Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. It protects you from the elements and keeps your family safe and dry. When it's time to re-roof, you want to make sure you choose the best roofing material for your home. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision.

Roof Slope

You need to consider the ability of your roof to drain water. Certain materials are better suited for steeply pitched roofs, while others work better on roofs with a shallower slope. For example, asphalt shingles are a popular choice for steeply pitched roofs because they're heavy. Metal roofing is another good option for steeply pitched roofs because it's durable and can withstand high winds. 

On the other hand, if your roof has a shallower slope, you might want to consider EPDM roofing from Landmark Roofing. These materials are lightweight so they're ideal for low-slope roofs. However, they're very good at shedding water and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. 

Design of Your Home

Your roof should also match the overall architectural style of your home. If you have a Victorian-style home, you might want to choose slate tiles or wood shingles because they would be in keeping with the period details of your home. However, if you have a more contemporary home, metal or synthetic slate might be a better option because they have a sleeker look.

Weather Endurance

Different materials are better suited for different climates. For example, if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice in the winter, you'll want to choose a material that can withstand the weight of heavy snowfall without collapsing. Metal roofing is a good choice for areas that get heavy snowfall because it's very strong and can support a lot of weight. Clay and concrete tiles can also be used because they're dense and not susceptible to damage from freezing temperatures. 

On the other hand, if you live in an area that gets very hot summers, you'll want to choose a material that reflects heat well to keep your home cool. Metal roofing is again a good choice because it reflects heat well. Asphalt shingles are also a good option because they're coated with ceramic granules that reflect heat away from your home. 

Maintenance

Some materials require more maintenance than others. For instance, wood shingles need to be regularly treated with fire retardant and sealant to prevent them from rotting or catching fire. Slate tiles also need to be regularly sealed and cleaned because they're porous and can stain easily. However, rubber sheet roofing is virtually maintenance-free because it doesn't rot, and it doesn't require sealing or cleaning like slate or wood does. 

Energy Efficiency

In recent years, energy efficiency has become an important consideration in all aspects of homebuilding, including roofing. If you live in an area with hot summers, choosing a material that reflects heat well will help keep your energy bills low by reducing the amount of air conditioning needed to keep your home cool. Metal roofing is again a good choice here because it reflects heat well, in fact, it can reflect up to 80% of the sun's rays away from your home. Asphalt shingles are also energy efficient because they're coated with ceramic granules that reflect heat away from your home as well—but not quite as well as metal does. 

When selecting a roof for your home, it is important to keep several factors in mind. You need to make sure that you select the right material, color, and style for your home. You also need to ensure that you choose a roof that is durable and will last for many years. Keep these tips in mind and you will be able to find the perfect roof for your home.