Everybody needs some kind of roof for their home, but there are so many different sorts to choose from that it is hard to know which one is best. A roof is a big investment, and it will need to stay strong and resilient for many years to come. You shouldn’t simply choose the first roof you come across because you need to make sure it is going to serve you well.

There are two basic questions you should as yourself:
What sort of shape is my roof?
What is the most important thing my roof needs to protect me from?

If you have a mostly flat roof, or a roof with a slight downward tilt, and you don’t get a lot of precipitation where you live, roll roofing might be a good idea either instead of or to reinforce a shingle roof.

The Benefits of Roll Roofing

Roofing contractors tend to recommend roll roofing because it is easy to install compared to other types of roofing. Roll roofing can be literally rolled on in one big sheet rather than having to be nailed on one shingle at a time. You can buy it in a range of lengths and weights, so it can suit nearly any type of roof. The quicker a roof can be installed, the less you have to spend paying roofing contractors. You could install it yourself, but this is not a good idea unless you have roofing experience. The roof is too important to your home to take chances with. When installed correctly, roll roofing can last for an average of ten years.

The majority of roll roofing is made from asphalt, which is water resistant, readily available, easy to maintain, and resistant to both fire and wind. It is also very cost effective, being one of the lowest cost roofing materials available.

Is Roll Roofing Right For You?

Roll roofing may not be the answer to all your roofing problems. It doesn’t last nearly as long as other roofing materials such as slate or metal, which is one of the reasons roll roofing has such a low cost. However, it is a good choice if you need to replace a roof at a time when money is tight and you cannot afford to spend a lot of expensive materials.

If you don’t plan to stay in your present home for a long time, roll roofing is a good option. But if you plan to stay for many years to come, you may want to consider other materials that will last longer. Your contractor may suggest shingles that can be installed over the top of roll roofing to add extra toughness and durability. Make sure you research all the options available to you before you make a decision, and ask around to see what other people have experienced with their type of roof.