(702) 646-7536Finding the Perfect Roofer: A Guide to Choosing New Roof Tiles
How to Choose New Roof Tiles for Your Roofing Project
Replacing your roof is a big project, so it’s important to have a plan and make the best choice for your new roof tiles. As a homeowner, it’s important to have some knowledge about the process of selecting roofing materials so you can ask the right questions and discuss options with your roofing professional.
Here are some things to consider before you decide on your new roof tiles while choosing a qualified roofer in your area:
- Roofing Materials: Selecting Your New Roof Tiles
- Types of Roofing: Roof Tile Characteristics
- Factors to Consider Regarding Price in a Quality Roofing Installation
- Other Important Factors to Consider for Your Roofing Project
- How to Choose a Professional Roofer
Selecting your New Roof Tiles
Durability and Reliability of Roofing Materials
Your roof is key to protecting your entire home. Your new roof should be ready to take on that job for decades to come. Any new roof tiles you select should be both durable and reliable. There are various types of roofing. Some types of tiles are more durable than others. For example, slate tiles may last over 100 years, and clay or cement tiles around 50-100 years. The lifetime of asphalt roof tiles is 15-30 years.
Consider the lifespan of different tile materials, such as slate, clay, cement, or asphalt, and choose reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality tiles to ensure a quality roofing installation.
Another thing to check is the manufacturer’s warranty.
Architectural Style and Structure of Your Roofing Project
Your new roof tiles should complement the architectural style and structure of your home. The type of tiles you choose may depend on factors such as the framing required, the pitch of your roof, and the overall aesthetic appeal you’re aiming for with your roofing project. Consult with an experienced and reliable roofer who can guide you in selecting tiles that not only fit your home but also enhance its visual appeal.
To enhance the beauty of your home, match your roof tiles to the style of your home during your roofing project. A historic Colonial or Victorian home, for example, will look good with a slate roof. Clay tiles, new or reclaimed, will enhance the beauty of a Mediterranean-style home. The preferred choice for stucco homes, common in the Southwest, is generally concrete tiles, which are available in many different styles, textures, and colors.
Consider the roofing materials and styles most common in your neighborhood so that your home doesn’t look out of place. Match the style, color, and texture of the roof tiles to other features of your home. This will maintain a consistent look and help highlight your home’s best features.
Roof Tile Characteristics on Roofing Installations
Roof tiles have different characteristics to be considered in the selection process, depending on the roofing materials and other factors. It’s important to know how tiles perform under different conditions. Some of the characteristics you and your roofer may look for in the tiles you choose include fire resistance, wind resistance, thermal properties (how well they help maintain the temperature in your home in hot and cold weather), sound resistance, and moisture retention (do they absorb moisture and become heavier?). Tiles that are interlocking, for example, will better weatherproof your home. Your roof pitch may affect your choice of tiles as well.
Other questions you may have for your roofer about your choice of tiles include how easy they are to install and maintain, how your tiles change over time, or if you live by the coast, how they handle salt air. The characteristics of your new tiles will include how they are laid out, affecting the overall look of the finished roof. Discuss these characteristics with your roofing professional to make an informed decision.
Roofing Project Pricing
Price is a primary factor for most homeowners when choosing new roof tiles and quality roofing. You will want to find the best performing tiles for your budget. Four factors to consider when budgeting for your new roof are:
- What is the cost of the tiles?
- How does the choice of the tiles affect installation cost?
- How long will your tiles last (tiles that have to be replaced in 15 years, in the long run, will be more expensive than tiles that last 30, 50, or 100 years)?
- How much maintenance or possible repairs will this roof need over time, adding to the overall cost of the roof?
Other Considerations for Your Roofing Project
Local Building Code
For every quality roofing installation, your roof will need to comply with any local building codes. You may also need to be in compliance with any HOA rules if you are part of a Homeowners’ Association. Your licensed roofer will help make sure you meet the local building requirements. Speak with them about this process and be sure to get copies for your records if there are any permits or other documentation involved.
Maintenance and Repair Needs for Various Types of Roofing
When choosing a roof, ask about what type of routine maintenance you should expect from your roofing experts. When possible, choose a roof that needs little care, as these roofs are usually sturdy, waterproof, and durable to begin with. With quality roofing, repairs should only be needed in case of storm damage, such as a falling tree.
The type of roofing materials you select for your roofing project is dependent on several factors. Don’t select roof tiles that will not handle the most severe weather conditions for your area. In hot zones, choose tiles that are not damaged by the UV rays of the sun. In rainy, windy, or stormy climates, be sure tiles will hold up to severe rainstorms and not break or move, allowing water to seep under the tiles. If you experience frequent freezes, tiles should be able to handle large temperature swings and ice buildup without warping or breaking, which can cause roof leaks.
Proper Roof Installation
Key to the success of your new roof is correct, professional, quality installation. Unqualified roofers may not properly nail tiles in the pattern and places needed to ensure they stay in place regardless of the weather. A licensed, experienced roofer with a focus on workmanship quality and extensive roofing industry knowledge will have the necessary training and experience to ensure a proper installation. They will know how to install the underlayment and flashing and how to lay the tiles so they remain securely in place, protecting your home for decades to come. Regardless of the quality or price of your roof materials, the cost to correct the problems can be high if they are not installed correctly. Therefore, choosing a trustworthy and skilled contractor who prioritizes workmanship quality is crucial for the long-term performance and durability of your roof.
Roof Warranty
Your roof warranty will be a reflection of the quality of the materials and manufacturing. Select a reputable manufacturer and read the warranty before making your final decision. Your manufacturer will usually have a standard manufacturer warranty, covering the materials in case of factory defect. Your professional roofer may offer a craftsmanship warranty on the installation work they do for you. Extended warranties may be available for an extra cost to cover your complete roofing system for an extended period.
Choosing A Professional Roofer
Probably the most important choice you will make when selecting your new roof tiles is the roofer. Finding a good roofing contractor requires that you keep a few things in mind. Your roofer should be reliable and able to guide you through the entire process, installing the new tiles to your satisfaction. The knowledge and experience of a qualified roofer make all the difference between a successful roofing project and one filled with poor decisions, delays, and mistakes.
When choosing your roofer, be sure they are licensed and carry insurance. It’s important to know they have expertise in your type of project. You can check out their portfolio of local projects or ask for a few references from satisfied clients. . To avoid fly-by-night contractors, check that they have a local office in your area.
Most of all, meet with your roofer before you sign, and make sure they are someone you can work with, and that both of you have the same goals for your roofing project. A good roofer will explain their process, walk you through their contract, and answer your questions. They will also have expert recommendations for roofing materials from reputable manufacturers.
Las Vegas Roofer
Prestige Roofing has been installing roofs in Las Vegas for over 25 years. We have roofing industry knowledge through years of experience with concrete and clay tile roof installations, slate, shake roof shingles, and custom metal roofing, including copper and zinc. If you have a roofing project in Las Vegas and need help selecting the best roof tiles for your home, give us a call at 702-646-7536.
Prestige Roofing’s work ranges from service and repair work, re-roofing and new construction work, commercial and residential work. They have also done work for ultra-custom projects around the Las Vegas Valley.
