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The roof is one of the most vital parts of a home. Its role is to not only protect you but to preserve the structural integrity of your home as well. A leaky roof can contribute to mold growth, weakened walls, or even a ceiling collapse.

That’s why it’s so important to install a roof that’s able to perform safely for many years to come. Today, we’re going to provide you with all the information you need to make the right roofing decisions for your home.

Roof Types

Roofs come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors. This is great because it allows you to customize your roof to the climate that you live in, as well as your aesthetic preferences. 

For example, if your home is located in a particularly windy region, you’ll want a roof shape that can hold up to strong winds.

Below we’ve broken down some of the different shapes that roofs come in and the most commonly used materials for shingles.

Roof Shapes

Here is our list of some of the most popular choices for roof design and material.

Gable Roof

gable roof

One of, if not the number one most common roof shape in the US is the gable roof. Given its simple design, this type of roof is one of the cheapest to install and offers great value for a homeowner. The angled shape of the roof also provides a natural space for storage (ie, an attic).

The only thing to keep in mind with a gable roof is that it offers mediocre stability. A poorly constructed gable roof can easily incur damage in a particularly windy region.

Overall, this is the best-value budget pick that many new homeowners decide to go with.

Hip Roof

A hip roof is a more complicated, but sturdy design. Generally speaking, a hip roof will have four sloped sides that meet together at the top.

It’s a good option if your priority is something that’s a bit more durable and a little more elegant in design.

Flat Roof

If you’ve been to a grocery store or large business lately, you’ve probably seen a flat roof. Many business and commercial buildings opt for this type of roof because it’s much cheaper to install.

The downside of this, however, is that flat roofs tend to look less appealing, and are harder to maintain. 

 Therefore, it’s typically only a good fit for businesses trying to build cheap.

Shed Roof

The shed roof is the classic lean-to roof that you see on gardening sheds and outdoor gazebos. Easy and cheap to assemble. Shed roofs are a great fix for a low-cost build.

Types Of Roof Shingles

Roof shape aside, shingles also come in all kinds of colors and materials. The material of the shingle can dictate its weight, cost, and durability.

Asphalt Shingles

asphalt shingles

By far the most commonly used shingle, asphalt provides a great value for the average homeowner. Although it’s less expensive than other shingle materials, asphalt can still hold up for a few decades.

Metal

Metal roofing is another great option for a residential home. Although the cost of materials may be a little bit pricier than asphalt shingles, it’s well worth the cost. Metal is one of the most durable materials and can last decades longer than asphalt or wood. Additionally, metal is energy-efficient and saves you money on heating and cooling. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, this is an excellent bet all around.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofs are the most durable of almost all roofing materials. In some cases, a slate roof can last up to a hundred years. With it being one of the most expensive shingle options, it’s not suitable for low budget builds.

Additionally, due to its weight, this type of installation may require an engineer or experienced roofing crew.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Similar to slate, clay tiles are also heavy by nature and require a strong structure to hold them up. As expected, clay also lasts for years and holds up well in bad weather, requiring little maintenance throughout the year.

The thing that sets clay tiles apart, is that they are generally more aesthetically appealing. They’re a great choice for a Spanish-inspired home or simply a unique twist on a home.

Wood and Cedar Shake Shingles

Wood shingles are a unique aesthetic choice. Not only are they visually appealing, but they are also eco-friendly. 

A roof of wood or cedar shingles will most likely be a median price point – more expensive than asphalt but cheaper than slate and clay.

 

Commonly Asked Questions

We hope this article has helped answer some of your questions regarding roofing. In case you still have questions we didn’t cover, we compiled this handy list. 

How Much Does A New Roof Cost?

The exact cost of installing a new roof depends on a variety of things, including the size and shape of the roof, and the type of shingle selected. Angi reports the average cost of installing a new roof as “$14,360”.

Keep in mind that this price can vary depending on material costs, and you should always get an estimate from a roofing company before moving forward with work.

Another thing to check is whether or not your home insurance can cover the costs. In the event that your roof is damaged during an unexpected accident, there is a chance that your insurance company may cover some of the expenses.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of Your Roof?

The exact lifespan of a roof varies depending on a variety of factors, including the type of roofing installed, the environment it’s in, and how well you maintain it. For reference, Roof Advisor recommends replacing an asphalt shingle roof every “15-30 years”.

The best way to make your roof last longer is to schedule annual inspections and make repairs as needed. Keep in mind that it’s best to fix roofing problems before they grow and become more costly. For example, replacing a broken shingle can prevent rain from leaking into the home and damaging ceilings and walls.

What Is Roof Flashing?

Flashing is a vital part of a roof installation. Simply put, flashing is metal sheeting that’s placed in key locations around a roof. The sheeting protects at-risk locations that may otherwise let water leak through. Chimneys and skylights, for example, are common spots to place flashing.

Flashing is vital for protecting your home, ceilings, and walls. That’s why it’s important to schedule annual roof inspections and fix any damaged or missing flashing.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

In some cases, home insurance can cover some of the costs associated with a roof leak. The best way to know for sure is to contact your insurance company, or ask your roofing company to inquire. Often, leaks that occur due to a large and sudden accident (such as hail or a tornado) may fall under the scope of your insurance policy.

How To Measure A Roof For Shingles?

There is no need to climb onto your roof to do measurements. Not only is this unsafe but, it’s not necessary. If you contact us here at Austermiller Roofing, our team will be more than happy to come to your home and do a hands-on inspection. Once our inspections are complete, we can go over your roof options and provide you with an estimate. 

 

Roofing in Middle Tennessee

Are you looking for a team of highly-qualified contractors to take your home to the next level? Austermiller Roofing has your back! We offer everything from roof repair and replacement to mold detection and removal. Furthermore, we’d be more than happy to offer advice and recommendations throughout your selection process! 

 From choosing your first shingle to selecting a roof shape, we can advise you all the way.

Always remember, the Austermiller family makes it our priority to take care of you and your property. We will be sure you know every step to our processes and we won’t leave any questions unanswered!

Are you in need of a roof inspection? Do you have roofing related questions? Don’t hesitate to call or fill out our hassle free online form to get in touch with one of our roofing professionals. We look forward to hearing from you!