At some point during your years of home ownership, you will inevitably be faced with the need to replace your roof. This will be a significant decision in terms of overall cost, the selection of materials, and the selection of the roofing company that will tackle the job.
In terms of materials, you may instinctively lean toward asphalt shingles, as this is the most commonly used product for residential roofing, whether for new homes or to replace an existing roof. However, there are several other types of shingles and alternative roofing materials available and, when a variety of additional factors are taken into consideration, including durability and longevity, asphalt shingles may or may not be your most cost effective option over the long term.
Neither the cost nor the materials alone should be the determining factor when choosing the new roof for your home. While they are definitely integral components of the overall decision-making process and should be weighed accordingly, these additional elements can or will play influential roles also, most notably in relation to your choice of materials:
- Framing strength
- Maintenance
- Durability
- Roof shape and slope
- Energy efficiency
- Curb appeal
- Longevity in the home
Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A New Roof For Your Home
Replacing your roof will necessitate a significant financial investment, and you will want to ensure that all decisions are made on the basis of thorough research and deliberation. There is no doubt that cost will be a prime factor, and the bulk of the immediate cost will be related to the choice of roofing material and the time need for its installation.
However, you should not discount your personal preferences or any potential long-term implications when making your decisions.
Here is a summary of the main considerations when choosing a new roof for your home:
Overall Costs
- Materials, labour, and any necessary repairs to the sub-structure of the roof
- Additional replacements or installations such as skylights, gutters, fascia, vents
- Clean-up and disposal – who is responsible and are there any additional costs?
Type of Roofing Materials
- Lighter materials – asphalt, wood, or plastic polymer shingles
- Heavier materials – metal, tile (clay or concrete) or slate shingles
Framing Strength
- How much weight, and hence what type of materials, can the frame support?
Maintenance
- Some choices (asphalt shingles) need more upkeep than others (metal/tile)
Durability
- Which materials would be more resilient in Toronto’s extreme weather cycles?
Shape/Slope
- Based on the steepness/number of angles, some options may be less feasible
Energy Efficiency
- Type of material chosen can have a positive or negative impact on energy bills
- fFor example, metal and slate absorb one-third less heat than asphalt shingles
Curb Appeal
- Will the roof be aesthetically pleasing and factor into the home’s resale value?
- Appearance – consider the colour and texture of the roof in contrast to the home
- Will there be any fading or signs of aging over time?
Longevity
- How long to you plan to remain in the home?
Avenue Road Roofing has aided in the selection and installation of asphalt shingles and other roofing materials for home owners in Toronto for more than 40 years. Over that time, Avenue Road Roofing has completed more than 45,000 roof installations.
Are you interested in hiring the best Toronto roofers to help with your roofing needs? From repairs to installations, we have you covered. Call us today at 416-785-5129!
