A Homeowner’s Mini-Guide to Today’s Top Roofing Materials
A new roof can not only add protection to your home, it can also give it a fresh new look that is sure to make your neighbors comment on it. There are a lot of options out there, however, and you should think about what you want and need before buying a new roof.
The roof is the first line of protection against rain, sleet, snow and other weather that threatens your home, so it’s vital that it is maintained. If you’re in the market for a new roof, then here are a few of the options that you have.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the type that most people think of when they hear the wood “shingles.” They are made with an asphalt and fiberglass composition that is easy to haul and install. This helps keep the cost of a new roof relatively low. You can learn about it at FergusonRoofing.com.
Because of the asphalt/fiberglass composition, the shingles are rated very highly against fire. There are some that replace the fiberglass with an organic cellulose from plants, and these aren’t rated as highly, so make sure you know which type of shingle you are getting.
Asphalt shingles will degrade from the sun overtime, so you may have to replace them more frequently than with other materials. Also, there is a fairly limited selection of colors available with asphalt shingles, so you may be stuck with a color that you don’t love if you go with these.
Many states offer a shingle recycling program, so if you are replacing older one with new, look into recycling them rather than throwing them away.
Wooden Shingles
Wooden shingles have been used for centuries and for good reason. Wood offers a natural beauty that synthetic shingles just can’t match and they can really make your house stand out.
Wooden shingles are typically made from cypress and pine, but there is a wide variety options out there. They are great for use on steep roofs, where the grain and texture is visible from the ground.
There are a few downsides to wood, however. The shingles are not fireproof, so building codes in some areas may not allow them. They can be sprayed with a fire retardant, but this will not make them fireproof. Also, wooden shingles need to be maintained and the stain needs to be replaced every few years. They are susceptible to weathering as well, and may turn a dull color from exposure to the sun, forcing you to replace them every so often.
For the natural beauty, nothing beats wood, but the cons may scare some people away.
Metal Roofing
Used for a long time on commercial buildings, metal roofing is also a unique residential choice. Metal roofing offers protection that many other shingles can’t, as it is naturally fireproof and durable against the weather.
Contractors use tiles made of aluminum, copper or steel and join them together with a nearly seamless look. Where other shingles have a natural texture, metal roofing will seem to be one smooth piece that covers your roof. This may turn some people off, but there are options to add textures that can mimic asphalt shingles and provide your roof with texture.
Some metal materials rust, so you must apply a corrosion protection every few years, especially in climates near the ocean where salt and humidity are an issue. Metal roofing also sheds water faster than other shingles, so you need to adjust your gutters and downspouts accordingly to keep up with the flow.
Clay Tiles
For a unique, historical look, many people choose clay tiling for their roof. Clay is durable and naturally fire resistant, so maintenance isn’t a big issue with these.
Made from clay or concrete, these shingles are typically arched, providing you with a great texture. They are also one of the best roofing choices for energy efficiency, as the air gap acts as an insulator, keeping your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Tile roofing is heavy and difficult to install, so you will need to hire a professional and make sure your house is structurally sound enough to handle the weight. They are also more fragile than other types of distinctive roofing, so you may have to replace a few every now and then after a bad storm or heavy winds that knock branches onto your roof.
If you’re looking to upgrade your roof, consider these options!