Enhance Your Home’s Appearance: The next factor to consider, as recommended by a roofing and siding contractor in Voorhees Township, is the appearance of the materials you choose, as they will be clearly visible from the street and therefore have a significant impact on the overall presentation of your home. Based on the style and architecture of your home, you should choose materials with appropriate and matching color and texture. For example, if your home is built to represent colonial architecture, using Spanish tiles for the roofing would completely ruin the look.
- Roofing and Siding Materials Should be Durable: If your current abode will be your primary home, and you are planning to live there for years to come, you will want to invest in highly durable materials. In most cases, the costs of materials vary based on their durability factor. For roofing or siding material that is less durable, you will probably be required to spend only half the amount of what you would otherwise spend on high quality materials. But over time, those savings could prove to be a mirage, if, for instance a more expensive material might last more than twice as long as the inexpensive ones, and it would be wise to invest in those as a long-time resident. Also, check the warranty of the materials you choose. If you live in Voorhees Township, it should not be difficult to find a reliable roofing and siding contractor who can find you the best deals.
- Roofing and Siding Materials Should be Energy Efficient: It is always better to go for roofing and siding materials that help reduce your carbon footprint by helping retain heat, regardless of where you live. Remember this point when selecting materials for your roofing and siding and make sure that your investment in worth it. Most materials come with an R-value that actually measures their energy efficiency. If the material you choose has a higher R-value, it means it offers better thermal insulation. Therefore, check for this rating before making your choice.
- Roofing and Siding Materials Should Require Less Maintenance: The level of care and maintenance required by each type of roofing and siding material as suggested by a Voorhees Township contractor will differ significantly. For instance, if you prefer wood shingle to be your roofing material, you should be prepared to spend a lot of time and effort in maintaining it because this material requires a lot of maintenance to perform as required. Instead, you can choose alternate materials that are designed to look like wood, with similar patterns, thus requiring less maintenance. Also make sure that the materials you choose can withstand damage caused by natural forces like wind and moisture, in order to prevent expensive repairs.
You can make the right choice by choosing an experienced, reputed, and reliable roofing and siding contractor in Voorhees Township.