Which Roofing Materials are Right for You?
When adding roofing materials to your home, there are a few different variations you can choose from depending on your needs. The six main types include asphalt shingles, wood shakes, slate roofing tiles, concrete and clay tiles, metal roofing, and flat roof. Below, we’ll talk about the different types of roofing materials to help you decide which one to use.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are most popular among homeowners and roofers because of their affordability and durability. They come in a wide array of styles and colors and are easy to install. Asphalt shingles are waterproof and can last up to 20 years, making them the perfect roofing material for any home. However, they can have a much shorter lifespan than heavier tiles, especially if walked on during the installation. Dark asphalt shingles are also prone to fading, which can, over time, look bad on your home.
Wood Shakes and Cedar Shingles
These types of roofing materials are made from naturally renewable resources and are eco-friendly to use. Wood shakes are a preferred choice for homeowners that are “going green” due to their low impact on quality of runoff water and lifespan of up to 30 years.
Slate Roofing Tiles
If you own an upscale home and are looking for a more premium roofing material, slate may be your best option. Slate roofing tiles offer a more natural appearance, do not rot, are easy to maintain, are fire resistant, environmentally friendly, and can last up to 150 years. They also come in a wide variety of styles and colors. Keep in mind that slate is more costly and heavier, which also makes this roofing material more difficult and expensive to install. Also, slate can make it harder to clean your gutters and is quite fragile and may break under your weight if stepped on.
Concrete and Clay Roofing Tiles
If you love the look of tile but want something more durable, you should consider investing in concrete or clay roof tiles. Due to manufacturing advancements, these tiles are not prone to fading, are fireproof, and have a long life. Clay tiles are eco-friendly since they’re made from baking molded clay and are available in earth tones or can be coated with enamel to make any color you want. You’ll most often see clay tiles in warm climates because they’re prone to cracking or shattering in cold weather. While more expensive than concrete, clay tiles are wind, fire, and fade resistant, and can last up to 100 years. Concrete tiles are a less expensive roofing option that is durable in almost any climate while sharing the same other benefits as clay tiles. Concrete tiles are often good for 40-50 plus years depending on the climate.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is becoming more popular and more viable thanks to its low maintenance, environmentally friendly features, and lightweight properties. There are a few different types of metal to choose from, so be sure to consider all of your options. Keep in mind that installation can be challenging and usually requires a contractor with experience installing metal roofing.
Flat Roof
Another option for your roof is installing a flat roof, which actually has a slight slope of 1/4″ to 1/2″ per foot. Obviously, this type of roof cannot be installed on all homes unless you want to do more construction. Flat roofs require a lot of maintenance, too. You are responsible for ensuring the roof remains watertight. It must also be cleaned frequently to stop debris from clogging the drain. Flat roofing is generally less expensive than sloped roofs and requires an experienced professional to install properly. They are also safer as they limit your risk of falling off when you are standing on top of it. In addition to being easily accessible, flat roofs offer a distinct visual appeal. They are also eco-friendly, durable, and create more outdoor living space for you and your family. Depending on the type of flat roof system you choose, they can last anywhere from 15 to 120 years.
Reveal360 Inspection Services serves Northern Colorado with home and commercial inspections and specializes in roof inspections. We use aerial drone technology when necessary to provide the most thorough inspection possible for any roof. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.