A new way to make a roofing decision

Whenever it’s time to re-roof, It’s decision time. Choosing a new roof for your home can be tough. It’s not a decision you need to make often. 

There are many ways to choose a roof. We’ve discussed picking a color, listing pros and cons, and even why metal roofing might not be right for you in past articles. 

Before reading any further, we recommend you take a minute to set the purchasing criteria for your new roof. Cost is essential to most people, but a new roof should include value. Factors like appearance, longevity, and durability should all impact your decision-making. 

Here’s a quick read explaining 14 roofing criteria. Once you have set your standards, there’s a simple tool to help you make a roofing decision. 

A Decision Matrix 

The American Society for Quality defines a decision matrix as a “decision-making tool with a list of weighted criteria.”

The simplest method is to create a chart of your primary wants and needs.

Identify 5 to 7 points that matter to you.

You can weight these criteria based on importance to you and your home, but a decision matrix offers insight even unweighted.

A decision matrix works great for a new roof because it considers multiple options and ultimately gives you an objective answer to consider. There are only a few kinds of roofing, but each brings benefits and, potentially, drawbacks to your home. 

You’ve likely either seen or used a decision matrix before without realizing it. Here’s a sample we created to list the most common types of roofing and how they match up on several factors.

As you can see, we consider several factors, some very subjective like beauty, and others very objective like weight. Feel free to add your criteria and remove some we suggest; just make sure you consider those most essential for your situation. 

We found that metal roofing had the best results compared to other materials. It lasts longer, looks better, reduces energy costs, and stands up to severe weather. 

You will need to do some research and fill in your findings as you go. 

Our Roofing Research Toolbox contains a cheat sheet called The Homeowner’s Guide to Roofing that can get you much of the information you’ll need. 

So write up your own decision matrix for your next roofing decision (or any big decision coming up). On a napkin or in a spreadsheet, use whatever works best to help you feel confident in this significant investment in your home. 

Now we know that a decision this important takes time. Our friendly team of roofing professionals is available to assist you without pressure or obligation. Simply send us an email, and we’ll be in touch.

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