Need Help Deciding on Roofing Materials?
Your roof is an essential part of your home, protecting your property from the elements and ensuring shelter, not to mention contributing to or detracting from the overall look and feel of your home. Costs vary as do durability, eco-friendliness, installation, maintenance, and more, so choosing the right roofing material isn’t always easy.
There are many different types of roofing materials available today, and in this article I’ll discuss six of them. I’ll give you a brief overview of each type of roofing material and explain its benefits and drawbacks.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Advantages
A very common roofing choice for Americans is asphalt, which is probably due to its low cost and easy installation. With proper maintenance and care, asphalt roofs last around 25-30 years and can be easily replaced. Asphalt roof shingles are the most affordable the most common type of roof replacements and new home roof installations on homes across North America, and with good reason.
They are designed to protect a home through decades of weathering with minimal upkeep, and are available in hundreds of colors and styles. There are three main types of asphalt shingles: 3-tab asphalt or strip shingles, fiberglass asphalt, and architectural style or dimensional asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles fight algae growth, offer resistance to damaging hail, and also help reflect the heat of the sun to keep homes cooler and can reduce the expenses of air conditioning.
Disadvantages
Though they may cost less upfront, asphalt roofs have the potential to have a shorter lifespan than roofs built with other materials such as metal or clay.
Composite Shingles
Advantages
Another popular material in the United States is composite shingles. These are made of a mixture of asphalt and wood fiber that can be used to create an attractive roof covering with low maintenance costs. Composite shingle roofs have been around for decades but have recently become more common as homeowners seek ways to save money on their home improvement projects.
These types of roofs come in many different styles including traditional, contemporary, and architectural, and can even be custom-designed. This allows homeowners the benefit of finding exactly what they want without having to compromise on style.
Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage of these roofs is that they require regular upkeep. Poor maintenance and care will always translate to obvious signs of wear and tear, making this roof choice less appealing to certain home or business owners.
There are many roofing material options and several factors that contribute to making a good choice, whether you’re building a new home or business or replacing a roof on an existing structure. Price, durability, eco-friendliness, overall aesthetic, weight, longevity, maintenance, and even initial installation – all play into which choice may be right for you.
Cedar Shingle Roofing
Advantages
Cedar shingles also called wood shake shingles are roofing material made out of - you guessed it - wood! Depending on the aesthetic of your house - if your home could be described as “rustic” in style, for example, you might find this option more pleasing to the eye and consistent with the rest of the house. Cottage and Cape (Cod) style homes in particular look nice with cedar shingles.
Besides possible aesthetic appeal, though, there are others advantages to this type of roofing. One is its ability to insulate. Wood shingles keep your home cool during the hotter seasons and warm during the colder months. They’re also quite durable against wind damage, a definite benefit vis a vis other popular roofing materials.
Disadvantages
Though there are many great benefits to wood shingle roofing, roofs made from cedar shingles require more maintenance. Cedar shingles are more susceptible to water damage and rot, so choosing these for your roof will often mean more upkeep. Their lifespan is between 25-35 years.
Metal Roofing
Advantages
Metal roofs are another material that has a reputation for durability. It is resistant to weather damage such as storms, wind, hail, and fire. It also is not susceptible to problems such as rotting and insect infestation, making it much more low maintenance than most other materials.
It also means this type of roof has a long longevity lasting 70-100 years depending on conditions and maintenance. The cost of materials is mid range and because of its durability makes it a good long term investment.
Disadvantages
Though there are a lot of advantages to metal roofs, a few disadvantages have to do with the effect of what lands on them. Metal roofs project a lot of noise from things falling on them and because snow slides easily – and sometimes quickly - off their surface – injury for those in their path is a possibility.
Clay / Spanish Tile Roofing
Advantages
Another popular and attractive style of roofing – and particularly in Mediterranean countries, is clay roofing.
Clay roofing comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to customize in a way that fits with the style of your home. Due to its durability against fire and weather extremes, it’s incredibly long-lasting. Since it’s made with natural materials, clay roofing is also environmentally-friendly.
This type of roof has a long life span, usually around 45-55 years, but with proper maintenance, can be extended even further.
Disadvantages
Due to their heaviness, clay tiles should be more carefully considered for those building more lightweight structures. They’re also a more expensive material, so they wouldn’t be a first choice for those looking for something on the cheaper end of things.
On the other hand… given their high durability and ability to last a very long time when well-maintained, (saving you the cost of replacement), they can add much value to a home.
Slate Roofing
Advantages
Out of the vast array of roofing options, slate roofs have the longest projected lifespan – 50 -150 years, which makes them a common roofing material for those looking for a long-lasting option.
Another advantage is that due to their density, these roofs can help save on energy costs by keeping your home warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot.
Not only will they help you save money, but also assist in saving the environment, because slate is an organic material, which unlike other materials, requires little to no processing. Natural slate comes in a variety of colors and is fire-resistant, so you can choose a beautiful roof for your home and feel safe in the meantime.
Disadvantages
Slate roofs save a lot in the long run but are typically more costly in up-front costs, the average price being on the higher end. They also require professional installation due to the greater difficulty of properly installing them.
Homeowners should also consider their weight, which is considerably greater than other materials, which means that those with lighter structures should carefully consider this option.
Rubber Roofing
Advantages
Rubber roofing, also known as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a great material to use for your home. A huge advantage to this type of roofing is the cost. Rubber is an inexpensive material while also being lightweight and easy to work with, therefore making for a quick installation and saving you the cost of labor. Maintenance is also a quick and simple process, sometimes a tube of liquid rubber is all that is needed, meaning you can save your hard earned money.
Another advantage is the longevity of these roofs. Rubber is resistant to water, high winds, hail, UV rays and other extreme weather conditions making it an incredibly durable material. With proper care, rubber roofs can last up to 50 years.
Disadvantages
The biggest drawback when it comes to rubber roofing is the appearance. It is mostly produced in black, though some manufacturers are making a white or off-white material. If black or white does not fit with your home though, the roofs can be painted over with any color acrylic paint.
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