Roof replacement is considered a costly home improvement project, but with the right resources at hand, you can cut back on expenses. While aesthetic appeal is important, this should not be the only deciding factor. Seasoned Fairfax roof repair experts will tell you that materials and installation costs also contribute to the entire selection process.

An excerpt from an E-How.com article discusses the salient factors to consider when choosing the appropriate roofing material:

[…] Be sure to keep your local climate in mind when choosing your roofing material. If you live in a hot climate, you may want a metal roof to reflect heat, rather than asphalt shingles, which can end up absorbing a lot more heat into your attic. Conversely, if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and rain, you’ll want to be sure that your roofing materials can stand up to moisture. Wooden shakes, while an attractive choice, are prone to rot over time if they get too much water. Wooden roofing materials are also more dangerous in dry climates, where fire is a serious concern. Finally, if you live in an area of high wind, lighter materials like corrugated metal and composition shingles may be blown around, while heavier materials like tile and slate will be unmoved. […]

Save on labor costs
Asphalt shingles are relatively less formidable to install unlike other conventional materials that need special tools. If you have worked on the roof before, this is one DIY project you can accomplish in order to cut back significantly on labor costs. Asphalt shingle is also lighter in weight, compared with slate, and need no framing reinforcement in the attic.

Blends easily with various architectural styles
Asphalt shingles never go out of style, which is why a lot of homeowners still favor them. Asphalt shingles perfectly match structures of varied architectural styles, whether contemporary or traditional. Available in a wide array of colors and patterns, asphalt shingles are mixed and matched in an experiment to create a more balanced and harmonious look overall.

If this DIY project feels risky to you, and roofing work always is, the Better Business Bureau advises that you need to be cautious when hiring a roofing contractor. Take some time researching on the company’s work reputation.

Before finalizing the work agreement with your contractor, make sure the details in the work checklist are set down in a written contract. Remember, lower estimates don’t always mean quality materials and services. Have your asphalt shingles installed by dependable Fairfax, VA roofing contractors like Northern Virginia Roofing Company.