Cost - The quality of your roof should be a great consideration when you are selecting a material. However, you need to be very realistic about your budget. Budgeting should be done way before you start hunting for a roofing material. This will help you know the limits you are working within and how achievable your dream roof is. It is also worth noting that a high price doesn't always guarantee quality.
Longevity - Durability is one of the things that everyone wants. It is never a good thing to keep on replacing roofs every few years. Before you get a roof installed, it is important to ask the contractor the projected duration of time that the material will last. As such, you can determine whether you will be saving money in the long run even if the initial cost is a bit pricey.
Installation and maintenance requirements - This is another very important point. You need to know how long it will take before you need a roof replacement or maintenance. You also have to consider how hard it is to install the material and whether it needs any kind of regular upkeep. You need to get this question answered early enough so as to be prepared for what lies ahead.
Design and colors - The roof is one of the most significant parts of your property and it is something that will be visible to many people and therefore cannot be ignored. You therefore need to consider aesthetics when choosing a material. The style and color that you settle for should boost the appeal of your property, not take it away. Your home or building's architectural style can determine the kind of materials that you are allowed to use. Asphalt shingles, for example, are perfect for many styles. However, with historic homes, tile roofing seems to be better, for commercial buildings, you may need metal roofs or built up roofs depending on the style that has been used to construct them.
Roofing application - You may be adding a new roof to a new structure or replacing a roof. These two scenarios make all the difference on the material that you choose. For new roofs, you can explore deeper since you don't have any existing components to work with. With replacement roofs however, you already have some components in existence.
