Treasure Valley has grown quite a lot since 1900. Back then there were only 161,722 residents. By 2018 that number had grown to 1.75 million people.
While not all of the residents of Treasure Valley own homes, many of them do. And prices are rising.
In March of 2018, the median price for both a new or used Ada County home was around $300,00. In Canyon County, it was around $200,000.
The increase is due to demand. People are looking for new homes to be built according to their specifications.
Including custom roofs. If you’re looking to build the home of your dreams, keep reading.
We’re sharing with you everything you need to know about the best roofing options for your custom home.
What to Consider When Choosing Roof Materials
There are a few things you should think about before you look into roofing options. They are:
- Slope/pitch
- Color
- Climate
- Longevity
- Energy efficiency
Knowing exactly what you need and want will help you find the best roofing materials for your home.
Slope or Pitch
In Boise Idaho, the month with the heaviest amount of snowfall is December with seven inches. It’s also the snowiest month with an average of six days in December receiving snowfall.
There’s even less of a chance of heavy snowfall in Eagle Idaho where the total accumulation per snowfall is usually around 0.4 inches. This means there’s not much of a need for a high slope or high pitched roof which would allow the roof to shed the snow quicker.
Attractive Design with Options
However, a sloped roof is not your only option. Here is a complete list of roof types to choose from:
- Catslide
- Clerestory
- Combination
- Bonnet roof
- Butterfly roof
- Dormer
- Flat
- Gable
- Gablet (Dutch gable)
- Gambrel
- Hexagonal (Tented)
- Hipped
- Jerkinhead
- Lean-to
- M-shaped (Multi-gable, ridged)
- Mansard
- Rainbow roof
- Saltbox
- Saw-tooth
- Shed roof (Skillion)
Keep in mind that you need to choose the right type of material to go with the style of roof you’d like. Otherwise, if you choose the wrong type of material you could cause unwanted damage to your roof and home during times of bad weather.
Color
Choosing the right color isn’t just about aesthetics. The right shading can also help keep your home cooler during the summer months.
And since the median temperature in Boise Idaho is 91.2° Fahrenheit and in Eagle Idaho there are 15 hours and 27 minutes of daylight on June 22nd each year, color is an important element to consider.
What to Consider When Choosing the Color and Shade of Your Roof
Do not match the exterior paint of your home. Instead, find a shade that complements it.
Black or gray roofs with a white exterior are perfect combinations if you want a classic, traditional look. Before you make your final decision, bring home some samples and place them next to the exterior of your home.
Things never look the same as they do in a brochure.
Keep Future Buyers and the Weather in Mind
And while you may plan on staying in your home for a while, eventually you will have to sell it. Keep potential buyers in mind and select a roof color that appeals to a range of preferences.
Your location and how much sun exposure you have will also play an important role when selecting your roof’s color. Darker roofs attract more heat while lighter colors reflect heat.
Climate
The best roofing material will be one that is compatible with the weather in Treasure Valley. Whether you’re in Boise or Eagle Idaho, we feel the best roofing materials to choose from are:
- Asphalt
- Metal
- Tile
- Membrane
- Cool roofing
You can also choose wood shingles or shakes, though they’re not considered to be as compatible with the climate in Idaho.
Longevity
Each type of roofing comes with its own lifespan. While some may be more expensive up front, you should also consider how long each type of roofing material is expected to last.
You may want to invest in a higher quality roofing material that will last you 25 years or longer rather than a material that requires frequent repairs or replacement within a few years.
Energy Efficiency
As any native of Idaho can tell you, winters are cold and summers are hot. That means a rise in your energy bills when the weather gets extreme.
Choosing the right roof material can help you save money on energy. Materials like metal reflect heat away while clay and concrete absorb the heat.
Proper Installation Increases Energy Efficiency
Make sure your roof installers understand proper roof design and installation as these two factors can also increase energy efficiency. Make sure you have roof ventilation that is not blocked and is ample.
Have them install a layer of insulation that allows the transfer of heat both in and out of your home. An energy-efficient home should have a one-inch layer of insulation and roof sheathing.
Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options
If you’re looking for a very environmentally-friendly roof, there is also cool roofing. This type of roofing helps reduce CO2 emissions while cutting cooling and heating costs.
Cool roofs can be:
- Roofs painted with a white reflective coating
- Solar roofs
- Green roofs
Green roofs use live plants to absorb and use the sun’s heat as a way to cut costs while helping the environment.
The Best Materials to Build Custom Roofs With
Since roofing is one of the most expensive parts of your home, you want to make sure you invest in a material that offers both quality and affordability.
Asphalt
Thanks to their affordability and durability, asphalt is the most commonly chosen material for roofs in America. But they do come with a few pros and cons you should know before you make your selection such as:
Pros
- Repairs are cost-effective
- No additional support is necessary except standard roof sheathing
- Aesthetically pleasing on most homes
- Available in a wide variety of colors and styles
Cons
- Needs replacement more often than other options
- Shingles may crack during temperature changes
- No eco-friendly
Typically asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 20 years.
Slate
Slate roofs are cut from stones mined from quarries. While expensive, they’re also extremely strong.
Pros
- Increased resale value
- Increased curb appeal
- Eco-friendly
- Requires little maintenance
- Upscale appearance
Cons
- Requires more framing support
- Can break when walked on
- Installation issues can cause moisture problems
- Prone to erosion in fluctuating climates
The lifespan of slate is 100+ years.
Metal
Common metals include steel, zinc, and aluminum.
Pros
- Mimics other materials
- Energy-efficient
- Recyclable
- Low-maintenance
- Can install over existing roofs
Cons
- More expensive than asphalt
- Noisy in rain
- Harder emergency access
- Complex installation
Metal roofs last 50–100 years.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood shingles are machine-cut; shakes are hand-cut and thicker.
Pros
- Natural moisture resistance oils
- Beautiful appearance
- Eco-friendly
- Strong material
Cons
- Difficult installation
- Fire risk
- Expensive repairs
Lifespan is 25–30 years.
Roof Tiles
Types include clay, concrete, and fiber cement.
Pros
- Recyclable
- Fire and insect resistant
- Energy-efficient in light colors
Cons
- Requires strong framing
- Breakable when walked on
- Expensive
Lifespan is around 50 years.
Contact Us So We Can Help You Decide
It’s also a smart idea to ask the professionals who design and install residential roofs for help. We can give you advice that works with the style of your home and meets your budget requirements.
We’re here to provide you with service and to help answer any questions you may have. Click here to contact us or call (208) 609-9071.