A roof is one of the most important parts of a home’s exterior when it comes to both curb appeal and protection from the elements. When selecting a material for a modern roof, homeowners are finding they have more choices than ever. From rustic cedar wood to classic asphalt shingles, each material comes with a different set of features, making the choice difficult for many. How do you determine the best option for your roof replacement? It helps to explore your options closely and know what to look for in roofing contractors. Asphalt shingles and slate tile roofing are two popular choices for beautiful residential roof replacements, so it’s worth comparing the two to see which might better suit your home.
Asphalt Shingles
Despite all the roofing options available for homes and businesses today, asphalt shingles remain the material of choice for most roofing projects, accounting for 70% to 80% of domestic roof installations in America. It is often the preferred material for new construction because it’s more cost-effective than most other roofing options. Asphalt shingles are an excellent choice if you want a beautiful new roof that will be easy on your checkbook. They come in a wide selection of colors and are more lightweight than slate roofing, making shingles easier to install. Many roofing contractors have ample experience to install a shingle roof with great success. Modern asphalt shingle roofing is also available in different designs so that you can personalize your roof to your heart’s content.
Slate Roofing
Slate is considered by some to be a superior roofing product well worth the extra cost. Although it is more expensive than asphalt shingles, slate is a high-quality material that delivers incredible durability in addition to an elegant appearance. Because of its long lifespan, this investment can increase the value of your home. Plus, it is considered a greener roofing material than asphalt shingles as it is essentially rock, and therefore a naturally occurring material. Few roofers are qualified to handle slate roofing projects because significantly more attention is required during installation. For example—the house must be structurally sound enough to handle the increased weight, and you’ll need an experienced and qualified roofing contractor to determine whether your home is eligible.
What to Look for in Your Roofing Contractor
Whatever material you decide is the best fit for your roof replacement, you want to be sure you hire a qualified roofing contractor to install it. A company should ideally have extensive roofing experience and a good reputation among local homeowners. Exterior Source has built a respected reputation as exterior remodeling specialists since being established in 1993. Over the years, we’ve completed more than 30,000 projects for happy homeowners throughout Virginia. As a GAF Master Elite® contractor that has ranked #128 on Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list, we can confidently say we’re the best local roofing contractor to partner with for a stunning new roof.
If you haven’t yet decided on a type of roof and want to run some questions by a roofing expert, contact Exterior Source today. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you have or get you a free quote so that you are better prepared for your exterior renovation!