If you’re building a new home, there are several things to consider when deciding on your roof. The first thing to consider is any HOA requirements or restrictions. For example, if your new home is within a suburban neighborhood with a Mediterranean style, you might be required to have a tile roof. But, despite HOA restrictions, you still have many roofing options.
Different Roofing Materials, Same Look
Let’s say your HOA requires that you have a tile roof; it’s the look that’s important, but not the materials. You can find tile roofing in traditional terra cotta, as well as cast concrete, metal, and light-weight, durable plastic. The same is true of shake shingles; you can find conventional wood shake shingles, as well as plastic and metal look-alikes. The advantage of these look-alike roofing materials is lower cost, lighter weight, and in the case of shake shingles, improved fire resistance.
Quality Asphalt Shingles
Most homes are roofed with economical asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles come in several quality levels and many different colors. Get the best quality asphalt roofing that you can afford. Top-quality asphalt shingles can last for 30 years, making this an excellent roofing choice.
Metal Roofing
While metal roofing is common in rural areas, it can be appropriate for a suburban home too. Metal roofing lasts for many, many decades and is available in dozens of colors.
However, many HOAs do not allow metal roofing. If that is the case in your situation, consider metal roofing that imitates the look of shingles or roofing tiles. Metal shingles and tiles are lighter in weight and longer-lasting compared to asphalt shingles. Best of all, this option might be acceptable to your housing association.
Solar Roofing
Solar tiles are the newest, and most innovative option in roofing. The look of the black solar roofing tiles is very similar to traditional shingles.
While it’s not cheap, it can pay for itself in energy savings, since each tile is a mini solar panel, feeding energy into a battery system. While the solar tiles are made of tempered glass, they are also highly durable and crack resistant.
Before you begin building your new suburban home, make sure you understand any HOA or zoning requirements. With that knowledge, choose the best roofing option that fits your budget. It also pays to spend a little more money on roofing materials that have a long lifespan and exceptional durability.
About the author:
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.