Top Materials for Roofing Projects
Slate roofing offers a stylish look, lasting over 100 years, with fire resistance and low maintenance. However, its heaviness necessitates extra framing and comes at a higher cost than other materials.
Choosing the best materials to use for a roofing project can take time and effort. With so many options on the market, homeowners need to understand the pros and cons of different roofing materials.
This post digs into some of the top materials ideal for your roofing project.
Asphalt shingles
Thanks to their durability, affordability, and long lifespan, asphalt shingles are widely used throughout the United States. Depending on the climate and maintenance, these shingles last from 20 to 30 years. They are available in various colors, are easy to install, and require little to no maintenance.
However, they don’t offer as much insulation as other roofing materials and are not as durable as metal or tile roofs.
Metal roofing
As a result of their long lifespan and energy efficiency, metal roofs are increasing in popularity; they often last 50 years or more with proper maintenance. This roofing material is resistant to fire, wind, and impact, making it an excellent choice for areas that experience severe weather conditions. Additionally, metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, reducing cooling costs by 10% to 25%.
One notable con is that metal roofs can be noisy during rainstorms if not sufficiently insulated and are more expensive than asphalt shingles.
Wood shingles and shakes
Wood shingles and shakes are a natural option to increase a home’s aesthetics. They are thicker than asphalt shingles and provide excellent insulation. Proper maintenance means wood shingles can last up to 30 to 50 years.
These shingles, however, are more expensive than asphalt shingles and require periodic maintenance to prevent mildew, mold, and rot. In addition, they have poor fire resistance unless treated with a fire retardant.
Slate roofing
Slate roofing is known for its distinctive, elegant appearance and longevity. Slate roofs are known to last over 100 years, making them an excellent long-term investment. They are also fire-resistant and require little maintenance.
On the flip side, slate is heavy, requires extra framing, and is more expensive than most other materials.
Tile roofing
Tile roofing is popular in the southwestern United States for its unique look and durability. Tile roofs are highly durable, lasting over 50 years with minimal maintenance. They are fire-resistant and energy-efficient, as the tiles can circulate cool air in hot weather.
However, like slate, tile is heavy and may require extra framing, and it’s also one of the more expensive roofing options.
Choosing the right material for a roof
Budget, the home’s style, and the area’s climate are factors to consider when choosing the right roofing material. Homeowners should consult a reputable local roofing company to help choose the best material for their needs and preferences.
Irish Roofing Company provides Scottsdale with roof inspection, installation, sealing and repair. We offer shingle services, tile roof services, flat roof services, roof cleaning, roof inspection, roof installation, leak repair, roof recovering, roof repair, roof sealing, skylight installation and replacement, and wood shake services for commercial and residential customers.
