The roof is one of the most important parts of your house. It absorbs most of the impact from the elements, which makes it that one part of your home that is most likely to sustain a lot of wear and tear over time. Because of the nature of the roof’s job, you are going to need the best available materials for it. And unlike before, you now have a wealth of roofing materials to consider for your house. Once you’ve made your choice, hire roofers covered by roofing contractors insurance to install it, and you’ll have a roof that will protect you and your family for a long time.
Here are some of the roofing materials available today.
Clay and concrete
Clay and concrete tiles are obviously heavy, but they are incredibly durable, which means they are going to last for a long time. They are also energy-efficient and don’t slack off in the looks department as they add elegance and texture to a roof. If your house has a Spanish, Southwestern, or Mediterranean style, concrete and clay tiles would be perfect.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are a lot cheaper than clay and concrete tiles, and it’s probably why they’re some of the most common materials for residential roofs in the US. Their life span is also shorter, but they can be reinforced with cellulose or fiberglass. Asphalt shingles also come in a variety of colors and are quite easy to install. They also go well with homes with suburban styles, although they do work with many other architectural styles.
Metal
As with anything made of metal, metal roofs have a reputation for being durable, with an estimated life span of 40 to 75 years. Great for contemporary homes as well as cabins and bungalows, metal roofs also do well in extreme weather conditions. On top of that, roofs made of metal are recyclable as well, making them an environmentally friendly roofing material.
Wood shingle or shakes
Few people would argue if someone told them that of all roofing materials available today, wood roofs would be at the top when it comes to attractiveness. Whether you go with wood shingles or shakes, there will be no doubt that your roof will look great once you’re done installing it. For luxury homes, a roof made of wood shingles or shakes would look like its crowning glory.
However, wood roofs have plenty of limitations. Aside from being expensive, they wouldn’t fare too well in areas with wet climates. This is because they are likely to mold, split, or rot earlier than expected. There are also some areas with fire codes that ban their use. But wood roofs look absolutely fabulous, which is probably why they’re still quite popular among homeowners despite their cons.
Slate
If you want a roofing material that has the potential to last a century, then you should seriously consider slate tiles. They are thin sheets of stone that are easy to quarry. Believe it or not, there are many slate roofs that are still doing their job a hundred years or even more after installation.
Slate roofs look good and elegant, especially on homes that are Colonial or European in style. Behind that beauty, however, lies durability that is unmatched by other roofing materials. Slate may be expensive and heavy, but its fire-resistant properties, sustainability, and availability in a variety of colors make it one of the best choices for roofing material out there.
Solar Shingles
In case you’re looking for more innovative and eco-friendly roofing options, solar shingles are one of the best choices. Solar shingles serve both roofing material and solar panels. Solar shingles harness the sun’s energy to generate power for your home and help cut energy consumption costs.
Newer types of solar shingles are tougher and more durable, and perform almost the same as conventional roofing materials. They can withstand heavy rains, strong winds, and other extreme weather conditions.
While solar shingles may require a much larger financial investment than other types of roofing, it starts paying for itself right after installation and generates a better return on investment in the long run.
There is no such thing as the best roofing material. What’s best for you is the one that best fits your needs, your goals, and your budget. Every roofing material has its own share of pros and cons. Therefore, look at them more closely before deciding on one. Installation is also just as important, so make sure you hire a professional for the job.
About the Author
Rachel Porter is the content specialist for Custom Contractors Insurance, LLC, an Arizona roofing and contractors insurance company. When not writing, she enjoys reading and mountain biking with her friends.
