Which Type Of Roof is Best For My Home in Central Pennsylvania

How to Choose Between Metal, Shingle and Flat Roofs

Things To Consider

Asphalt shingles, flat roofs, and metal roofs are the most common types of roofs that homeowners in the Bellefonte area choose. As a homeowner, you’ll want to factor in all associated costs of your new roof. When you have an entire home to maintain, it’s important to budget for your new roof. The health of your roof is essential, and it’s money well spent to choose a roofing style and material that meets your requirements. Regular roof maintenance allows you to prepare and plan to replace your roof when you’ve decided on the best option and before having to do emergency repairs. When investing in a new roof, you want a roofing material that adds to the value and aesthetic of your home. It’s helpful to look at the most popular roofing material and designs in your local Pennsylvania area. Your roof not only guards you against outside elements but also protects the market value of your home. 

As you do your research, factor in any associated costs of your roofing material. Spending a bit extra to work with a professional roofing company lowers the chance of issues arising with your roof installation. Ask for recommendations or read reviews about the most professional roofing companies in your area like Double L Construction. Our reputation is built by happy customers who are eager to share our service with others. 

You'll want to know the price of roofing material outright but also the related roof installation costs. As you consider asphalt shingles, metal, or flat roofing, make sure you understand all the associated costs upfront. If you plan on selling soon or remaining long-term, you’ll want to factor this into your roof installation plans. If you plan on staying in your home indefinitely, you might opt for a roofing material with a long lifespan or choose a luxury roofing layout. 

As you weigh the benefits of flat roofs, shingled roofing, and metal roofing material, also consider the amount of time you spend in your home. Your roof won’t maintain itself, which is why it’s important to hire a professional roofing company to install your roof with precision and efficiency. Regular maintenance applies to all roofing materials though different roofing materials require different professional roofing treatments. 

Certain materials are also subject to a longer lifespan and insurance policy, which means your roof is insured and protected from out-of-pocket costs. Make sure you have the proper roofing insurance in place for the roofing material you desire. To get the most durability out of your roofing material, consider any weather-related issues that are common in your area. Every roofing material acts differently under different conditions. To get a complete picture of your roofing material, book a proper professional roofing assessment for your home before finalizing your decision. 

To save you from wasting time, money, and stress, hire our professional roofers to ensure your installation is done right from start to finish. A professional roofing company such as Double L Construction brings their insight and experience into your assessment for the best roofing material for your particular home. We help you weigh your options regarding roof longevity and proper roof insurance. Our goal is to get you set up mentally and financially for your new roof installation before any work occurs.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingled roofs are the most popular roofing choice for the average American home. As an Amish roofing company, we help our customers choose the best natural roof for their home’s design. Asphalt shingles are an affordable roofing choice for most homeowners and come in any color to complement the look of your home. Shingles come in three different styles depending on the look you wish to achieve. They offer a traditional look to your roof that many people prefer. You can choose from 3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles, or luxury shingles for a smooth and efficient roof installation and luxury roof. All three varieties of roofing shingles offer manufacturer guarantees for multi-year warranties. 

Shingled roofs are versatile and easily adapt to the majority of roof designs and layouts. It’s an affordable choice of roofing material that allows you to personalize and compliment your home easily. Another plus to shingled roofing is that it is easy to replace and repair. Asphalt shingles often need to be replaced in small areas and patches without having to replace the entire roof. You can extend the lifespan of your roof by simply monitoring areas of your roof that are most exposed to the weather. Asphalt shingles will collect water and can retain the water leading to curling and disintegrating shingles. Areas of your roof that are exposed to more sun can lead to fading or discoloration. Both elements wear away at the quality of your asphalt shingles though it’s still a desirable choice for quick and affordable roofing repairs. You also don’t need to worry about the rust that can damage metal roofs and shorten their lifespan. 

Asphalt shingles are installed in overlapping sheets that protect your roof from the damage of wind, rain, and snow. The installation process offers optimal water drainage which decreases the amount of potential water damage. It’s still important to factor in the proper water drainage which will also extend the lifespan of your asphalt roof. Having the proper gutter system in place and installing your asphalt shingle to maximize water runoff will reduce the need for repairs. Asphalt shingles also come pre-cut and ready to install which makes them easy for our professional roofing team to get to work as soon as the job is ready for us. 

Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective roofing materials upfront, and last long enough to provide consistent value in the long term. Asphalt shingles are an excellent option for Pennsylvania homeowners on a budget who may need to repair their roof in sections until they have the budget to replace the entire roof.

Metal Roofing

Another option for your home is metal roofing. Metal roofs are gaining popularity for their long-lasting durability and insulating roof qualities. Metal roofs offer longevity, and can last up to 40 -70 years depending on the quality of the material and the local climate. Their durability is most desirable for commercial buildings where aesthetics is not the priority, though are gaining traction with Pennsylvania residential owners due to their superior lifespan.

In terms of safety, metal roofing also has a very low flammability index. This appeals to homeowners who experience intense heat waves during summer as we do in Pennsylvania. If you don’t live near a body of water, this is important to factor into your choice when choosing your ideal roofing material. Metal roofing will decrease the fire hazard risk (and likely your insurance) for your home. There can be many reasons for fires, but if you live in areas where forest fires are common, then you want a roofing material that protects from fires.

Another appealing benefit of metal roofs is their natural insulating properties. This helps to regulate your home’s internal temperature. In the warmer months, your metal roof will deflect a lot of the sun and in cooler months the metal roof adds extra insulation. This is attractive to your wallet and will lower your overall home energy costs. A professional roofing company should share both the pros and cons of your roofing material, so you can choose what matters to you most. Lowering your carbon imprint is an attractive quality for many homeowners in the Belleforte area. 

Metal is also a very lightweight material to install, which makes it a very attractive option for professional roofing companies. Each section comes in a 12-36 inch panel that is easy to manage and maneuver. It is also one of the easiest roofing materials to install on sloped roofs to ensure you get the professional roofing installation you deserve. 

Metal roofs may be a slightly bigger investment upfront, but is still a cost-effective roofing material to replace and install. It offsets costs you may spend on your electricity bill and saves you from needing a roof replacement as quickly. Metal roofs also don’t absorb water the way asphalt shingles do, and with  professional roof installation, you can create a layout that allows for maximum water runoff. This will reduce the number of roof repairs and decrease rust which is the main disadvantage of metal roofs. 

Metal roofs also offer a uniform look throughout your roof which prevents the appearance of discolored shingles.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs may not be the first roof that comes to mind, but they can also be a perfect fit depending on the building. As a low-maintenance roof option, they are often very easy to clean and versatile. It’s a great option for homes that don’t need or want the aesthetic of a luxury roofing material. Flat roofs are a very practical choice for building owners as they are easy to maintain and allow plenty of space for HVAC units. This also saves costs protecting the HVAC unit and still affords plenty of room on the roof.

As you budget for your flat roof, you want to add up the cost of material, installation, and maintenance. Because there is generally less material to buy and lower costs to maintain, it ends up being another affordable roofing material for certain buildings. The same square footage for a pitched roof could be thousands of dollars more than a flat roof. Installing a flat roof is much easier than climbing around and cutting material to various angles. They are also easy to clear when there are heavier winds or debris you’ll need to clear.

Another attractive advantage is that you can use your rooftop as a functional space. It could become a common area or garden but there are ways to add extra storage or recreational use to your rooftop. Building owners often prefer to have room to utilize the space on their roofs in many different ways. It is also very easy to install your flat roof, with the option of adding environmentally friendly features like solar panels. Again, get clear with the functions you value most in your roof when having your roof professionally assessed.

The main issue with flat roofs is that you will want to keep excess water from sitting too long. It might not be the perfect choice for your home if you live in a climate with constant heavy snow. It’s still possible to maintain your flat roof with the proper gutter installation and drainage. It also may not offer the same aesthetic appeal that other roofing material might. 

Selecting the right roofing material for your home should start by deciding on what qualities matter to you the most. All three types of roof materials we install at Double L Construction have value for different roof types and purposes. Choose a roofing material that fits your home and see it as an investment in your time, budget, and market value. You’ll want to prioritize if it’s aesthetic appeal, budget, functionality, or longevity that makes the most sense for your material. As one of the best Roofing companies in Pennsylvania, we’re here help you decide on the best type of roof for your home. Contact us for all of your professional roofing needs. We provide free estimates within 24 hours.