Your roof’s utilitarian purpose is to keep your home dry and protected from the elements. But an attractive roofing material can add elegance to your home, highlight clean lines, complement the natural world around your home, and tie together your home’s exterior theme.
In this post we’ll review some common roof materials seen in Myrtle Beach and along the Grand Strand.
Roof Material Considerations
The big three considerations when selecting a roof material are cost, style, and performance in coastal weather.
Cost: Roofing material is not always the first thing that comes to mind when clients are designing a custom home and working with a builder within a budget. However, your budget can greatly limit the material choices available.
For example, asphalt or composition shingle roofs are one of the least expensive options for roofing materials. Conversely, a slate is comparatively expensive, and it is more costly to install as well.
Regardless of your budget, Odom Design works with clients to find a functional and attractive roof that ties together your home while keeping the inside safe from water and moisture.
Style: All roofing materials are suitable for what they are there for–to keep your home dry. But certain materials work better with different home styles and aesthetics.
For example, a Mediterranean-styled home is often complemented with a red, tiled roof. The style of shingle, tile, or stone should work with the the architectural style of your home. Similarly, color should be used to contrast or highlight the palette of your home’s exterior.
Performance: Material choice can also determine the durability of your roof in hurricane and coastal weather where salt and wind play an important factor.
While shingled roofs can certainly work well, an oceanfront home may need more work on roof upkeep and repair from blown off shingles. In contrast, a metal roof is much more durable in extreme weather.
Roof Material Options
Below is a general overview of common roofing materials used along the Grand Strand. In many cases, it’s possible to get the same roofing look or style at a variety of price points. For example, concrete tile is cheaper than traditional clay tile, and while it won’t give the varied and natural look of slate, concrete “slate-looking” tiles can give a similar feel to your home for much less.
Asphalt and “Composition” Shingles: As noted before, these roofs are incredibly popular because they are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can be found in a variety of colors. Learn more about asphalt and composition roofs.
Metal: Metal roofing, although more expensive, is popular in Myrtle Beach, especially with coastal homes. Metal roofs will weather salt, wind, and extreme weather much, much better than shingles. They will also last much longer than traditional shingles. Metal roofs come in a variety of colors, offer clean lines, and can add a modern touch to an older home style. Learn more about metal roofs.
Clay Tiles: Clay tiles are frequently used to convey an “Old World” aesthetic on homes that draw from Mediterranean and European home styles. Clay tiles have been used for centuries, and while they can provide the same level of protection as more conventional roofing materials, they are much more expensive. Upkeep includes replacing broken or cracked tiles. Learn more about clay tile roofs.
Concrete Tiles: Concrete is a more affordable way of getting the look and style of stone or clay without the cost. Concrete can be molded and styled in a variety of colors and textures, and offers a sophisticated and natural look at a much lower price point. Learn more about concrete tiles.
Slate: The natural stone look is classic and natural. Slate is durable and offers excellent protection. Like clay tiles, it is expensive and takes longer to install, which adds to the cost. Learn more about slate roofs.
Build Your Custom Myrtle Beach Home with Odom Design
Odom Design is a design-to-build team in Myrtle Beach, SC. Our mission is to create unique homes for people looking for one-of-a-kind customization. Our belief is that your home should be a functional place to live, entertain, relax, etc. But it should also be a place you love. Your home should inspire you each day.
Have a question? Give us a call or check out our website for more information and a gallery of our work.