As the saying goes a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. Neither is a roof. Choosing a roof is a long term decision. Think about what will be in keeping with the architecture of the whole house. Fashions come and go; your roof will probably be around for decades.
The location of your home is an important factor. If you are near the coast or in an area known for high wind or extreme weather with a lot of snow, you should look for a roofing system that will help minimize potential problems with corrosion, leaks or system failure. We happen to know one extreme weather resistant roofing system;)
More seriously, roofing is a specialist, stand-alone trade. It’s not a job for a general builder or a DIY guru. Make sure you don’t give this job to a friend who claims to be a jack of all trades.
Roof quotations can be complex and deceptive. Make sure yours include all costs – such as building paper, roof battens, labor cost and other roof-related materials – so you can compare ‘like with like’.
Investigate your options before you decide. The first step is research – on the web, on foot, over the phone and in conversations with other homeowners. This section – Learn About Roofs – is designed to help with your roofing system research, so that you can make a decision you’ll be happy to live with for decades to come.