Roofing is among the most expensive home project a homeowner can face, so one tends to emphasize its quality. Whether installing a new roof or updating your present roofing, knowing what material is best for your home is crucial. You can hire the most competent roofers, but they can only do so much with the wrong materials.
What Roofing Material Is the Best?
There are plenty of different options available for your roofing. Each has its benefits, and some may feel more useful to you more than others. Here are some of the more popular ones, and the advantages and disadvantages they can bring to the table.
Asphalt Shingles Are the Most Popular
Easy installation, affordable price tag, and availability- it’s easy to see why asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States. It offers all those benefits without compromising the ability to protect your home from outside elements. Asphalt shingles come in two main types:
- Fiberglass Shingles – Made of a woven fiberglass mat and covered with asphalt coating, these roof materials have ceramic granules for sun protection. And since they are fiberglass, they are naturally lightweight, tear-resistant, and durable, lasting to about 30 years. Different colors and styles are available if you want to complement your home style.
- Organic Mat Shingles – Manufacturers create these with organic components, most likely papers, integrated into a mat and saturated with asphalt. Like the fiberglass shingles, they also have granules on top for protection against UV rays. They are the same as fiberglass in benefits, except that adding more asphalt helps organic shingles endure harsh weather conditions.
Choose asphalt shingles because:
- Asphalt shingles are some of the least expensive among all the roofing materials, even in installation. The durability also means that it is cost-effective, especially in the long run. It is essential, however, to avoid shingles that are too cheap to guarantee good quality.
- They provide excellent fire protection. Asphalt shingles are also great in extreme climate and strong winds.
- Asphalt shingles offer a diverse selection when it comes to colors and styles, making them easy to complement with your house’s design.
Beware of asphalt shingles since:
- The lifespan depends significantly on the quality of the shingles. Low-cost materials may need more frequent replacements due to less durability. Replacing them may also cost more because of the rigid process.
- Asphalt is among the least environment-friendly material on the list. There are only a few facilities that recycle them into roads and paving.
Wood Shingles and Shakes for a Natural Beauty
Wood shingles deliver a rustic look that has enticed many homeowners over the years. Natural wood, like cedar, cypress, and yellow pine, is machine-cut to produce wood shingles, resulting in smooth surfaces and a cleaner appearance. Meanwhile, wood shakes are thicker due to being hand-split and gives off more of a rough appeal.
Advantages of wood shingles and shakes include:
- If a simple, natural look is what you aim for, then wood shingles and shakes are the best roofing materials for you. They also give a homely vibe to your house and blends well with a wide range of home styles and landscaping.
- Wood shingles and shakes are recyclable- most of them even came from fallen trees due to age or storms. You can turn old and worn wood roofings into chips or compost easily. This characteristic makes them more eco-friendly than most of the roofing materials available in the market.
- Wood are excellent insulators for your home due to them being of low density. It means a naturally fresher house for you.
- Treated wood shingles are more durable than most think. They can withstand weather conditions and elements like UV rays and even fire while maintaining maximum structural integrity.
The disadvantages of wood shingles and shakes are:
- Wood shakes and shingles have different ratings, depending on whether they have treatments for fire-resistance. Class A roofing is best in fire-prone areas, while Class C- those that are untreated- may present some risks.
- Some fire-prone areas, however, prohibit the use of wood roofing for good measure. It would be best to contact your local building department to guarantee safety.
- Untreated wood shingles and shakes require consistent cleaning and upkeep to prevent moss growth. Repairs are quite costly, so regular maintenance is ideal.
Concrete and Clay Tiles for Extremely Lasting Roofing
Clay, ceramic, and concrete tile roofs are some of the world’s most durable roofing materials for centuries now. They are favorites in the ancient world, and many of the centuries-old clay roofing still exists today. Concrete and clay tiles have notable differences:
- Clay tiles consist of molded clay and other natural materials varnished into a preferred shade and then baked into a tile. The density of the material depends on the heating process. Clay tiles also gained the nickname terracotta tiles due to the natural colors they possess.
- Concrete tiles are a mix of sand, cement, and water baked like clay tiles. They are less durable than clay but present a more comprehensive range of color options. Concrete is also more readily available than clay, leading to more affordable pricing.
Reasons to select concrete and clay tiles:
- Though concrete lasts less than clay, both offer at least 50 years of roofing. Proper maintenance- like replacing cracked and broken tiles immediately- can also lengthen their lifespan significantly. They can effortlessly surpass other roofing materials in durability and longevity.
- The aesthetic appeal of concrete and clay tiles are outstanding, increasing the value of your home or building. They can avoid color loss or stains for longer, even when battling different weather conditions.
- Clay and concrete resist fire, weather, and other elements. They are also excellent in insulating heat and keeping the house cool.
- Clay and concrete tiles require minimal maintenance when compared to other roof materials.
Be wary of concrete and clay tiles for:
- Installing clay and concrete tiles is a challenging process. It requires precise measurements and accurate patterns to prevent moisture from seeping through the structure. The weight of the materials- clay is even heavier than concrete- also necessitates adequate roof framing to support them. It is best to hire professional roofers when considering tile roofing installations.
- Though the prices vary significantly, tiles are generally more expensive than most roofing materials. The installation is also pricey, but if an extremely long-lasting roofing material is what you want, then clay and concrete may be the best for you.
- Concrete can still break from substantial impacts- clay even more so- even with its durability. You may want to be extra careful in repairing them to avoid breaking some of the tiles.
Metal Roofing for an Outstanding Value
Metal roofs are available in shingles and panels, and some of the most popular types are aluminum and steel. Manufacturers also coat zinc into steel sheets and form them into corrugated sheets to produce galvanized steel- a standard metal roof material. They can use other coatings depending on the intended purpose- whether for waterproofing or rust. Copper is an expensive but advantageous material that is also gaining popularity.
Metal roofing enjoys a re-emergence in the roofing industry primarily due to its durability coupled with extreme versatility.
The pros of selecting metal roofing are:
- Metal roofing is very durable, even rivaling clay tiles for being long-lasting. They can also withstand strong winds and is great for snowy and rainy weather. Proper coatings will also help in preventing rust and corrosion and add value to the roof.
- Metal roofs are recyclable and environmentally-sustainable. Steel experiences repeated recycling without losing its durability, while manufacturers reuse other metal roofing materials to produce new ones.
- Compared to most roofing materials, metal is exceptionally versatile in its style and colors. Besides the primary material, you can also choose the type of finish you want, even the shape to complement your house. There are also more than a hundred standard and custom shades available for painting.
- Most metal roofs also resist fire effectively- earning Class A ratings- and adheres to strict building codes in many states and cities.
The cons of metal roofing involve:
- Although they can endure extreme weather conditions, some metal roofing suffers denting. It is thus advisable to choose a sturdier metal type if you want to avoid dents.
- Metal roofs are more pricey than some roofing materials, and the installation is even more expensive. But if you consider the benefits of high-quality roofing, you may consider this an excellent investment that will surely pay off.
- You may need to install insulation or sheathing to avoid excessive noise during heavy rains.
Slate Tile Roofing Is the Toughest Material
Like clay tiles, slate has been a go-to roofing material for centuries. Slate roof tiles are natural materials made from metamorphic rocks composed of clay and volcanic ash. It also involves minimal processing since its water absorption rate is so low that it’s almost waterproof.
Go for slate tile roofing because:
If what you want is the most durable and longest-lasting roofing material, the best answer may be slate tiles. Slate resists insects such as termites and ants. It is also entirely fire-proof, unbothered by sparks from any fire-related incidents.- Slate tile roofing can also last a staggering 150 years when appropriately installed and adequately maintained. Some slate manufacturers even offer more than 50 years of warranty for their products.
- The longevity of slate roofing also contributes to the environment in a relatively small but crucial way. Since it takes a century to replace, slates avoid additional roofing scraps, accounting for a considerable amount of landfill waste.
- Slate roofs give off an elegant and pleasing appearance and vibes. A considerable amount of options is also available for homeowners looking to harmonize their style. Slates can maintain their appearance even for a long time, adding to the home value.
The downside to slate tile roofing includes:
- Like clay tiles, slates are quite brittle. You should avoid walking on them or, in cases of repairs, know how to correctly step on them.
- Slate tile roofing involves a complicated and challenging installation process. It may be best to employ a professional roofing company to ensure accurate installation and avoid future problems. Also, try to ask your preferred roofers if they have adequate expertise on slate roofs.
- Slate tiles are heavy, so you may need additional framed to support the roofing system appropriately.
- Installing slate roofs require a considerable amount of money. Just try to remember that what you get for this type of investment is the best roofing material, so expect the results to be well worth the price.
Essential Factors in Choosing the Best Roofing Material
There are plenty of factors that go into choosing the ideal material for your roofing, so it is vital to recognize them. Here are some of the factors you might need to comprehend when selecting the best roofing material for your home. In the end, what a homeowner gives importance to will depend on the priorities he or she has in mind.
Aesthetic Appeal of Your Home
Most homeowners would like to complement their home architecture with the appropriate roofing. A contemporary Mediterranean house may look best with clay tiles, while Victorian style may be excellent with wood shingles. While durability is a significant characteristic, curb appeal is a timeless quality.
Spectacular Durability and Reliable Strength
This factor is essential for homeowners who live in areas with extreme weather conditions. If you live in a place with strong winds and storms, you want to ensure that your roof can endure them. For those in a scorching and dry climate, your roofing should withstand the elements while allowing airflow to keep your house cooler.
Reasonable Price
The cost for varying roofing materials differ, and so does the installation procedures. Higher-quality materials generally cost more, but they are worthy investments. Why not spend a few more dollars on roofing, especially if it can guarantee a longer-lasting life span and better overall performance?
Know what amount you can spend on your roofing, and analyze the best material options available for you. Research the best brands for your chosen type of roofing, and look for affordable yet reliable professional roofers for the job.
Local Building Codes
Building codes vary from one state or city to another. Particular circumstances cause these differences, and it will be wise to adhere to these rules. Most of the places with separate building policies are due to the unique topographical features (coasts and ridges) or natural phenomena (wildfires and tornadoes) in such areas.
Some gated communities or subdivisions may even have their specific requirements when it comes to houses. It can be to preserve the area’s aesthetic or promote a particular theme.
Brilliant and Efficient Protection Qualities
Of course, a roof’s primary purpose is to protect your home and family from outside elements such as sunlight, rain, and others. But is that all there is to it? Is it just for sheltering you from the weather?
Other brilliant qualities should be tremendous when it comes to roofing, especially energy efficiency. Capable insulation properties that allow adequate airflow and keep the house fresh is a big plus in hot areas. Meanwhile, the ability to absorb and radiate heat is an excellent factor in colder parts of the country.
Get What You Want in Roofing With the Best Material for Your Need
Roofing is a crucial part of every home. It is a significant investment, so it will be vital to ensure that you get only the best with your money’s worth. As such, understanding the different roofing materials- and their advantages and disadvantages- puts you in a better position to select what serves you best.
There is undoubtedly a perfect roofing material for your home with all the available types in the market. If there are still some doubts, you can always contact a reliable roofing company to guide you with everything. The only thing left to do then would be to recognize what you value most and see which of your options meets your needs.
