Roofing Material Options
Feb 28, 2018“If it’s time to replace your roof, the one thing you’ll learn right away is that there are a variety of roofing material options and styles from which to choose,” said Scott Cline, owner of J&B Construction. “Although it’s important to consider factors such as weather conditions, the design of your house, and your available budget when selecting a roofing material, advances in roofing technology have given the customer more freedom to choose the look they desire.”
Roofing Material Options
Asphalt Shingles- Slate and Clay Tiles
- Metal Roofing
- Flat Roofs
- Cedar Shingles and Shakes
- Polymer Roofing
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most favored roofing material choices. Not only are they cost-effective to produce, they are simpler to install, and they are easily attainable. Other reasons for their popularity include their versatility and durability. For instance, asphalt shingles are available in a broad selection of styles and colors and can be installed in a wide range of temperatures. They also provide reliable waterproofing and have an average lifespan of more than 30 years. Note that certain types of asphalt shingle roofs have up to a 50-year life expectancy.
Slate and Clay Tiles
A more sophisticated roofing option is slate and clay tiles, as their natural look gives the house personality. In addition to aesthetics, slate and clay tiles are famous for their longevity with an expected lifespan of 75 to 100 years or more. “Not to mention, these tiles are fireproof, immune to rot, and easily maintained,” said Scott. “Slate and clay tiles are offered in an array of colors and styles, plus due to improvements to the manufacturing process, they are now impervious to fading.”
Metal Roofing
Recently, metal roofing has been growing in popularity because it requires minimal maintenance, it’s lightweight, and it’s good for the environment. “Just be sure that an experienced professional installs a metal roof on your home, as the installation process can be a bit complex for a contractor who is unfamiliar with this material,” he said. “Keep in mind that as a metal roof begins to lose its luster, it can be repainted, as long as the roof is structurally sound.”
Flat Roofs
Visually speaking, flat roofs seem to fit in a category of their own. “Not only does a flat roof give a home a distinct look, it’s also considered a safer option because it’s easy to access and deters falls,” Scott said. A flat roof often costs more to install than a traditional, sloped roof, and flat roofs do involve a moderate amount of maintenance.
Although there are newer, environmentally friendly flat roof options available that help reduce heat absorption and provide better leak protection, it’s still important to keep up with regular care. “Remember, ensuring that a flat roof remains watertight is a responsibility of the homeowner,” he said. “This may include routine cleaning of debris in order to prevent water from clogging the drains. Additionally, a new coating will need to be applied at some point, since the sun’s rays can slowly degrade a flat roof over time, especially when temperatures fluctuate from hot to cold rapidly.”
Cedar Shingles and Shakes
If you desire more eco-friendly roofing material options for your home, consider cedar shingles and shakes, as they are made from naturally renewable resources. “You can be especially confident in your green choice if the materials are collected in an environmentally friendly way,” said Scott. “Plus, cedar shingles and shakes have little to no affect on the quality of water runoff. They are also durable with an average lifespan of 30 years or more, making them a sound investment for environmentally conscious homeowners.”
Polymer Roofing
Polymer roofing is also well known for its durability. “It may be a lightweight material, but it stands strong against severe weather and drastic temperature changes,” he said. Polymer is also highly waterproof and easily cleaned, which helps prevent the growth of fungi and moss. Typically made from 100% recycled materials, polymer is another green option and typically has a 50-year warranty.
“Whatever roofing material options you choose, with so many possibilities available, you’re sure to find a material that best compliments your home and style,” Scott said. “You can also be confident in your decision because of the beneficial improvements that are continuously being made in the roofing industry across all materials.”
