AskARoofer.com > Tips for Picking Out a New Roof

Tips for Picking Out a New Roof

August 25, 2021 at 6:00 a.m.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.

Why you should try before you buy when it comes to roof shopping.

When it comes to picking a new roof, the number of options can be overwhelming. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to selecting a roof since it is such a big investment, and you want to be sure you are choosing functional and beautiful materials that will last. Luckily, there are multiple tools available to help you make the most informed decision.

Here are some helpful ways to conduct research for selecting your new roof:

Drive around the neighborhood and see what you like

A drive around the neighborhood is a great way to pull inspiration and get a feel for the look of the neighborhood. Having examples in your mind when you go to your roofer will help them understand what you are looking for in your new roof. Take note of color and design options that are appealing to you and what designs would fit with your neighbors' homes.

Visit a roofing showroom

In a roofing showroom you can view samples, full-size displays, texture and color boards to find the best materials for your project all in one place. Sometimes the best way to make a tough decision is to see something in person, and a roofing showroom is ideal for seeing a lot of options at once.

Ask your contractor what products he/she recommends

It is hard to make a misstep when you ask an expert. Contractors are a great resource because they know your roof and your project intimately and they know what will be beneficial for your roof. Further, roofing professionals will know the best products for building a resilient roof that is cost effective and can meet specific requirements for your location.

Research energy efficient options

Looking into greener options is a great place to start when doing research on a new roof. Green roof options like solar or foam insulated roofs will save you money that would be going toward an energy bill. Plus, energy-efficient materials are better for the environment.

Check out any roofing innovations

In the same vein of looking into greener roofs when starting your research, checking out roofing innovations is a great way to inform your roof selection. Exploring new technologies will help you put a finger to the pulse on how to upgrade and add value to your home with your new roof. Plus, new roofing innovations offer plenty of solutions to traditional roofing issues that will make your roof stronger and more efficient.

Look online

Many roofing manufacturers feature online tools that will help you visualize and inform yourself on the best roofing materials for your home. These tools let you upload a picture of your house and select different roofing shingles, colors and technologies to see what your home would look like.

Here is a small directory of online visualizers to use for selecting a new roof:

These design tools and features let you “try on” different roof styles and colors on your home. Visualizers like these allow you to design your roof your way and customize your roofing choices while providing important information on the materials selected. Additionally, these tools make it easy to compare products and assess the price point of your project.

Try before you buy

Trying before you buy your roof is the best way to make sure your roof fits your specifications and looks beautiful with your home. The tools available to you are invaluable in making an informed decision with your purchase. Plus, the process is convenient and easy, you can visualize your future roof from anywhere and take however long you need to make the best decision for your home. These online tools give you the space to play around with options and home design ideas so you can customize your roof and have a visual representation of what you would like from your contractor.

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Category: Roofing 101