Whether you’re replacing your existing roof due to old age and/or excessive damage, or thinking about what kind of roof to put on a new building, knowing which one will work best for your location and building type, isn’t always easy.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a short list of factors to help you make an informed decision, and remember that for more detailed advice and guidance, you can always talk to a local roofing company:

What is the structure of your building and what is it made from?
Commercial properties are often built with a flat roof in mind, for example, and if you’re wanting to swap your flat roof for one with a higher gradient, your options may be limited.

If your home is an older building with a shingle roof and you want to replace it with one made from slate, you may find that you need to reinforce the structure to support the increased weight of slates.

Of course, if you’re building something and it’s still in the design stages, you can decide what type of roof you want and construct the building with this in mind.

Will you be in the building for the foreseeable future?
How much you choose to invest in a new roof could depend upon how long you plan to stay in the property; it doesn’t make much sense to spend out on a high-quality, long-lastingroof if you don’t plan on living there for the foreseeable future. That said, it is important to note that a new and professionally installed roof could make it more attractive to prospective buyers, and even help you sell your property for more.

How big is your budget?
Using your budget to invest in a new, durable and attractive roof is always a smart idea, but of course the type of roof you choose, will depend upon the size of your budget. Think long and hard about which materials the roof should be made from, and keep in mind that asphalt shingles are good value, and while metal roofing may cost more, it typically lasts at least 20 years longer.

Talk to a local roofing company and discuss your options with them in detail before making any decisions as to how best to invest your money.

What is the climate like in your region?
If you live in a hot and dry climate, you might find that asphalt shingles are a less effective choice, while tiles might give your home more protection, for longer. As with all materials, their cost varies significantly, so again, talk to your local roofing company and get their professional opinion about what roof would work best for the area you live in, and its climate.

Once you’ve thought through your roofing options carefullywith professional guidance, and decided upon a budget, you can go ahead and begin making plans to have the perfect roof installed on your home or business.

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Author, Freelance writer