When you are in need of an entire new roofing system for your home, there are a lot of things to think about. You need to decide on the type of material based on the benefits and drawbacks of each choice. Here are some steps to follow that will help you choose the best roof for your home.

Consider Your Local Climate

The area you live in and the type of weather and climate you are prone to make a big difference in choosing a new roofing system. Some roofing materials are susceptible to damage from things like high heat, ice-cold temperatures, or excessive rain. If you live in a location that gets a lot of rain, you might not want to go with wood shake or wood shingles, as it can warp and get damaged from extra moisture. If your home is located somewhere that tends to get a lot of high heat or fires, you should go with materials like metal and slate, since they tend to be able to handle heat and are fire-resistant. Take a look at each roofing material and what temperatures, weather, and natural disasters it can handle.

Choose the Material Based on Your Roof Slope

You also need to consider the slope your roof currently has. If you have a flat roof, you are limited with the materials you can have. Flat and low-sloped roofs often use tar and gravel, bitumen roofing, or polyurethane foam. With higher pitches, you tend to have more options. With a medium slope, you should be able to have your choice of different types of shingles, such as asphalt and metal shingles. However, clay and slate tiles, as well as some metal roofing materials, work better with a steep slope. A roofing contractor can look at your current roofing structure and let you know which materials you have to choose from, based on the slope and pitch of the roof.

Think About the Maintenance

You also want to think about how much maintenance is required for certain roofing systems and whether or not you are willing to put in the work. Some roofing materials are practically maintenance-free, such as clay tile and slate materials. Others, like asphalt shingles or metal shingles, might require a small amount of maintenance. Some roofing materials are prone to cracks and holes, deteriorating, rusting, and buildup of debris. Others need to be sealed so that rain, snow, and other elements don't cause damage to them.

Contact a roofing company like Roof Plus for more information.