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Which Roofing Materials Should I Choose?

When it comes to choosing the right material for your roof, you will find yourself with a handful of options. It can be overwhelming without direction from a skilled contractor. At Roofing Doctor, we aim to find you a balance between design and function when it comes to choosing your roof. Keep reading for answers to commonly asked questions about roofing materials. 


How Do I Narrow My Roofing Material Options?

The best place to start is with budget and climate. These two factors will dictate the options available to you. It is also important to consider the design and the overall structure of your roof. For example, asphalt shingles are commonly used here in New England because they are affordable and energy efficient. If you live in a warmer climate and are looking for more of a design statement, materials like clay tile are often used. Reference the chart below to get a better sense of which roofing material is right for you. Prefer to speak with someone directly? Give us a call at (401) 246-0711 and our roofing team will be happy to assist. 

Are There Different Color Options for Asphalt Roofs?

Asphalt roofs are highly affordable and durable, making them one of the most common materials used. The good news is that you can customize your asphalt shingles and choose a color to match your home. At Roofing Doctor, we use CertainTeed products for asphalt shingles, our most popular roofing material choice. For specialty shingles like cedar and tile, we use companies like Ludowici and Liberty Cedar Suppliers. 

The most popular colors we use for CertainTeed Shingles are Moire Black and Charcoal Black. They fade well over time, while still remaining true to their original color and they match very well with different color choices for your siding. People choose their colors based on a variety of factors like where they live, if they’re near the beach, or in a woodsy area, or based on their personal preferences and sunlight exposure. We suggest different colors for energy efficiency, which are usually light colors as they don’t absorb as much heat.

 

Do Some Roofing Types Take Longer to Install Than Others?

Slate and terracotta tiles are a heavier material, which require more particular hands on work and expertise. There are different kinds of metal work involved in these projects, like copper, and having to solder and weld these components together as they are custom for flashing and the valleys. It can be a challenge to find experts to work on these kinds of roofs, but if you are in the Massachusetts, Rhode Island area, our team can help you install this kind of roof. This style is more common in Europe and since the Roofing Doctor team is from Latvia, we have more training and experience with this kind of roof installation. Click here to get in touch with our team today

 

What Is The Most Common Type of Roof in Massachusetts and Rhode Island? 

Given the climate and affordability, asphalt roofs are the most common material used here in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We use CertainTeed because they are a local company from Norwood, MA. It is a well-established company and we appreciate the value of supporting local businesses and suppliers. It is also the heaviest shingle in the market, with a much better quality. You can only buy this directly from the distributor. They are not available in stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. If you are interested in this product, you will need to partner with a roofing contractor, like the Roofing Doctor. Click here to get an estimate on your next roofing project.


I Have Been Seeing Metal Roofs Around. What is the Benefit?

Metal roofs are excellent for extremely cold climates and do a great job of preventing ice dams. In Rhode Island and Massachusetts, we don’t often see climates cold enough to justify this kind of roof, which is why we do not install metal roofs. These are frequently used in more northern parts of the country where ice storms are common. 

Not sure where to start? Give us a call and we would be happy to point you in the right direction. You can reach us at (401) 246-0711

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