Roof Replacement – Learn About Your Options!

Roofs are made of many different materials, each having their own benefits and disadvantages. When discussing a replacement roof with any roofing company, it is a good idea to know the types and styles of roofs available, and which ones are most appropriate for your home style and any other important conditions concerning the roof.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Asphalt, or composition shingles, are the most popular type of roofs installed by professional roofing contractors on homes today. Asphalt shingles are economical, durable, and available in various types and colors to meet specific tastes and needs. Asphalt shingles can be found in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to add character to a home. There are a number of super-efficient, insulative types that reflect heat to reduce warm weather cooling costs. The main disadvantage with asphalt shingles is that these roofs may only last between 15 and 25 years as opposed to longer lasting ones.

Metal Roofing

Sold in corrugated panels, decorative tiles, and even stamped into sheets that mimic the look of expensive shingle roofs, metal roofing is another cost-effective and durable roofing option many expert roofers install on buildings. Metal roofs are easy to install and can last 50 years or more, some even carrying lifetime warranties. Metal roofing can be energy efficient when coated with reflective coatings; they are now available in various styles and colors; giving homeowners many options to affordably add character to a home. The main disadvantages with metal roofs is that they can be a bit noisy in bad weather such as heavy rain and panels can blow off if the roof is not properly installed.

Clay, Concrete, and Ceramic Tile

Tile roofs are thermo-protective and can be quite stylish; however, they can also be expensive. Tiles made from natural materials absorb the sun’s heat without expelling it into the home, then quickly release it again once the sun goes down, making them a preferred choice in very hot climates. They are also available in many stylish colors, shapes, and sizes, turning an ordinary roof into an extraordinary one. Still, there are a few downsides with these tiles, including higher initial cost, increased weight, and the fact that they are breakable. They are not recommended in climates that get a lot of hail or severe storms.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Available as thinner, flatter shingles or thicker, rough-hewn shakes, wood roofs are extremely attractive and rustic, although not very economical. Use of wood roofs has drastically declined, in part due to lack of available resources, the quality of wood shingles available, and the financial and maintenance investment required to keep a wood roof in good condition. When properly installed by a good roofing company, wood roofs can last 50 years or more. They do require more maintenance than most other roofing types.

Natural Slate Shingles

Slate is an excellent roofing material. It is durable, has an endless life as long if not damaged, and is extremely thermo-efficient. Slate roofs also have an attractive, classic look, although they are heavy. The main disadvantage with slate roofs is their cost, often more than twice the price of a shingle roof. Long-term, they are economical as slate shingles help reduce cooling bills and will likely never need for roofers to replace them.

With these many options available in replacement roofs, homeowners have a many choices. Check with a local roofing company about which types and styles are recommended in your specific area and more about the best roofing options for homes!