Roof Selection 101: 7 Things To Consider For Your New Home

Choosing the right roof for your new home can be daunting. With a sea of materials, styles, and colors, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But with the right information, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget.

With the help of our roofing contractors in Manatee County, you can get a roof installed on your new home in no time. Mitchell Roofing Company has lots of experience with new construction roofing. We can make this process easy and stress-free.

Below are some things to consider when selecting a roof for a new construction home.

Selecting The Right Roofing Material

One of the most important decisions you’ll make about your new roof is the material. The right choice will balance durability, maintenance needs, cost, and the look that fits your home’s style. Working with the experienced roofers in Manatee County at Mitchell Roofing Company, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit.

Here are some popular options:

  • Asphalt Shingles: These are a popular choice among roofing companies in Manatee County, thanks to their affordability and variety of colors and styles. Plus, they’re known for their durability, often lasting around 20 years.
  • Metal Roofing: This material is known for its durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions. It’s an investment that can last up to 50 years or more and comes in various styles to fit any home aesthetic.
  • Tile Roofing: Tile roofs are attractive, durable, and available in various colors. They’re great for homes in hot climates and can last over 100 years when well-maintained.
  • Slate Roofing: While this material is more expensive up front, slate roofs can last hundreds of years. They offer a unique, natural look and are extremely durable.

Choosing the right material for your roof is a process, but with the help of our roofing contractors in Manatee County, you’re sure to make a choice you’ll be happy with for years to come.

Consider The Local Climate

When choosing a roofing material for your home, it’s crucial to consider the local climate. Florida’s weather is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, cooler winters, with a notable hurricane season. All these factors play a significant role in determining the best roofing material for your home.

Asphalt shingles, known for their affordability and variety, can be a reliable choice for Florida homeowners. They are durable and can withstand extreme heat. However, it’s important to note that they may require replacement sooner than other materials due to their susceptibility to wind damage.

Metal roofing is another excellent option for Florida’s climate. It’s highly resistant to wind damage and does not degrade under intense sun or in salty coastal air. Plus, it’s an energy-efficient choice that can help keep your home cool during the hot summers.

Tile roofing is also a popular choice in Florida, particularly for its exceptional durability, resistance to fire, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, its thermal capacity can help keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Each of these materials has its benefits and drawbacks. Discussing these with our experienced roofing contractors in Manatee County will ensure you make an informed decision that suits your needs and the local climate.

Maintenance Requirements

Keeping your roof in top shape is crucial for its longevity and performance. Some roofing materials require more maintenance than others, and being aware of this can influence your decision.

Here’s what you should know about maintaining different types of roofs:

  • Tile roofs are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, the tiles can break if walked on improperly during maintenance or during severe weather. Regular inspection for cracked or broken tiles and their prompt replacement is essential.
  • Metal roofs are known for their durability and require less maintenance than many other materials. Regular cleaning to remove debris and prevent rust and periodic inspections for damage, especially after extreme weather, are usually sufficient.
  • Asphalt shingles can have a shorter lifespan and demand regular inspections. Look out for missing, buckled, or curled shingles. They might need replacement more often, mainly if your home is located in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions.
  • Slate roofs can last for hundreds of years if well-maintained. Maintenance involves checking for broken or missing slates and ensuring the flashing is in good condition.

It’s vital to remember that all roofs require at least an annual inspection, ideally by professional roofers in Manatee County. Regular maintenance ensures your roof stays in good condition, serving its purpose effectively and efficiently.

Matching Roof Style To Your Home’s Architecture

Another crucial aspect to consider when choosing a roof is ensuring it matches the architectural style of your home. A roof doesn’t just protect your home from the elements—it also enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal.

If you have a modern-style home, you might lean towards metal roofing. It’s sleek, comes in various colors, and suits the minimalist aesthetic of modern architecture.

Tile roofing can be a striking choice for homes with Spanish or Mediterranean elements. The vibrant reds and oranges often associated with tile roofs can make your home stand out beautifully.

On the other hand, asphalt shingles offer wide versatility and can suit many different styles of homes, from traditional to contemporary. And for a historic or colonial-style home, nothing beats the timeless beauty of slate roofing.

Just remember that the best roofing material will not only stand up to the weather and require an acceptable level of maintenance, but it will also enhance your home’s curb appeal and fit in with the architectural style.

Choosing the Right Roof Color

Selecting the right roof color is another critical aspect of your home’s exterior decor. The color of your roof should complement the rest of your home’s external elements, including the paint color, landscaping, and any stone or brick used.

Roof colors come in a wide range of options, and you can choose from an array of shades depending on your preference and your home’s exterior color scheme. If your home has a lighter color palette, you might want to consider a cooler roof color, such as light gray, blue, or even white.

These cool colors can help reflect the sun’s rays, reducing your home’s heat absorption and potentially lowering your cooling costs during the hot Florida summers.

If your home has a darker color scheme, a warmer roof color like black, dark gray, or brown could be a suitable option. However, remember that darker colors absorb more heat, which might increase your home’s cooling costs during the summer.

Manufacturer’s Warranty: A Crucial Consideration

The manufacturer’s warranty is another significant aspect to consider when choosing your roofing material. A solid warranty guarantees you’re covered in case of material defects or other unforeseen complications, ensuring peace of mind.

Here’s what to look for in a good roof warranty:

  • Length of Coverage: A good warranty should offer substantial coverage, typically between 20 to 50 years, depending on the roofing material type. Some high-quality materials like slate or tile may even have a lifetime warranty.
  • Material Defect Coverage: The warranty should cover any defects in the roofing material that may cause it to break down or fail prematurely.
  • Workmanship Coverage: This part of the warranty covers errors in the installation process. It’s essential to remember that even the best roofing materials can fail if they’re not installed correctly.
  • Transferability: A transferable warranty is valuable as it allows you to pass it on to the next homeowner if you sell your home. This can be a strong selling point.
  • Full Coverage Period: During this period, the manufacturer will pay for material defects and the labor to repair or replace them. Note that this period may be shorter than the length of the material defect coverage.
  • Pro-rated Period: After the full coverage period, the manufacturer may only pay a percentage of the costs of replacement materials and none of the labor costs. This percentage often reduces each year during the pro-rated period.

Consulting with professional roofers at Mitchell Roofing Company will help you understand warranty specifics and make an informed decision.

Select an Energy-Efficient Roof

Energy efficiency is a critical factor to consider when selecting your roofing material. Some materials, like metal roofing, have high reflective properties that bounce back the sun’s rays, reducing heat absorption and keeping your home cooler during the hot Florida summers.

Similarly, tile roofing, especially when it’s light-colored, can help reflect sunlight and reduce heat gain. Asphalt shingles, while not as efficient as metal or tile, can be made more energy-efficient by using specially coated granules with reflective qualities.

Choosing an energy-efficient roofing material can lower your cooling costs and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly home.

Contact Our Roofing Contractors in Manatee County!

Does your new construction home need a quality roof? Mitchell Roofing Company can help. Our roofing contractors in Manatee County can complete this work quickly and correctly!