When it’s time for a new roof, you may feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the work, the cost, and the choices. This guide aims to make that a little easier by providing information on all the possible roofing materials to choose for your home. In addition, we outline some of the benefits to help make your choice easier.
Asphalt Shingles
When you are thinking about all the roofing materials to choose for your home, asphalt shingles are a common option and a popular roof material. These are the shingles that are most likely on your roof now unless you have a unique type of roof. This doesn’t mean you have to select them for your next roof. However, you should consider them as one of the roofing materials to choose for your home. Local roofing companies can recommend which materials they think are best for your home.
Asphalt shingles are the most affordable roof materials from which you can choose. They are the easiest to install and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Asphalt shingles are constructed from an organic or fiberglass mat that is covered with asphalt and granules. The asphalt part of the shingle makes it waterproof. The granules provide a layer of protection from UV radiation. The granules also give the shingle its color.
Asphalt shingles are known for their durability and typically last between 20 to 30 years. There are a number of factors that contribute to the length of time they last. The installation’s climate and quality are some factors that impact its longevity. Another good thing about asphalt shingles is they are easy to cut and fit into any shape to match the design of the roof easily. One thing to consider is that asphalt shingles are not the most durable of all the materials for your roof. Extreme weather may damage asphalt shingles, but others may hold up better. Strong winds and hail can damage these shingles. They also absorb the heat from the sun, which can cause your home to be hotter in the summer.
Tile Roofing
Tile roofs should be another item on the list of roofing materials to choose for your home. They are among the most beautiful and durable roof materials that you can choose from. These tiles, however, also tend to be expensive. Another potential downside to tile roofs is that they are heavy and cannot be used for all houses. A roof installer will tell you that your house must have a strong foundation to be able to withstand the weight of a tile roof. Therefore, you must be sure that the foundation of your house can handle that kind of weight.
A tile roof can last as long as 100 years. Tile roofs were constructed from fired clay, terracotta, or slate back in the early days. In the present day, these roofs are most likely made from concrete that is molded and tinted. They can also be molded into various shapes, including interlocking, curved, fluted, or flat patterns. A tile roof is great for your house if you live in an area with hot weather and constant exposure to salty air. If you are interested in a tile roof, you must live in an area that is dry and without a large amount of rain.
When you have a leak in a tile roof repair, it is not easy to fix. Large amounts of rain drain quickly off a tile roof, so you must have a proper amount of sound drainage with this kind of roof. It is critical that a professional install your tile roof because the measurements must be accurate. In addition, it is important that moisture doesn’t get into the roof.
Clay Roofing
Don’t forget a clay roof when thinking about all the roofing materials to choose for your home. It is a durable material that can withstand the harshest elements. Roofing contractor services will tell you that clay is highly resistant to fire, pests, and rot. This type of roof is made of a more natural material that maintains its integrity regardless of weather extremes. A clay roof is able to withstand rapid and varying temperature changes. Natural clay is used in the construction of clay tiles. Then, the clay material is fired and shaped in a kiln.
Concrete tiles are made from a mixture of sand, water, and cement. After all the materials are mixed, they are molded into shape. If you want to use clay tiles, you need to ensure that your house and foundation are strong because the tiles are heavy. A clay roof must be installed by a professional that provides professional roofing services and roof repair. This work tends to be expensive. However, these materials have withstood the test of time and have been in use for thousands of years. They can be relied on and trusted for their durability.
Despite their durability, they require maintenance. Clay tiles are not flexible and can break or crack as the structure of the house settles. When they are damaged, they are not easy to repair or fix. They will give your house a unique and stylish look. This material can reflect the heat of the sun to keep your house cooler in the summer. This makes the tiles more energy efficient and reduces your utility bills.
Wood Roofing
Wood shingles and shakes are another one of the roofing materials to choose for your home. This material is one of the more popular roof materials to choose from. Wood shingles are typically made from only a handful of different trees. These trees include western red cedar, Atlantic white cedar, pine, spruce, cypress, or redwood trees. Wood shingles begin as a lighter color but darken with age. Often wood shingles become silver-gray or dark brown as they age.
The wood is cut from the trees into tapered thin strips to make wood shingles. The thin strips are then machine-cut to give them a smooth and uniform look. Wood shakes are a bit different from shingles because they are cut by hand, which gives them a unique look. This process makes wood shakes look more rustic and textured. Both wood shingles and shakes are popular choices for homes. They are both beautiful and durable options for your home. Depending on the look you want will determine which one is the better option for you.
While wood shingles may not be the most affordable roofing, they are long-lasting and durable. These shingles require regular maintenance and may need repairs. Wood shingles and shakes are more susceptible to fire, insects, and rot damage. If you opt for this type of tile, it must be sealed to make them more resistant to insect damage. They are similar to asphalt shingles because they are easy to install. Most of the time, they tend to be faster to install than asphalt shingles because they are smaller.
Replacing any damaged shingles or shakes is simple. However, it’s important to remember that replaced wood will not match the existing wood because it discolors over time. In addition, wood is a natural insulator that keeps your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This also helps to decrease your utility bills.
Metal Roofing
Another one of the roofing materials to choose for your house is metal. When you choose metal, there are many different metals from which you can choose. These metal shingle options include aluminum, steel, copper, and other metal alloys. Metal roofing is lightweight, resistant to fire, and durable. A metal roofing contractor explains that this material is resistant to extreme weather and is known for its longevity. Metal roof installation is becoming a popular choice because of its many benefits.
Metal roofs are installed in whole sheets or shingles. In some cases, metal roofing can be installed over existing roofs. When you properly maintain a metal roof, you can expect it to last between 50 and 75 years. This means if you switch over to a metal roof, you may never have to replace it again in your lifetime. Metal roofs reflect heat which makes them energy efficient and reflects heat. Metal roofs reduce cooling costs during the hot summer.
If you are considering switching to a metal roof, you should know they are modern and change the way your house looks. It is also important to note that metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt roofs but typically less expensive than other materials. Metal roofs are durable and withstand extreme weather and changes in temperature; they are not flexible. As a result, they can dent or crack. In addition, a metal roof is typically loud, especially when the rain hits the roof, which some homeowners love.
Solar Roofing
When considering different types of roofing materials to choose for your home, you should not overlook solar panels for your roof. You should consider solar roofs if you want the most energy-efficient option. Both solar panels and solar roofs are available as options. Shingles are made from glass that contains photovoltaic cells. These cells are semiconductors that transfer energy from the sun to electrons. This energy is turned into an electrical current to power your house. The current produced by the solar panels on your roof is considered a renewable and clean source of energy. They are able to help you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
Roof companies will tell you that solar roofs are durable and fire-resistant. It’s important to keep in mind that this type of roof is much more expensive than all other types of roofs. However, you can receive savings on your utility bills and tax credits. When choosing between a solar roof and solar panels, a roof is easier to maintain. They last as long as 30 to 40 years. Their availability may be limited, and finding a qualified roofing business to handle the installation might be difficult. There are limited color and style options.
Solar roofs are durable and fire-resistant. They have a more seamless look to them than installing solar panels. Solar shingles blend in much better with the house than panels. You have probably seen solar panels on other houses and know they stand out. A solar roof looks more like a traditional roof.
Green Roofing
A green roof is one of the roofing materials to choose for your home. This may not be a residential roof installation that you immediately think of. Depending on your roof, it may be a viable option. A green roof is an environmentally friendly option that adds life to your roof. A green roof is referred to as a living roof because it is completely covered in vegetation. These roofs are made from a wide variety of plants, including grasses, shrubs, and trees. There are many benefits to using these re-roofing services.
Some of the benefits to consider are that it reduces the house’s environmental impact while making it more sustainable. This type of roof improves the quality of the air, reduces the amount of water from stormwater runoff, and provides insulation. It is also ideal for helping to regulate the temperature inside the house. If this type of roof is a serious consideration for you, you should know that there are limits to where you can place this type of roof. To place a green roof, you must have a flat roof. You should also consider your climate because it also dictates if this roof is ideal for your home.
Another consideration is that this roof invites wildlife onto your roof. This means you could have a lot more animals on your roof. If you love greenery and gardens, it improves the look of the house. A major downside is these roofs are expensive to install and maintain.
This guide is helpful in thinking about all the different roofing materials for your home. While it may not have all the answers, it gives you all of the main roof materials and their benefits.