Besides the foundation, the roof is without a doubt the most important element of your house as it protects you and your possessions from inclement weather and rain. When picking roofing materials for your residence, it is imperative to consider the climate. Some materials are better suited for hot and dry climates, while others are made to cater to cold weather and rain. Some materials ideally work better on roofs with a steeper slope or pitch as they’re designed to allow rainwater to run in a single direction. Generally, there are 5 common roofing materials for homes: asphalt, wood, tile, slate, metal and tile. Each has its pros and cons and so, careful selection is vital. In this read, we are going to delve further into these common types of roofing.
1. Asphalt Roofing
This is arguably one of the most common types of roofing. It combines low cost and durability, making it the most popular for homes. Easy to install, asphalt shingles are suitable for an array of roof pitches, but they aren’t the best for flat roofs. This kind of roofing comes in two types, organic and fibreglass shingles. The latter is supported through fibreglass structure reinforcement and coated with asphalt. They are lighter than organic shingles, but provide better results in warm climates in addition to being resistant to fire. Organic shingles, on the other hand, are based around a mat of cellulose fibre and need 2 coats of asphalt; the initial being a softer base and the second a hard finish. Organic shingles tend to stand up well to weather and stay flexible even in freezing conditions. For flat roofs, asphalt roll roofing tends to be a better option than shingles as it’s designed for roofs with little to no pitch.
2. Wood
Cedar happens to be the most common material when it comes to wood roofing, although spruce and pine are ideal alternatives. Wood is the least durable of the materials in this list, with cedar lasting for about three decades. The initial cost of wood shingles is often lower compared to others, but the installation costs tend to make up for the difference. Wood shingles tend to be some of the most expensive to install because of the precision required for proper installation.
3. Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are durable and appealing and are moderately priced compared to asphalt shingles. Metal is the lightest roofing option in this list and it comes in an array of materials including steel, copper, and aluminium. New finishes can combat fading and rusting, but they are more prone to dents during hailstorms. Copper roofing is one of the most durable, lasting for up to a century. However, it’s more expensive compared to its counterparts.
4. Tile
Tile roofing comes in different variations including rubber, clay, and concrete. The cost depends on the type of material you pick but due to weight concerns, it’s often not the most preferred roofing type for homes. Tile roofing is ideally durable, lasting for up to 50 years in some cases.
5. Slate
Speaking of durability, slate is the longest-lived roofing type in this lost. Slate shingles can easily last for 100 years. They come in an array of designs and colours, making them an appealing choice. However, they can cost as much as thrice as other materials and you will have to pay for curb appeal.
Regardless of the type of roof you pick, it’s imperative that you look for a roofing contractor who comprehends the local climate and will work with you to make sure that your roof is practical and durable. Weigh the initial costs against the expected duration of the roofing and also consider benefits like eye appeal, which can make a substantial difference if you decide to sell your house in the future.