When you are interested in updating your roof, there is a lot to consider. You may be surprised and overwhelmed at all the roof materials to choose from for your home. It is common for homeowners to think asphalt shingles are their only options. In reality, there are many different types of roof materials to choose from for your home. Each option has unique characteristics and benefits. Some common types of roofing available include asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, metal roofing, clay, and concrete tiles. There are many considerations when thinking about the material you want for your roof. These include your budget, your home’s style, and your area’s climate. Keep these seven types of roofing material in mind when you are choosing your home.
1. Asphalt Shingles
When you are thinking about which roof materials to choose from for your home, asphalt shingles may be the first thing you think about. Asphalt shingles are the most common type used and may be what is currently on your roof. That does not mean you have to use asphalt shingles for your next roof, but there could be reasons why you would consider it. Any roofing company you hire can make a recommendation about what they think is the best roof for your home. A local roofer can tell you that asphalt shingles are the most affordable you can choose. They are easier to install and have a wide variety of styles and colors from which you can choose.
Asphalt shingles are constructed from an organic or fiberglass mat that is covered with asphalt and granules. The purpose of asphalt is to give it waterproof capabilities. The granules provide a layer of protection from UV radiation. They also give the shingle its color. This type of shingle is durable and typically lasts around 20 to 30 years. The way it’s installed, and the climate make a difference in how long the shingles last. In addition to being durable, asphalt shingles are easy to cut and fit into any shape needed to match the design of the roof. Something to think about when it comes to asphalt shingles is that while they are durable, they aren’t the most durable. Other roof materials can stand up to extreme weather better. These shingles can be damaged by strong winds and hail. They tend to absorb the heat from the sun, which can cause your home to be hotter in the summer.
2. Metal
Metal is another option for roof materials to choose from for your home. Metal can be one of several different types, which includes aluminum, steel, copper, or other metal alloys. You can find it in a variety of colors and styles. Metal roofing is lightweight, resistant to fire, and durable. This roof type is also resistant to extreme weather and is known for its longevity. Metal roofing services are becoming a popular choice because of these benefits. Metal roofs can be installed as shingles or in whole sheets. It can also be installed over top of most existing roofs. Metal roofer contractors will tell you that if you maintain a metal roof properly, you can expect it to last between 50 to 75 years. This means as a homeowner, once you switch to a metal roof, you may never have to replace it again.
Metal roofs are energy efficient and reflect heat. This means it can help reduce your cooling cost during the hot summer. They also give your house a more modern look and are a good choice if that is the style you want. It is important to note that metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt roofs but may not be as expensive as other materials. While metal roofs are durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, they can dent or crack because it’s not flexible materials. Metal roofs tend to be loud, which some homeowners love. Others do not enjoy the sound of rain or sleet hitting a metal roof, which must be considered.
3. Wood
Wood shingles and shakes are among the popular roof materials to choose from for your home. Wood shingles are typically made from western red cedar, Atlantic white cedar, pine, spruce, cypress, or redwood trees. These shingles often start as a lighter color but darken as they age. Often wood shingles become silver-gray or dark brown. The wood from the trees is cut into tapered thin strips. They are machine cut to ensure they have a smooth and uniform look to them. Shakes are different because they are cut by hand. This is intentional to give them a more textured and rustic look. Both wood shingles and shakes are popular choices for homes. They are well known to be both beautiful and durable.
Both shingles and shakes are long-lasting and durable. They do, however, require regular maintenance. They tend to be more susceptible to damage from fire, insects, and rot. Once they are sealed, they are more resistant to insect damage. Wood roofs are easy to install and similar to asphalt shingles in that regard. They tend to be smaller than asphalt, which also makes them faster to install. As far as roofing repair, it is simple to replace any damaged shingles or shakes. However, the wood that is replaced is most likely not going to match the existing wood because it discolors over time. Wood is a natural insulator and helps to keep the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This also helps to decrease your utility bills. This is a sustainable option because most manufacturers plant trees to replace the trees they cut down for the roofing material they use.
4. Tile
A tile roof is one of the most beautiful roof materials to choose from for your home. It is also durable and expensive. Tile roofs are also heavy and not intended for all types of houses. This type of roof can last as long as 100 years. In the early days of tile roofs, they were constructed from fired clay, terracotta, or slate. Today, they are more often made from concrete that is molded and tinted. Tile roofing material comes in various shapes, including interlocking, curved, fluted, or flat. Residential roofing contractors are great for areas that have hot weather and exposure to salty air.
A tile roof is ideal for areas that do not have large amounts of rain over a long time. Roof leak repair for a tile roof is not a simple process. They are great for dumping large amounts of water quickly off the roof. If you are considering a tile roof, you must ensure that your house is structurally sound and sturdy and can support the heavy weight of a tile roof. Installing a tile roof requires a professional because they need to be measured precisely and laid in a specific type of pattern. It is essential that a tile roof does not allow any moisture in.
5. Clay
Clay roofs are one of the top roof materials to choose from for your home. Clay roofs are highly durable and can withstand the harshest elements. This type of roof is resistant to fire, pests, and rot. These roofs are made of more natural material and maintain their integrity regardless of the weather extremes it faces. This type of roof can tolerate changes from one temperature to the other. Clay tiles are constructed from natural clay that is fired and shaped in a kiln. Concrete tiles are constructed from sand, water, and cement. From that, they are molded into shape. Both of these tiles are heavy and need a strong roof to be able to support their weight of them. This type must be installed by professional roofers, which adds to the expense of these roofs.
This material has been used for thousands of years and can be relied on and trusted for its durability. They do require some maintenance but can last for over 100 years. They provide a unique and stylish look to your house. They are able to reflect the heat of the sun to keep your house cooler in the summer. This allows them to be more energy efficient and reduce your utility bills. One thing to note is that clay tiles are not flexible and can break or crack as the structure of the house settles. When they are damaged, they can be challenging to repair or fix.
6. Solar
When thinking about what roof materials to choose from for your home, you may want an energy-efficient option. Solar panels are among the most energy-efficient options a homeowner can find. At one time, the only option was solar panels. Solar panels were intended to cover a portion of your roof. Now, solar roofs are available. This means the entire roof is constructed of solar shingles. It doesn’t matter if it’s new roof installations or a replacement of an existing roof; solar roofs are an option. The shingles are made from glass that contains photovoltaic cells. These cells are semiconductors and transfer the energy from the sun to electrons. This energy can be turned into an electrical current to power your house. This is a renewable and clean source of energy and can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
Solar roofs are durable and fire-resistant. They have a more seamless look to them than installing solar panels. This type of roof is much more expensive than all other types of roofs. However, with the tax credits and savings on your utility bills, this type of roof eventually pays for itself. Solar shingles blend in much better with the house. You have probably seen solar panels and know they stand out. A solar roof looks more like a traditional roof. A roof is much easier to maintain than solar panels and they last between 30 to 40 years. Their availability is limited, and it may be difficult to find someone qualified to install a solar roof. You have limited color and style options.
7. Green
While a green roof may not be the first type of roof that pops into your head when thinking about what roof materials to choose from for your home, you shouldn’t overlook it. This is another environmentally friendly roof that also has a unique look to it. A green roof is often referred to as a living roof. It’s a roof that is completely covered in vegetation. These roofs are made from a wide variety of plants, including grasses, shrubs, and trees. This type of roof has many benefits, which include reducing the environmental impact of the house while making it more sustainable. Some other benefits of this type of roof include improving the quality of the air, reducing the amount of water from stormwater runoff, and providing insulation. In addition, this type of roof can help to regulate the temperature inside the house.
This roof can also provide a living space for wildlife which may be positive or negative, depending on how you look at it. If you love greenery and gardens, it improves the look of the house. If you are considering this type of roof replacement, you should know that there are limits to where you can place this type of roof. Your climate dictates if this type of roof is ideal for your home. This is an expensive roof to install on your home. You also need to maintain this roof if you decide to install it.
When you are considering all the possible roof materials to choose from for your home, consider these seven options. There are many considerations you have to make when thinking through these materials. Your budget should be at the top of your list, but you also need to consider the structure of your home. It’s important that your structure can support the roof you want to place on your home.