A Practical Guide to Choosing the Best Roof for Your Home

by southshore | May 29, 2019 | Roofing Tips, Residential Roofing Service, Roof Replacement Service

If you are thinking of buying a new roof, then you are probably wondering what to consider, what is important and what not, and where to even begin.

The good news is that there is an array of roofing materials available to you on the market nowadays, much more than there was years or decades ago when you were buying your current roof.

But the bad news is that choosing between all those options can be quite complicated and stressful, especially if you don’t know a lot about roofing systems.

Sometimes, homeowners simply go for the easiest option and opt for the roofing material that is already on their home. They simply replace it with a newer and updated version

However, knowing a bit more about roofing systems, their features, and main benefits can help you a lot in this decision and even turn your attention to some other, maybe better options.

Therefore, we will help you with this decision by pointing to some of the most important features to look for in a roof. Read on and find out what to consider and which features are essential when buying a new roof and comparing different roofing options.

Roof Slope

One of the first considerations when choosing between different roofing possibilities should be your roof’s slope or pitch, as it is also called. There are roofing systems that require more or less slope on your roof and at this point, some options will probably already get eliminated.

A roof’s slope refers to the number of inches that the roof rises for in relation to its horizontal run. This number is measured every 12 inches of the roof’s length. Therefore, when you see, for example, that a roof has a “4-in-12” slope, it means that the roof rises 4 inches every 12 inches of its length, i.e. of its horizontal run.

The pitch is expressed in different terms, i.e. in fractions, and it refers to the relation between the roof’s height and its width. If the roof is, for example, 10 feet high and 40 feet wide, we would say that it has a ¼ pitch.

You can always ask your roofer to clarify the numbers when it comes to the pitch or the slope so that you don’t have to do the math and calculate which roof will fit your home and which won’t.

Therefore, when choosing a roofing material, you first have to make sure that you have enough slope on your home to go on. Some of the most common materials, such as asphalt shingles and tiles require the previously-mentioned 4-in-12 slope or a steeper one.

Weather Resistance

The next thing on your mind should be the weather. Not all roofs are made to withstand all types of weather, so make sure to consult with your roofer about your options.

If you get a lot of storms and harsh weather, then you will need a very resistant and weatherproof roofing material that will not fail as soon as a storm hits you and that will withstand the elements.

The roof must be strong enough to hold up against high winds, it must shed snow and rain easily to prevent pooling and water damage, and it also needs to withstand the sun rays and not heat up too much. Metal roofing is a great example of a weather-resistant material, for example.

Cost and Longevity

The cost and the longevity or durability of a roof are very closely related. When looking at the prices of different roofing materials, longevity will be a very important factor in them. If a roof is very durable and will last you for more than 50 years, it is expected that it will also have a steeper price.

Even though a roof is a big investment and homeowners usually want to find the best deal, that “best deal” may also be the lowest-quality roofing option. If you choose the cheapest roof material, you may be facing a lot of repairs and even another roof replacement in the future. This would, in the end, amount to much higher costs altogether.

That is why experts always recommend opting for high quality and durability in a roof. This may mean that you will have to set aside more money for it, but in the end, it will be a wiser investment for the long run. You will not have to replace your roof any time soon, or maybe even ever again. The roof will not need as many repairs, which also means less additional expenses.

Fire Ratings

Fire ratings are very important features of roofs, especially if you live in an area prone to wildfires and where fires are an environmental hazard.

You should opt for a roof that will be the most effective against fire exposure, i.e. for a fire-rated roofing material. Unrated materials should not be considered as an option and should not be used in areas where fire is a hazard.

Roofs can be rated from Class A to C and there are also the previously mentioned unrated materials, such as untreated wood shingles. A roof with a Class A rating is the most fire-resistant roof, Class B roofs will withstand moderate fire exposure, and Class C will only withstand minor fire exposure.

Therefore, consider the area where you live and consult with your roofer in order to see which rating will be the best fit for you.

Curb Appeal

Last but not least, you should think about the appearance of your new roof, how it will affect your overall aesthetics, and whether it will enhance your curb appeal.

Curb appeal is a very important aspect for homeowners and it also has a great role in the property’s overall value. The higher the curb appeal, the higher the resale value of your home.

Therefore, after carefully considering all the above-mentioned features, you can move onto the appearances. Most roofing materials will have several style and colors to choose from, so make sure to choose the color, texture, style, and type of roofing material that will best fit your exterior and be compatible with your current colors and home style.

Conclusion

Choosing the right roofing system for your home is not an easy decision, which is why you should take some time to carefully consider all your options.

Consult with your best roof replacement contractors and go through all your possibilities with them, comparing the most important features that we have covered in this text.

What our HAPPY CUSTOMERS are saying

Terri Giannattasio

SSR (South Shore Roofing) has a very “Classy” business model. First touch call was with Erica and she demonstrated grand skills, collect data on our needs, received our emailed pics and set up the appointment. SSR sent and email confirming the on-site visit. Luke with SSR sent a text day before visit with his arrival time, picture and informative Bio! Luke texted us to share he was in route. Evaluation and next steps were COMPLETED! CLASSY! Thank you. The G’s

Lee Haight

Professional organization from the top down . Class act to hire for any roofing project

Kaye Torgerson

South Shore replaced our roof this past fall and made the entire process painless. From meeting with our insurance adjuster (as this was for a rental property we own) to keeping us updated with photos, they did an outstanding job throughout. The job supervisor even personally made sure the shingles were tucked under the siding to prevent leaks. All correspondence was courteous and professional. Would definitely recommend.

Steven Bicette

Kile and his team made me very proud,after building my roof,perfect job,i will recommend them to any home owner way to go.

Lisabeth Degnan Silady

My husband spent a lengthy period of time researching potential roofing contractors and brand of material to be utilized. It is a critical investmnt both in terms of structure and cost. We narrowed the search down to three companies. It was a difficult decision, but now that the project is complete, we know we made the best choice. We are delighted with their honesty, professionalism, communication, follow-through, and outstanding workmanship. One note for constructive improvement would be the final nail pick-up (at least on our project). A thorough job is so important for all the obvious reasons. Again – we made the right choice with South Shore Roofing – Kyle Patrick and his entire team are the best. We recommend South Shore wholeheartedly.

Chad Laster

I needed my old roof replaced and was looking for a reputable roofer that I could count on. Ran across South Shore on the internet and saw their trucks around town. They looked very professional so I gave them a call. I was lucky to have the pleasure of talking with the office manger, Casey, who was very helpful and answered all the questions I had. She got the the ball rolling for me. Soon Kyle, the owner, and his crew had me scheduled and were on site shortly after. The roof looks great! I’m always nervous dealing with contractors but this is one that gets the job done right the first time.

Hema Kaviratna

South Shore Roofing just finished, getting our new roof done. It was such a pleasure to work with them, especially our contact person Tyler McGowan. He is very quick to answer our phone calls, emails and text messages. Tyler was very patient with answering all our questions and took care of all our concerns during the project. He and others, Kyle Patrick and Luke Patrick, were very punctual and explained the process well. Working crew was commendable, hardworking, efficient workers and they did a wonderful job! South Shore Roofing worked very efficiently with our insurance company to get the claim going through very smoothly. South Shore finished the roofing job in a timely manner as promised. My house looks very beautiful now!

John Cheatham

I had a roof replaced after a free inspection that revealed hail damage. The workers were quick, efficient, and effective. The edge lines across the roof could not have been straighter had they been laid out with a laser. My vents that went through the roof were painted, from white to black, and visually disappeared. Just an example of the thoughtful attention to detail in their work. The sealant around the mounting points for my satellite dish guarantee it will never leak. I give them my highest possible recommendation. OUTSTANDING!

Hannah Joy-Dinello

We had been looking for a company to come fix our roof after the hurricane last October. After several failed attempts with other companies we finally asked a friend and were referred to South Shore. We met Luke and Tyler and were immediately impressed! They were professional, easy to talk to, and we ended up getting the pristine shingles from all the money we were able to save. The work was done almost immediately and only took a couple of days. Tyler came after it was done to check the work and make sure there were no nails left in our yard. Now we have a beautiful new roof and peace of mind the next time a major storm comes through! We will definitely be reccommending South Shore to anyone that asks!

Alexander Oliver

Thank you South Shore for doing such a great job on my granddads roof! The staff at South Shore were very professional and put him at ease enough to finally get the new roof he needed. We are SO happy that he didn’t try to keep patching it with duct tape and tar. We can rest easy that that roof will last a good long time and its all because of you! Thanks again SOUTH SHORE!!!You are AWESOME!!!!

Amanda Hedrick

South Shore really did make my roofing experience easy. Tyler was prompt with the estimate and very responsive by text and phone. Kyle kept me updated once the project began and the working crew was efficient and cleaned as they went. I had a roof removal with some decking replacement and a new architectural roof installed. It looks great and I highly recommend South Shore to friends and family now. Definitely the team to work with!

Paul Tilson

You won’t find a better roofing company anywhere than South Shore Roofing, definitely a 5 star roofing company. Top quality work delivered very professionally. Superior customer service. Luke and Kyle are the best! Luke was especially awesome with working up the estimate, explaining the options and the entire procedure, and helping with the insurance claims. The installation crew was top notch, hard working, very professional including great clean up afterwards. They even made a return visit a few days later for some finishing details. I recommend South Shore Roofing without reservation to any home owner.

Tom Lawrence

South Shore Roofing was a pleasure to work with and met all our needs in a prompt and efficent manner! If you’re looking for great customer service and a job well done, you won’t be disappointed!!! My wife and I are tremendously impressed with this company and the way they conduct business!!!

Jennifer Estelle

They did a great job. They we’re on time, efficient, did a great job from beginning to end. My yard is heavily landscaped, and I have a pool. They were very careful around my plants, flowers, and pool. They did an excellent job cleaning up during and after. My roof looks wonderful! Staff was very polite, and easy to work with. They even helped me with my insurance claim. Overall wonferful to work with. Would definitely reccomend them for roof work.

Lisabeth Silady

We made the best choice of roofing contractors selecting South Shore Roofing. We are delighted with their honesty, professionalism, knowledge, follow-through, and outstanding workmanship.

Amanda Mendiola

I want to take the time to say how pleased I am with Kyle Patrick on his service with my new home recently we just got into a bad storm and I was looking everywhere up-and-down trying to find a great deal I happened to see A sign posted on Facebook and I called Kyle he was very nice and very professional of what he does and at a reasonable price !!!!thanks to him and his guys I am able to relax a little keep up the good work Kyle ! And I recommend everyone in Savannah area and pool area to give him a call he’s the best in town and he won’t lie or cheat you out of your money !!!!!!!

Lois Maher

The team at South Shore Roofing was fantastic, they were supporting, understanding and helpful.
They worked with my insurance company to get me the best outcome.
The team that replaced my roof were terrific, excellent job. The contractor Shore Shore Roofing sent to replace the interior damage was also terrific. In the repair of interior they found more damage than previously thought which was very discouraging, however they went right to work repairing the damage and billed my insurance carrier.

I am very pleased with total repair of the roof & interior. I would recommend South Shore Roofing.

Samantha

South Shore Roofing provided me with all of my roofing needs. My representative, Tyler McGowan was charming, professional, and extremely helpful in assisting me work with my insurance company in order to get me what I needed – it was almost like I didn’t have to do anything at all! My roof was completed in a timely manner and is everything I imagined. I would hate to imagine where i’d be without it. My old roof was outdated and the siding was busted. Now I have confidence it can weather any storm. My neighbors are already asking about it. Thank you, Tyler! You really know your stuff.

Amanda Hedrick

Jessica Smith

Casey and the team at South Shore are above and beyond professional, timely to reply to inquiries, priced very reasonably, and most importantly do amazing work.
I feel confident recommending this company to anyone who will listen. Tyler did amazing work and left the workspace immaculate upon completion.
We know that Hurricanes are frequent in south GA- and while I hope my roof never needs their services again, *if* it does, they’re the ONLY ones we will call.

Thanks so much for everything.

Lindsay Roberts

South Shore Roofing was amazing to work with! Tyler was very professional and friendly and explained the whole process to me thoroughly. He was always great at responding to my calls and messages without making me feel like a bother. I was so happy with the finished product and will definitely be recommending them to family and friends!!

Jorge Valdes

Incredible service! I had a tight deadline from my home insurance to fix my roof or else they’d cancel my policy. South Shore Roofing was the only company who got back to me on a timely manner and were able to finish the job before the deadline. I’m incredibly happy with them and I definitely recommend them! They had all the professionalism of a big company but with a sense of being 1-on-1 with me. Very happy and saved me from being forced into an insurance policy 3x more expensive from my bank. Thanks a bunch!

Marcena Brinson

I had a very good experience with their rep. He helped me pick out the color, the style, etc. He called me often and returned all calls that I made to him. We had problems with the painters and he got right on it to see that new better ones were hired. My roof looks wonderful and interior work meets my satisfaction! Very good people skills!

Chris Sommers

I’m very happy with this company. I took estimates from three contractors for a brand new roof. South Shore was the most expensive, but I felt better about going with a business that was well established and had already demonstrated good customer service. I made the right choice as the new roof was put up within seven days of signing the contract. The workers were great, and everything was cleaned up very well after the job was completed.

Neal Hamilton

After we encountered storm damage for the first time ever, I had no idea who to call and South Shore was one of the roofers recommended. From the moment I met Luke Patrick I knew my decision was made. His knowledge and experience in dealing with insurance company adjusters made South Shore stand out high above my other bidders. Luke’s efforts to negotiate a full roof replacement v. partial was masterful. Additionally, South Shore agreed to act as the G.C. to handle all other aspects of the remediation work. I HIGHLY recommend South Shore for any roofing needs! I only wish they did commercial work so I could ditch my so-so existing roofers.

Debbie Walker

South Shore Roofing gave me very professional service from beginning to end. I was emailed a picture and brief bio of the estimator who would be viewing my roof. Luke Patrick arrived on time, was very professional and was very knowledgeable. He met with my insurance adjuster and handled all the paperwork and phone calls. It was truly a blessing to have South Shore handle all the details. During the roof process, they kept me informed, answered all my questions and were very reassuring. I highly recommend them.

Daniel Menges

We are so thankful to have come across South Shore Roofing while searching for contractors. Luke went above and beyond, to make sure the whole process was quick and painless. Erica was efficient, making sure the paperwork process went smoothly. Overall, South Shore is a phenomenal company. If you want a professional, hardworking company with great pricing, South Shore Roofing is the way to go!

Kaye Torgerson

South Shore made the process of replacing our roof completely seamless. From meeting with our insurance adjuster when we could not be present to keeping us updated with photos of the work’s progress, they were professional and courteous all the way through. the work they did was top notch and the final product is beautiful. Would do business again in a heartbeat and have already recommended them to neighbors.

Craig Delaney

This was the best experience that I have had with any roofing company. They worked with us from start to finish and never once did we have to have them redo anything. They began work at 7 a.m. as stated in my contact with the tearing off of the roof and was finished with the replacement asking with clean up by 8:30 pm. Awesome job!

John Spotto

An absolute pleasurable experience dealing with South Shore Roofing. From the first contact with Justin, to the last correspondence with Erica at the office and the dealings with the project managers (Brent & Kyle) in between, it has been nothing but a very smooth & professional experience. The new roof looks fantastic and workmanship top notch.
If you need a new roof these are the people to seek out! Highly recommend South Shore Roofing!