Tips on Choosing Roof Shingles for Your Custom Home

Building a custom home means you can use any material to build your home. Just like any other area of your home, you will have to decide on your roof because it has a significant impact on the overall look and functionality of your custom home. 

Building a roof with quality materials can positively impact your home in terms of safety and durability. What you should or shouldn’t use depends on many factors, including your budget, design choices, and more. We’d suggest you discuss your needs with affordable custom home builders Dallas before deciding on any one option. 

Different designs demand different materials for roof appropriation and here we will be digging deep on different tips on choosing roof shingles for your custom home.  

Criteria for Choosing Roof Material

There are different types of roofing materials that are used commonly but before we go into the details of each one, let’s get a look at the criteria for selecting a roofing material.

Architecture

The architecture of your custom house can be a major factor when it comes to selecting the roofing material. The design and style can only be made with molded stuff or by using tiles.

Homeowners Association

Every neighborhood has its own homeowner’s association. These associations have rules to use the same color, material, and style. So, if you want to live there, you need to follow the mandate.  

Energy Efficiency

For energy efficiency, you need to choose the roof color suitable for your area’s weather conditions. Also, the color of your roof should complement the exterior of your home design and style, and it can be energy efficient.  

Longevity

One of the main things that you want is your roof to stay durable for a long time. Using quality material can ensure that your roof stays durable for a lot of years. But you have to keep up with the occasional wear and tear.  

Weather Conditions

The weather conditions in your area also play a major factor in choosing a roofing material. The wind, humidity, snow, and tropical weather can influence your roofing material choice.  

Budget

Custom homes are usually built by rich people, but even rich people have to remain within their budget to complete their homes. If you have a flexible budget, try to choose a material that ensures the longevity and durability of your roof.  

Style

Lastly, you would want your home to look good therefore choosing a material that can make your roof attractive is necessary. 

Weight

You would need to choose the roofing shingles that can be suitable for the structure of your building. Applying unnecessary dead load can make the roof collapse. 

Different Types of Roofs and their Characteristics

Let’s have a look at each one and see how they can be suitable for your custom home.  

Asphalt Composite Shingles:

Asphalt composite shingles are a very popular roofing material. It is widely common because they are affordable than the other materials. These shingles are made from a fiberglass base along with asphalt and mineral granules. Sometimes, the roofing contractors use recycled paper in the mixture as well. The asphalt composite shingles are available in a variety of colors that can be matched with any shade.  

They are easy to install, energy-efficient, and allow reflective light in your home if you choose them in a neutral shade.

However, the asphalt composite shingles don’t last long if they are poorly built. Since there are so many options, you may find a lot of substandard shingles in the market. Be aware of their quality and buy from a reputable supplier. Asphalt shingles possess no insulation properties. These shingles can be recycled but they are not a sustainable solution. The recycled material is used for landfills though.

Wood Shingles

A popular choice of roofing mostly in custom country homes is wood shingles. The best thing about wood shingles is that it gives away a natural look to your home. The wood shingles can be cut with the help of machines, but wood skates can be cut by hand to restore the natural rustic appearance. Adding wood shingles can make your home warm and classic.

Wood shingles have a variety based on different varieties of wood. In comparison to asphalt shingles, wood shingles can last more years. But wood can catch fire and if you choose wood shingles in your home, the insurance value will be less. Wood cannot be recycled and if you are not careful, it can cause mold and algae on your roofs.

Concrete Tiles

Lately, concrete tiles are proving the best decision when it comes to selecting roofing materials for commercial buildings. 

The concrete tiles are made with clay, wood, and concrete material. The material is kind of rough, but it is efficient. 

It is strong and has adequate weight. These are easy to install on the roof and can long for more than 50 years easily. The concrete tiles can protect the roof from moisture, insects, and even fire. 

It is energy-efficient but due to its heaviness, it may require a frame to support its weight. Usually, concrete tiles don’t break easily but if it breaks, it may be a little harder to fix it.

Metal roofs

Back in the day, metal roofs were made of tin but now they have been upgraded. However, now metal roofs are made of different metals including zinc, steel, copper, and aluminum with a hint of stone coating.  They are durable and are available in different colors. The stone coating can make it look like wood, clay tiles, or even asphalt shingles.

Metal roofs are extremely durable, and they can keep the fire contained in a room. But metal roofs are really expensive and if they are hit by something, it may be difficult to restore them to their genuine state. You might have to replace it.

Conclusion

If you are constructing your home where you are not bound to follow any regulations, you can use any style, material, and color according to your choice.