If you’re building a new home, planning an addition, or replacing an old roof, selecting the right roofing materials will protect your property and help you save money over time. Whether you need traditional asphalt shingles for your home or a durable metal covering for the garage, the team at Nunda Lumber & Hardware will help you find the ideal product. They’ve been serving Livingston County, NY, for over 85 years, making them a trusted name in the home improvement industry. Here, they outline three factors to consider before investing in new roofing materials. 

Code Compliance

As you research your options, make sure the products you’re interested in meet New York’s state building standards. The state has specific codes governing which materials are allowed and how they should be treated during the manufacturing process to ensure their safety. For example, fire-retardant wood shakes and shingles are permitted, but they must undergo a vacuum-pressure chemical application process to be considered safe for residential use.    

Roof Slope

The slope or pitch of your roof and strength of your framing will also limit which building materials will be best suited for your project. You can calculate the pitch by determining how many inches the roof rises for every 12 inches it extends horizontally.  For roofs with a low pitch, between one- and three-twelfths, asphalt shingles are not suitable, as water does not drain fast enough and will permeate the material. In these situations, nonporous metal sheeting is your best option.

Shingles are most often used on roofs with a four-twelfths pitch or greater. Wood shake and slate are appropriate for roofs with a pitch that measures five-twelfths or greater because they are more prone to leakage than asphalt or composite and need the steeper slope to help them drain properly. 

Longevity & Price

Roofing materials are designed to protect your home, so they represent a significant financial investment. Most products will last several decades in normal weather conditions, helping you control maintenance costs. Asphalt shingles cost around 80 cents per square foot and have an average life span of 20 years. If you love the look of premium slate, you can expect to pay upwards of $15 per square foot—but this roofing material can last up to 150 years with proper maintenance, making it an affordable option in the long term. 

The home improvement experts at Nunda Lumber & Hardware will guide you to the roofing material that is right for your project and budget, ensuring the results are affordable and made to last. These building specialists are proud to offer high-quality products from the industry’s most reliable brands. Call them at (585) 468-2521 or visit their website for more information about their products and custom construction packages.