A roof is one of the essential elements of any home. When building a new custom home, you’ll want to choose a roof that not only fits your design preferences and budget but also provides lasting value and protection. We will go over some key points that you should keep in mind when selecting your new roof.

What roofing material will you use?

Choosing the right roofing material is an important factor to a quality built home. That's why it's important for homebuyers to understand their options. Deciding what type of roof to install will vary depending on the climate where you live. There are many options to choose from, and each has its pros and cons, but your Wausau Homes builder is fully equipped to help you decide which will be best suited for your new custom home.

Some homeowners may have one bad storm, and the next day they're looking for a new roof. Roofs do more than just protect your home from water; they also provide insulation for both hot and cold weather. Determining whether you should go with asphalt, metal, or slate is up to your needs - and budget!

There are asphalt shingles, metal roofs, clay tiles, cedar shakes and shingles, composite panels with wood or fiber-cement siding-type boards. Because Wausau Homes serves the Midwest population, let’s look a little deeper at a few specific roofing types we use and what might be the best application based on climate and budget.

Asphalt Roofs

Asphalt roofing has been a reliable staple in the construction industry for custom homes. There are several advantages to using this material, including its durability and affordability. Asphalt also has superior insulation properties, which can reduce your monthly energy bills by up to 50 percent.

The shingle’s design is crucial because it needs to be made from a moisture-resistant material and can withstand weather conditions like rain or snow. These materials must also reflect light into the atmosphere so that less heat can escape through them during hotter days. These shingles’ durability is another critical attribute; they should last at least 15 years, if not more than 20 years, without any noticeable damage!

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are one of the newest and most valuable roofing materials on the market. They have a strong reputation in metropolitan areas, especially in Midwestern states like Illinois. The Midwest is notorious for extreme temperatures - not only do winters get very cold, but summers get hot. This fluctuation in temperature can lead to problems with asphalt roofs, which can't provide enough insulation during winter or protection from sun damage during the summer months. Metal roofs are a top contender when it comes to being able to withstand these climates while still providing excellent insulation and UV protection throughout every season!

Asphalt shingle roofs are typically installed in a few days or less with little prep work required. On the other hand, metal roofs require more time and money upfront. While asphalt shingles last 15-20 years before they need any replacement, metal roofs can last three times as long - as much as 50-80 years!

Slate Roofs

The benefits of slate as roofing material are numerous: it's durable and can stand up to different climates while also being able to last centuries without needing repairs or replacement panels like other materials might need.  And that durability comes at an equally high price. Slate is mined from quarries, which means it's rare and expensive. Slate roofs are perfect for the Midwest, but their cost makes them impractical in many cases. Because of the cost, many homeowners don't even consider slate a viable option when deciding on what type of roofing system they want to be installed on their homes.

How do I pick a roof that goes with the style of my home?

There are many roof styles options available to choose from. Do you want a traditional flat style, or perhaps something with more of an arch? From metal roofs to clay tile, from asphalt to slate shingles. In the end, it is your decision.

With all of the different types of materials, styles, and colors, there is an option out there to match your home’s exterior appeal. If you want a traditional look, then asphalt shingles would fit in nicely with your custom home design. Conversely, if you want something more modern, then metal roofs are an option. They come in tons of finishes like copper or silver. Choosing a roof can seem daunting at first, but with these tips and your local Wausau Homes builder, it should be much easier for you to pick a roof style that fits your taste and budget perfectly!

Choose a color for your roofing that complements your house's exterior design.

Do you want a color that will coordinate with the exterior design of your custom home? An excellent way to start is by thinking about the material and style of your home. Is it made from brick, wood, stone, or metal? What color is the brick, and what colors have you chosen for your siding? What kind of shape does your roof have? A traditional colonial or modern farmhouse? All of these factors can contribute to how you pick your roof color.

Roofing materials are available in various colors, each contributing to the overall aesthetic of your home. There are a variety of roofing materials to choose from depending on what you want. At our  Wausau Homes design studios, we use 3D video technology to help you see what your custom home will look like before we ever begin the build.

Check for any warranties on materials and installation.

One of the most important considerations when designing a new home is making sure you are getting the best possible roof for your money. It's essential to check for any warranties on roofing materials as part of the home building process, as it will help you save money in the future. Your warranty ensures that if anything were to happen with your new roof, such as leakage or damage from weather elements, you would want to know what your coverage will be. Your Wausau Homes builder will be able to provide some recommendations.

Wausau Homes is here to help put the roof on your custom home.

Your roof is a valuable part of the exterior of the home. It protects all of the things that make a house a home and keeps it looking beautiful for years to come. Because there are so many options on the market today, choosing one can be overwhelming and confusing. You want to choose something that will stand up well in Midwest winters but also looks great year-round.

Wausau Homes has been building custom homes for more than 60 years now, and we have seen just about every kind of roofing option out there on the market today! We've had plenty of experience with every type of roof under the sun. We know what works best and can help you decide on the right style for your new home.

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