Roofs last a long time, but even with good maintenance, they may need to be replaced eventually. Damage and long-term wear and tear can cause the roof to lose shingles, become weak, or develop rot and leaks. If you are in the market for a new roof, keep reading.

Pick the Best Material for Your Needs

There are many roofing materials from which to choose, and finding the right one depends on three major factors:

• Price
• Lifespan
• Maintenance

In most cases, the more expensive the material, the longer it lasts. For example, asphalt BUR costs about $4 per square foot and lasts about 20 to 30 years. Clay or cement last 50 to 100 years but cost $10 per square foot. Slate tile is one of the more expensive options at about $10 to $75 per square foot, but they can last 100 years or longer.

Finally, consider how much maintenance each roofing material requires. If you don't want to spend much time caring for your roof then slate tile, clay, or asphalt may be the better choice. Asphalt requires a little more work to keep it clean from moss. Plus, you may have to replace the shingles if they get damaged or go missing.

Consider the Slope of the Roof

Before getting a new roof, consider the slope of your roof for two reasons. First, the slope of your roof deeply impacts the overall price. If you have a steep slope, there is more surface area on the roof, so you need more material to cover the roof. This can quickly make some materials too expensive for your budget.

In addition, the slope may indicate how strong the roof is. Usually, the steeper the roof, the better it handles heavy materials like slate. The slope allows debris, water, and snow to slide off, so no excess weight builds. If you have a low slope, these heavy materials may be a disaster waiting to happen if your roof collapses from the weight.

Determine if Repairs or an Overlay Is Adequate

If your roof is still relatively new, ask about repairs. Repairing and replacing missing/damaged shingles, replacing damaged flashing, and better sealing the roof can help extend the roof's life. If you have an asphalt shingle roof with no structural damage, ask about an overlay. During this process, new shingles are applied over old ones. This saves money and time, but it won't repair underlying damage.

If your roof is getting old and worn, it's time to consider a replacement or some good repairs. Choosing the right roofing material can be hard, but by following your budget, wants, and goals, you can find the perfect roof. If you would like to know more, contact a roofing contractor in your area today.