When you’re replacing the roofing of your Chicagoland home, the first and most important decision you’ll need to make is which type of roofing material to use. Your choice should depend on your home’s aesthetic style, your budget, and your energy efficiency needs. Since you won’t be able to redo this job very cheaply or easily, you need to carefully consider this decision.

The professional roofing contractors at Canga Restoration can help you decide on the right roofing material for your home when we’re performing a roof replacement, but here are a few things to keep in mind while you’re choosing:

Your Home’s Architectural Design

The first thing you should look at is how your Chicagoland home is built. Specifically, the "pitch" of your roof, or the angle at which it slopes, is one of the most important factors to consider. An important function of your roof is shedding water, and the pitch helps with that.

Some roofing materials shed water more easily than others, so if your roofing has a lower pitch, you won\’t need that extra help.

You’ll also want to consider any parts of your roof that cause a break in the roofing. Pipes, chimneys, or roof intersections can all do this, and they’ll make a roofing installation more complicated and more expensive, so it\’s important to take note of them while you\’re planning your initial budget.

The Aesthetic Design of Your Home

The roofing materials that you choose should match and complement your Chicagoland home\’s existing architectural style. So, for instance, it may not be a good idea to put cedar shakes on a Southern Colonia style home. But cedar shakes can be a great addition to other styles of homes.

On the other hand, asphalt shingles will work well aesthetically with nearly any kind of aesthetic design. And that\’s one reason asphalt shingles are so popular, along with…

Cost and Efficiency

Asphalt shingles are the least expensive roofing material you can choose. Cost is one important factor in your decision, and depending on your budget, it can increase in importance.

Of course, some cheaper materials won\’t last as long as more expensive ones, so you may end up saving in the long-run by spending more up-front.

Overview of Roofing Materials

  • Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than most roofing materials, but they\’re also inexpensive and easy to replace. If you\’re on a budget, they’re probably your best choice.
  • Cedar shakes are more expensive but can last for up to 30 years. They can be stained or painted, and depending on the home, they can be very attractive.
  • Concrete tile is increasing in popularity. It’s very durable, long-lasting, and can help with the energy efficiency of your home.
  • Metal roofing is available in several different types of metal. If it’s properly installed, it can make your home much more energy efficient. It’s very easy to clean, will require almost no maintenance, and will last a lifetime.