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Any time you invest in your home, it’s important to do your research. That includes when you decide to amp up your overhead space—the roof! At Cherry Roofing and Siding, we may be shingle experts, but we understand that not everyone studies roofing materials. From asphalt shingles (yes, they really do belong on the roof) to more modern metal, you have many options at your fingertips. But which are the best?
Start With These Questions
Before you commit to a certain type of shingle, make a few practical choices. Ask yourself these basic questions to get started.
Replace or Update?
First things first—do you need to completely rip out and install a new roof, or will a simple spruce do the trick? We can replace damaged shingles one by one or rip out the roof and start fresh. If you’re not sure which service better suits your home, give us a call so we can perform an inspection and provide our opinion.
What’s Your Budget?
We understand that cost will likely factor into your choice, so you should make sure to evaluate your budget. Whereas standard asphalt shingles may be the cheapest option, you can’t beat the durability of pricier metal. Establish your budget and your non-negotiables at the outset of the process.
Does Your Community Have Guidelines?
Your neighborhood or township might have certain parameters or restrictions when it comes to the exterior of your home. Familiarize yourself with local building codes or HOA guidelines before you commit to a specific type of roof.
Which Look Do You Like?
Of course, one of the most important things about your new roof is that you love how it looks! Pick a style that matches your personal preferences, and you’ll enhance the aesthetic of your home as you also improve its functionality. If you choose roofing based on budget alone without a thought about the style, you may end up regretting the way your abode looks long-term.
Different Types of Roofing
On to the next step—learn more about the different types of roofing materials on the market.
Asphalt
Close your eyes and imagine a standard roof. Chances are, you’re picturing asphalt shingles. Four out of five homes across the country sport an asphalt cap. Why? Asphalt shingles are affordable, durable, and simple to install. If you don’t have strong style preferences and you’re working with a smaller budget, asphalt might be the best option.
Wood
If you’re enchanted by cozy cottages, wooden shingles (AKA “shakes”) can help transform your abode into a similarly chic, natural-looking home. Typically crafted from cedar, this type of roofing softens to a gray hue over time. This natural response to the elements enhances the look of your home, contributing to that cottage-core vibe. Cedar shakes do tend to run up a bigger bill than something like asphalt, so this is something to keep in mind if budget is a concern.
Slate
Fans of Gothic or Victorian-style New England homes might prefer something like slate. Not only do slate roofs make a stylish statement—slate comes in a variety of hues, from gray to green—they’re also almost impossible to destroy. Come rain, snow, or even fire, slate roofs stand strong. There’s just one catch, the cost. Slate typically takes a bigger bite out of your budget than other options.
Composite
If you love the look of wood or slate shingles but not their price tags, consider composite instead. It’s usually made from a combination of plastic and polymer, sometimes rubber or clay, and it’s much more affordable than slate or wood. However, you can customize the composite to look very similar to these pricier options. What’s more, it’s lighter than a material such as slate, which might make it more appropriate for certain homes.
Metal
From aluminum and steel to copper, metal roofing has become a popular choice thanks to its sleek modern look. Part of its appeal goes beyond aesthetics—metal roofing is particularly good at repelling the heat, thus making it easier to cool your home in the warm New Jersey summers. But keep in mind that some types of metal roofing can make for a noisy rainstorm, and it’s a pretty slippery material, so snow guards might be necessary to catch sheets of ice in the winter.
Concrete or Terra Cotta
When you imagine a terra cotta roof, you’re probably traveling to the Mediterranean in your mind. Seaside towns may have made terra cotta shingles popular, but they can work on just about any home in their signature curved shape or as flat shingles. The same goes for concrete, a similar material. They’re both very durable and energy efficient, but terra cotta isn’t a great choice for anywhere with harsh winters (e.g., New Jersey) as its shingles can break during a thaw. Concrete, on the other hand, can withstand any weather.
Best Options for New Jersey
Now that you’re a roofing pro, you might already have an idea of which type of shingles would be best for your home. If you’re still on the fence, here are our top picks, given New Jersey’s changing weather.
- Asphalt. You really can’t go wrong with a classic like asphalt shingles! They’re affordable, simple, and can stand up to just about anything a New Jersey winter (or summer, for that matter) might throw at them.
- Composite. If you want to make more of a style statement with your roof, composite is the way to go. It’s easy to install and won’t break the bank, but still has the sleek look of slate or wood shingles (the exact look is up to you).
- Metal. For a modern twist, go with metal. It’s probably the most durable when it comes to stormy weather, and it looks beautiful in an understated way. It’s no wonder why metal roofs are currently trending.
Contact Roofing Pros
With all the information you need to make an informed decision, now it’s time to take the final step. Contact us at Cherry Roofing and Siding to get an estimate and start your roof’s makeover.
Jul 23, 2024
