Although low-cost roofing materials may seem like they give more bang for the buck, there are still many things to consider when choosing what material to put on your roof.

Take asphalt shingles, for example, which perform well in keeping rain, snow, and even hail out, but has a shorter life span compared to other materials and is easier to get damaged. Asphalt could be a good choice for those who are on a limited budget, but if you want longevity, then a different material may be more suitable.

There are many kinds of roofing materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages as well as price ranges. Apart from researching well what they have to offer, KCET.org contributor Chris Clarke says to consider whether the material would qualify as a cool roof, a type of roofing that is able to reflect a significant amount of sunlight and keep the heat out of the home.

Clarke writes,

Cool roofs are not just about painting your roof white, though that’s an accessible entry- level solution. In addition to reflecting a lot of light, a truly cool roof will allow the little bit of heat that it creates to radiate back out rather than be absorbed into the building. This means that in addition to considering the albedo of your new roof, you also need to keep its thermal emittance in mind. Different substances will emit different amounts of heat, and the choice of roofing material thus makes a difference.

There are many different materials, such as slate, wood, and even certain types of asphalt shingles, which you could use to cool up your roof and home. Cool roofing in Leesburg homes can help cut down costs on energy as less heat would be transferred into your living space. Although many people are concerned that cool roofs may not be so beneficial during the cold season, studies show that it makes little difference as sunlight during the winter isn’t as strong anyway.

Before replacing your roofing in Leesburg, VA, see to it that you work with leading contractors like the Northern Virginia Roofing Company. This is necessary as there are several building codes and regulations that you have to take into account with every roofing or home improvement project, and experienced contractors definitely know the ins and outs of the entire process.