Do you know what they say about first impressions? The same holds for your home’s roof. Take pride in its appearance by selecting materials that suit the style of your house and fit within your budget. Choosing a suitable roofing material can be confusing and even daunting with the many options available today. Top Notch Roofing has outlined the 12 most common types to help make it a little easier.
Asphalt Composite Shingles
Asphalt composite shingles are the most common roofing materials used on residential homes. They offer a low-cost, long-term solution and come in various colors and styles to suit whatever look you might want to achieve. Asphalt shingles are made from petroleum-based materials, so they are not environmentally friendly. Although newer products are more durable than older ones, they also do not last as long as some other types of roofing materials.
Wood Shakes or Wooden Shingles
Wooden shakes and shingles are a traditional roofing material that has been used for centuries. Red cedar is the most popular choice for shakes because it is durable and does not split easily. However, wooden roofing materials tend to be expensive and can be prone to rot, fire and insect infestation if they are not adequately treated at the factory and maintained after installation.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are made of steel, aluminum or copper. Copper metal shingles are costly, but you can get the appearance of copper for less money by using copper-colored metal tiles. Metal shingles are lightweight and fireproof, and they last a long time. They come in various styles, colors and finishes, so you’ll find one that fits your home’s style.
Concrete Tile
Concrete tile can be made to resemble slate, clay or wood shake. It is an affordable alternative to those materials that weigh less than the alternatives and is an excellent choice for fire-prone areas. Concrete tile has an average life expectancy of 30 years or more. The concrete tiles are made by pouring concrete into molds of different sizes and shapes. They’re set on a roof with a mortar bed and are usually nailed directly to the roof deck or battens.
Slate Shingles
Slate shingles are among the most durable roofing materials. Slate is a natural stone, and it is also one of the most expensive roofing materials. Slate roofing lasts for several decades and has a meager maintenance cost. It is an excellent choice for roofs with a steep pitch as well. The only downside to slate roofing is that it is cumbersome, so slate roofs require more support than other roofs.
Membrane Roofing
Membrane roofing is popular for commercial properties, but it has gained popularity in the residential market. It is a flexible type of roofing that can move with a house. It is made of rubber and other synthetic materials and is usually black or white. The membrane helps to deflect the sun, keeping energy costs down and providing better insulation. Although membrane roofing is durable, it will need a little maintenance from time to time. This includes cleaning off debris and checking for punctures or tears, because if water gets underneath the material, it can start to rot or mold. Since this type of roofing is lightweight, you may be able to install it over your existing roof if you are looking for a quick replacement.
Rolled Roofing
Rolled roofing is a good solution for low-sloped roofs. It’s easy to install and exceptionally durable. Rolled roofing is usually made out of asphalt and comes in large rolls, then cut to lengths suitable for the roof.
Rolled roofing comes in two different types: mineral-surfaced and organic. Mineral-surfaced rolled roofing is covered with crushed stone, giving it a more uniform appearance and more resistant to weathering. Organic rolled roofing is less durable but provides better insulation and costs less.
Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are made of a layer of asphalt impregnated with fiberglass and covered with granules. They are the most popular roofing material, available in various colors. They are light, making them easy to install, and they can be shaped to mimic slate, wood shakes, or clay tile. However, composite shingles are not as strong as traditional materials and have about 20 years of life.
Composite shingles also require frequent maintenance, including cleaning out debris from gutters and repairing any missing or damaged shingles.
Solar Tiles
Solar tiles are relatively new and will become more widely available as their popularity increases. Because of their appearance, they are best suited for homes with a southwestern or Mediterranean style. They offer a cleaner, more modern look than asphalt or wood shingles and have the added benefit of turning sunlight into usable energy for your home.
However, it has a very high up-front cost. However, because of their ability to generate electricity and their long life, they will likely cost less in the long run than other roofing materials.
Metal Roofs
Metal is one of the few materials used for pitched roofs and flat roofs. A metal roof is durable, fire-safe, energy-efficient, and lightweight. In snowy areas, metal roofs are great because they are fire-resistant and easily shed snow. Metal roofs can also provide solar reflectance and thermal emittance, which help lower energy costs by reflecting the sun’s rays away from your home.
Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing is one of the most common types of flat roofing. It’s made from several layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabric that creates a finished membrane. Built-up roofing is installed using hot asphalt, cold process adhesive, or a propane torch.
It provides a durable surface that can withstand heavy traffic, hail, and high winds. If you have a flat roof that you walk on frequently or plan to use for an outdoor living space, you may need built-up roofing.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles have been used for centuries to cover roofs and enhance their appearance. Today, the most commonly used type of clay tile is the interlocking variety. These tiles are usually made from red or brown clay, and they have either a flat or curved shape. They are very resistant to heat and cold, and they can last up to 60 years if properly installed. They are resistant to fire, rot, insects, and mildew. However, their weight requires a unique structural design.
The roof is one of the essential parts of your house. It protects you from the elements, it helps you stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and it’s your home’s first line of defense against fire. Your roof also plays a significant role in determining how your house looks from the street, so it’s a crucial part of the curb appeal that helps determine how much people are willing to pay for your home.
