Whether you’re re-roofing or planning a new construction, it helps to know a thing or two about the different type of roof material available on the market. There are plenty of roofing options out there so here are some of the most common.
Type of Roof Material
Choosing the right type of roof material doesn’t have to be a strenuous task. You can choose from asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, metal roofing and more.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing option, though the number is slowly shrinking thanks to more durable and energy-efficient metal roofing. Asphalt shingles are popular because they’re inexpensive, offer a broad range of attractive options and do a good job when it comes to protecting homes from the elements. They look good on almost any style of home but their lifetime costs are higher than tile, slate, shingle and metal because they must be replaced frequently.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood is aesthetically appealing and give a natural look to any roof. Cypress, redwood, pressure-treated pine and cedar shakes and shingles are available. Wood shingles tend to produce a more uniform appearance because they’re machine-cut and feature a smooth surface and cleaner edges. Wood shakes, on the other hand, are hand-cut from wooden blocks of wood, giving off a more rustic appearance. They’re also thicker and will cost you more than wood shingles.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs were popular in the past and some of those 100-year old roofs are still going strong. Metal roofs have enjoyed a recent increase in popularity due to an increased demand for durability, for hot climates and eco-friendly roofing with new styles. These roofs are still manufactured in rolls, but most in rigid sheet roofing with modular press-formed or vertical-seam panels that can be coated with granules or painted.
Today’s manufacturing processes allow for a broad array of options including roofing made to look like tiles, shingles and shakes as well as the traditional metal roof style.
Roof Tiles
This ancient roofing option has undergone tremendous changes over the years to make it newer and stronger. Today’s roof tiles come in three versions:
- Traditional clay tiles that are reinforced for durability and strength.
- Concrete tiles formed with a lightweight blend that makes them very tough yet easy to work with.
- Fiber cement tiles are made from clay and wood blended into the concrete for lightweight strength.
Natural and Composite or Vinyl Slate Tiles
Composite or vinyl slate tiles are expected to last about 40-60 years. Both genuine and synthetic slate typically come in standard sizes that allow you to choose the best look for your home’s architecture.
Natural slate tiles are the most durable roofing option, but the material is heavy and often requires additional and costly support. Some recent innovations in slate roofing are cutting the cost of slate roofing. Synthetic slates, on the other hand, are preferred for their light weight and lower cost.
Bottom Line
Other common types of roofing material include solar roofs and flat roof options. When making your choice, consider the use, durability, suitability for your area and cost of installation and maintenance among other factors that won’t result in a bad roofing job. You want a roof that will meet your needs without costing you an arm and a leg and won’t get damaged easily down the road.
Comments(1)