If you are anything like the majority of the homeowners across the United States, there are chances that you have not given any thought to the roofing material your roof is made of. For the most part, this area of a house is out of mind and out of sight until it starts leaking. Then, it is time to move a leg and do some research about the next best thing for the roof.
There are scenarios that can lead you to do some digging about roofing materials. It could be;
- A new house with a shabby roof
- A broken roof of your old abode
- You are just looking for a change
Although, there are many items that go into the erection of a roof, such as frames and other support articles. But the striking thing is shingles.
In this article, we will discuss four common types of residential roofing materials and take an in-depth look at their attributes like pricing, durability, etc. You can also get in touch with professionals to sort out your residential roofing needs.
Here are the four different materials.
Asphalt Roofing
On top of our list is none other than asphalt which is a popular choice for shingle roofing. It is a very common shingle type that addresses more cost-conscious homeowners. It offers durability and there are a number of options for diversity to have a unique look for your house.
There are two types of asphalt shingles.
Fiberglass
This type of residential shingle roofing material is a fiberglass that is covered with asphalt. This layer of protection keeps water out and prolong the life of other materials. In addition to that, the ceramic granules act as UV rays’ repellants.
Organic
This material is made of recycled felt paper and appeals to the eco-friendlier homeowners because of its minor carbon-emission footprint. Still, it has the asphalt layer for added protection. They are more on the expensive side but they also tend to last long.
Metal Roofing
After asphalt shingles, there is another contender for one of the most popular residential roofing materials – metal. In recent years, it has come a long time and has covered as much as four times the market share.
Now, homeowners are more confident in installing metal roofs above their heads. The best thing about a metal roof is the durability and the longevity that comes with it. According to stats, it can last around fifty years or more.
Here are some of the most prominent benefits of metal roofing.
- Fire shield
- Interlocked panels for wind resistance
- Energy-efficient
- Lightweight
- A diverse range of designs
There is no denying that metal roofing is a viable option with more pros than cons, but it is best to look at the full picture before making the decision. One of the ‘cons’ is the high price. It could cost three times more than asphalt. So, if you move out of a house soon enough, you may not get returns on the investment.
Stone & Slate
In the countryside, this is the most popular roofing material for its timeless design and durability. Like all other things, there are some advantages and disadvantages related to it. On the brighter side, you get 100% natural stone that has its own luster and texture. It has a gradient of color throughout the surface which gives it its signature vintage look. Additionally, they are energy-efficient, fireproof, and for the major part, recyclable. The disadvantages are not many. One is the price which is even more than metal roofing. The other one is the difficulty in proper installation from a Northern Kentucky roofing company which gives a spike to price.
On the brighter side, you get 100% natural stone that has its own luster and texture. It has a gradient of color throughout the surface which gives it its signature vintage look. Additionally, they are energy-efficient, fireproof, and for the major part, recyclable.
The disadvantages are not many. One is the price which is even more than metal roofing. The other one is the difficulty in proper installation which gives a spike to price.
Wood
For centuries and across cultures, wood was considered to be the ultimate material for roofing. It is still going strong. The best part about wooden roofing is that it even wears down tastefully. The seasoned and weathered look of a wooden roof gives a run for its money to any other type of roof.
All glories aside, it is a fire hazard because it is wood. Also, it lasts almost half the time as a metal roof but costs almost the same.
Conclusion
While looking at different roofing materials, it all comes down to personal preference and budget. No matter which material you choose, you need to make sure it covers all the basic criteria and can offer active protection against harsh weather conditions.