7 Types of Roof Materials You Can Choose From
Replacing your roof may be stressful as it’s a big decision. Roofs are expensive, and there are many different types of roof materials to choose from. There are many considerations when thinking about the material you want for your roof. These include your budget, your home’s style, and your area’s climate. Keep this article in mind when making decisions about your roof material.
Asphalt Shingles
When you are thinking about different types of roof materials for your home, asphalt shingles may pop into your head first. Asphalt shingles are among the most common type of roof material. Unless you have a less common type of roof, they are most likely the material that is currently on your roof. You don’t have to select asphalt shingles for your next roof, but you should consider them.
A local roofer may recommend what they think is the best roof material for your home. Asphalt shingles are the most affordable of the different types of roof materials to choose from. In addition, they are the easiest to install and have a wide variety of colors and styles. Asphalt shingles are organic or fiberglass mats covered with asphalt and granules. The asphalt makes the shingle waterproof. The granules provide a layer of protection from UV radiation. The granules also give the shingle its color.
This type of shingle is durable and can last between 20 to 30 years. Some factors contribute to the length of time they last. These factors include its installation and the climate. Asphalt shingles are easy to cut and fit into any shape to match the design of the roof. While asphalt shingles are durable, they aren’t the most durable. Other roof materials hold up better in extreme weather better. Strong winds and hail can damage these shingles. In addition, they tend to absorb the heat from the sun, which can cause your home to be hotter in the summer.
Wood Roofing
Wood shingles and shakes are another one of the different types of roof materials to choose from. These are some of the more popular roof materials to choose from for your home. Wood shingles are typically made from only a handful of different trees. These include western red cedar, Atlantic white cedar, pine, spruce, cypress, or redwood trees. These shingles begin as a lighter color but darken with age. Often wood shingles become silver-gray or dark brown.
The wood from the trees is cut into tapered thin strips. The thin strips are machine-cut to give them a smooth and uniform look. Shakes are slightly different from shingles because they are cut by hand. This process gives wood shakes a more textured and rustic look. Both wood shingles and shakes are popular choices for homes. They are both beautiful and durable.
Both shingles and shakes are long-lasting and durable. They do, however, require regular maintenance and local roofing repairs. You will find that wood shingles and shakes are more susceptible to damage from fire, insects, and rot. They do need to be sealed to make them more resistant to insect damage. Residential roof repair services will tell you that a wood roof is easy to install. This makes them similar to asphalt shingles. They are typically faster to install than asphalt because wood shingles tend to be smaller.
When it comes to roofing repair, replacing any damaged shingles or shakes is simple. However, it’s best to keep in mind that the wood that is replaced will most likely not match the existing wood because it discolors over time. Wood is a natural insulator to help keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This also helps to decrease your utility bills. Wood shingles are a sustainable option because most manufacturers plant trees to replace the trees they cut down for the roofing material they use.
Clay Roofing
Clay roofs are another one of the different types of roof materials to choose for your home. When you are considering roof replacements, you want to know that a clay roof is highly durable and can withstand the harshest elements. Clay is highly resistant to fire, pests, and rot. These roofs are made of a more natural material and will maintain their integrity no matter what weather extremes they face. A clay roof is also tolerant of rapid and varying temperature changes. Natural clay is used in the construction of clay tiles. This material is fired and shaped in a kiln.
Concrete tiles are constructed from a mixture of sand, water, and cement. Once mixed, they are molded into shape. Both clay and concrete tiles are heavy and need a strong house and foundation to be able to support their weight. This type must be installed by a company that provides professional roofing services. They tend to be expensive. These materials have been used for thousands of years and can be relied on and trusted for their durability.
While these roofs can last more than 100 years, they do require some maintenance. They give your house a unique and stylish look. This material is able to reflect the heat of the sun to keep your house cooler in the summer. They are more energy efficient and reduce your utility bills. One thing to note is that clay tiles are not flexible and can break or crack as the structure of the house settles. When they are damaged, they are not easy to repair or fix.
Tile Roofing
A tile roof is another option in the list of different types of roof materials to choose from for your home. It is also one of the most beautiful roof materials that you can choose for your home. What is even better about a tile roof is that it’s durable. However, it is also expensive. Tile roofs are heavy and cannot be used for all houses. Your house must have a strong foundation to be able to withstand the weight of a tile roof. This type of roof can last as long as 100 years.
In the early days of tile roofs, this type of roof was constructed from fired clay, terracotta, or slate. Today, they are most often made from concrete that is molded and tinted. Tile roofs can be molded into various shapes, which include interlocking, curved, fluted, or flat. If you live in an area that is prone to hot weather and has constant exposure to salty air, a tile roof is ideal for your home. In addition, if you live in a more dry area that doesn’t get a lot of rain, you should consider a tile roof.
You should keep in mind that tile roof repair is not an easy task, especially when there is a leak in the roof. A tile roof is going to allow large amounts of water to drain quickly off the roof. This means your house needs to have a proper drainage system and be structurally sound. A tile roof must be installed by a professional because the measurements must be precise. This type of roof must be laid in a specific type of pattern. It is critical that moisture doesn’t get into a tile roof.
Metal Roofing
Another one of the different types of roof materials to choose for your house is metal. There are many different types of metal shingle options which range from aluminum, steel, copper, and other metal alloys. There is no limit on the number of colors and styles available to you. Metal roofing is lightweight, resistant to fire, and durable. This roofing material is also resistant to extreme weather and is known for its longevity. Metal roof installation is becoming a popular choice because of its many benefits.
A metal roof can be installed in whole sheets or shingles. A metal roof shingle can sometimes be installed over top of most existing roofs. If you maintain a metal roof properly, you can expect it to last between 50 to 75 years. If you switch over to a metal roof, you may never have to replace it again in your lifetime. Metal roofs are energy efficient and reflect heat. This means it can help reduce your cooling cost during the hot summer. Metal roofs are modern and can change the way your house looks. It is important to note that metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt roofs but often less expensive than other materials. While metal roofs are durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, they are not flexible, which means they can dent or crack. In addition, metal roofs tend to be loud, which some homeowners love. If you don’t think you’ll enjoy the sound of the rain hitting a metal roof, you may want to think twice about this type of material.
Green Roofing
A green roof is one of the different types of roof materials to choose for your home. This is a different type of roof that you may not immediately consider. It is unique and doesn’t appeal to everyone, but when looking at all of your options, it is a viable consideration. A green roof is an environmentally friendly option that also brings life to your roof. A green roof is often referred to as a living roof because it is completely covered in vegetation. These roofs are made from a wide variety of plants, including grasses, shrubs, and trees. There are many benefits to installing this type of roof.
The benefits include reducing the house’s environmental impact while making it more sustainable. It also can help improve the quality of the air, reduce the amount of water from stormwater runoff, and provide insulation. In addition, this type of roof can help to regulate the temperature inside the house.
This roof can also provide a living space for wildlife which may be positive or negative. It means that you may have a lot more animals on your roof. If you love greenery and gardens, it improves the look of the house. If you are considering this type of roof replacement, you should know that there are limits to where you can place this type of roof. You must have a flat roof for it to be the ideal place for a green roof. Your climate dictates if this type of roof is ideal for your home. This is an expensive roof to install on your home. You also need to maintain this roof if you decide to install it. Not all roofing companies are going to be able to install this type of roof. You will need to find one that specializes in green roofs.
Solar Roofing
When considering different types of roof materials, you should not discount solar panels on your roof. This is especially true if you are interested in the most energy-efficient option. Solar panels are among the most energy-efficient options a homeowner can find. Both solar panels and solar roofs are available as options. The shingles are made from glass that contains photovoltaic cells. These cells are semiconductors and transfer the energy from the sun to electrons. The energy is turned into an electrical current to power your house. This is a renewable and clean source of energy and can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
Roof contractors will tell you that solar roofs are durable and fire-resistant. This type of roof is much more expensive than all other types of roofs. However, with the tax credits and savings on your utility bills, this type of roof eventually pays for itself. A solar roof is much easier to maintain than solar panels, and they last between 30 to 40 years. However, their availability is limited, and it may be difficult to find a qualified roofing business to install a solar roof. In addition, you have limited color and style options.
When you are considering all the different types of roof materials to choose from, it’s essential that you understand all of your options. There are many considerations when thinking about which material is right for you.
