There are as many different types of roofing materials as there are different on which to install them. Choosing the right one for you will take some careful consideration of the area in which you live, what it will look like once it’s been installed, and how much you want to pay.
Asphalt Shingles
The most common type of roofing is asphalt shingles because they’re the easiest to install, they’re waterproof, and with proper maintenance could last anywhere from 25-30 years. Since they’re among the least expensive on the market, they come in a variety of colors and styles, they can be installed in groups of 3 or even longer strips in order the protect your home from the elements more effectively.
Asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install and because of their flat nature, it doesn’t require much in extra materials or tools. Most roofing contractors can have an installation complete within a day. As for price, asphalt shingles are among the least expensive than any other type of roofing material. So if cost a huge factor in your decision for the type of roof you want and you need to keep yourself within a shoestring budget, then you should consider asphalt.
A lot of people love the classic look of an asphalt shingle which is congruent with the look that you find in the vast majority of neighborhoods you will see throughout the country. If this is the look you’re shooting for, you can begin investigating different shingle companies for the right one to suit your family and home.
Slate Tile
These shingles are heavier than asphalt shingle, so considering the structure of your home, these shingles may or may not be able to handle the extra weight. Since slate is lighter than almost any other stone, it’s one of the more perfect choices. It also has a near 0% percent absorption rate which means it’s virtually impermeable to water and the little amount of water that does mange to get through is easily dried up within jut a few minutes of a hot sunny day. Slate can last for over 100 hundred years, even the materials used to install the slate tiles won’t last as long as the tiles themselves.
Slate comes in a variety of gorgeous and natural tones that makes them a favorite of those who appreciate a timeless presence. However, a slate roof will need to be installed by a expertly-trained professional. If the installation is done correctly the first time, there is not much that will be needed in future maintenance.
Your slate roof will be invulnerable to dry rot and damage from termites and other cumbersome insects. But these tiles can be broken, so extra care will need to be taken by anyone who may need access to your roof.
The cost of a slate roof installation will be a huge consideration and not something to go into lightly. Because of the heaviness of slate compared to asphalt shingles, some structural work may need to be done to the decking prior to the installation. The cost of a slate roof could be upwards of 5 times that of a conventional shingle roof, but it will last 5 times longer with virtually no need of future repair and replacement.
Wooden Shingles
Wood is not as durable as asphalt and doesn’t last nearly as long, yet it can cost about twice as much. A wooden roof is very beautiful, but it’s also very high maintenance and needs to be checked periodically to make sure they stay water-tight. If you decide to have a wooden shingle roof installed, you should take into consideration maintenance and care, so select a wood that is durable.
Cedar and Redwood are both know to be water resistant characteristics and have a great deal of natural oils that help with preservation. However, if you decide to go with a different wood, be sure it has been adequately treated. These treatments use the highest pressure to force preservatives deep into the grain and usually come with a warranty if factory treated.
You will need to keep your shingles cleaned regularly. One way to do this is to trim any surrounding trees in order to prevent pine needles, twigs, leaves or small branches from piling up. This will help extend the lifespan of your roof. Roofing manufacturers suggest that you power-wash your roof at least annually to clear it of any debris and to open the pores of the wood so that preservatives can be applied.
They also need to have a special fireproof coating applied so that it will pass code in most communities. This fire retardant coating will need to be applied often in order for the shingles to stay protected.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are now back in fashion. Some of them are now being made with a textured stamp so they look like more conventional shingles and not like big chunks of metal hammered onto your roof which were more commonly used for commercial installations. And since metal is recyclable, you get an environmentally friendly option that leaves very little waste behind once the job is done.
The costs of metal roofing are front-loaded. That’s just a fancy way of say that you will pay a relatively heavier price for a metal roof than with that of traditional roofs, but you will save yourself a great deal of money down the road from with little in maintenance costs – and given the durability of a metal roof, it will last for nearly a lifetime so there is no need for replacement.
Whatever style you like, you’ll need to keep in mind things like the size of your roof, the shape, the characteristics of the home, and whether or not it can withstand the weight. These roofing varieties will have different appearances, so keeping within the theme of the neighborhood will make a world of difference once the installation has been completed. Getting in touch with a roofing expert for their advice will make choosing your next roof a piece of cake.
