Purchasing a new roof for your home is a big investment. It is an investment of your time, your dedication, and your money. You will have many decisions to make, regarding your future roof replacement. You will have to choose a roofing contractor. You will have to figure out the best time of year to have your roof replaced. You will have to make sure that you have done all of the preparations required for the commencement of the roofing installation. And, perhaps most importantly, you will have to decide which type of roofing material to use for your home.
The roofing material that you choose can alter the visual appearance of your home, unlike anything else. Depending on the type of material you choose, the quality that you pick, the color, the pattern, and so much more, will depend on how your home will look for the next 2-3 decades. It is a decision that should not be taken too lightly.
In order for you to decide which type of roofing material to use, it is important that you are familiar with the most common types of materials that are available in today’s market. Below, we have outlined some of the most popular roofing materials used in homes around the U.S. today. You may wish to compare and contrast the materials, in order to figure out the best material for your particular home’s roof.
-Asphalt Shingles: This is the most common type of roofing material used. Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors, blends, and grade levels. The shingles are relatively simple to install, which helps to keep installation fees low. They are also a very economical choice for roofing material. Asphalt shingles can be used with a fiberglass lining, which makes them Class A fire resistant. They also have a long-life expectancy, of about 20-30 years, and they are a simple material to repair or replace, if needed.
-Metal Roofing: Metal roofing material is available in aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc. There are two types, which include metal shingles and metal panels. Metal roofs are very durable, and will withstand severe weather conditions. The life expectancy for metal roofing material is approximately 40-75 years. Typically, metal roofing is very lightweight, and offers a very distinct, sleek appearance.
-Clay or Concrete Tiles: Both clay and concrete tiles can be a very heavy building material, so these options may not work well for every type of home; however, clay and concrete tiles can provide for a very unique, distinctive appearance. They both have a long-life expectancy, about 40-50 years. They are very durable products, and they come in a variety of styles, such as flat, scalloped, or ribbed.
-Slate: Slate has a very distinctive style. It is available in a variety of colors, including; green, gray, black, red, or purple. Slate tiles have a very long-life expectancy, lasting anywhere from 50-100 years. It is a very durable product, and it is also fire-resistant. This option can be somewhat expensive.
-Wood Shingles: Wood shingles provide for a classic, sometimes rustic, appearance. They weather naturally as they age, and typically are a shade of gray in color. The shingles are usually made of southern pine, cedar, or redwood trees, and their life expectance is approximately 20-25 years.