A Quick Rundown Of 3 Different Residential Roofing Materials
Deciding to replace your roof is the first big choice you will have to make with a residential roof replacement. The second big choice you will have to make is what type of material you want to use on your roof. Here is a quick rundown of three of the top roofing materials, including their benefits and drawbacks, so you can start to decide what roofing material you want to use.
Material #1: Shingles
One of the most common roofing materials is shingles. Shingles are commonly used because they come in various price points, and it is generally easy to find some affordable shingles for your home. Shingles are also easy to take care of and are lightweight, so you shouldn't have to reinforce your rafters or decking to install them. Plus, they come in a wide range of patterns and colors.
The downside to shingles is that they have a shorter life than other, more expensive roofing materials. They also don't work that well on really steep roofs. Additionally, shingles shouldn't be installed when it is freezing outside, limiting their usability as a new material if you are looking for a winter roof installation.
Material #2: Metal
Another material to consider is metal. Metal roofing comes in different shapes and sizes, with paneling being the most common and affordable option. You can also paint a metal roof just about any color, allowing for further customization of your space. Metal roofs have a long life expectancy and can last for decades. A metal roof could be the only roof you need to put on your home.
Metal roofs are also made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable at the end of their life. They absorb less heat than other materials, helping to lower your home's energy costs. Really, the biggest drawbacks are that the material is more expensive and the installation process is more involved, and thus metal costs more than other materials.
Material #3: Slate
Finally, if you really want to install a roofing material that will last forever, you should consider installing a slate roof. Slate is made from high-quality stone, so a slate roof can literally last hundreds of years with the proper care.
The big downside to slate is that it is heavy. So before installing a slate roof, you may need to reinforce your rafters and decking. This is also a material that has to be installed by a professional, thus increasing the costs of this type of roof.
Talk to your roofing contractor about your budget and home needs so you can work together to choose a roofing material that will work on your home. Contact a company like Elite Exteriors to learn more.