4 Roofing Materials for Every Home Style and Budget

Routine maintenance can eliminate a host of problems that relate to breaches in various roofing materials.

Roofs protect homes and businesses from environmental damage, and they are designed to take a beating from rain, snow, hail and wind. Eventually all homeowners need to replace their roof.

Depending on the type of roof materials chosen, spring and fall are the best times to have new roofs installed. Here are several types of roofing materials and their associated benefits.

1. Asphalt Roofs

One of the most common types of roofing materials on the market are asphalt shingles.

Organic and fiberglass shingles are the two primary kinds of asphalt roofing materials. Organic shingles are from paper. Asphalt covers this paper, and fiberglass shingles are from glass fiber mats. Asphalt also covers fiberglass shingles.

The fiberglass asphalt shingles offer buildings better protection against water damage, and they are less flammable than their organic counterpart. An asphalt shingle roof remains a popular choice for home owners because it requires the least short-term, financial investment.

Also, new asphalt roofing systems come in a variety of styles and colors that compliment different home types. Home and business owners can expect to get at least 15 years of use from modern, asphalt shingle roofing systems. 

2. Clay and Cement Tile Roofs

While asphalt shingle roofs seem to be the cheapest types of roofs on the market, tile roofs present property owners with the lowest-cost option in the long term.

Tile roofing materials, which are usually made from clay or concrete, can last for centuries. These types of roofs appear frequently on the mission-style homes that are common in the Southwestern states. They are also popular on the Mediterranean-style villas in Florida and California.

Tile roofs are naturally energy-efficient and resistant to weather damage. While this roofing material is undeniably durable, it is much heavier than asphalt and other building materials. The beautiful tiles that can add old-world elegance to a property must be applied to a roof that is fortified to carry the extra weight.

3. Slate Roofs

Property owners who want a truly distinctive roof that comes in a variety of profiles and natural colors often consider installing slate roofs.

Slate roofs are just as durable as clay and cement tile roofs, but property owners pay more for materials, installation labor and maintenance when they choose to invest in slate roofing systems. Slate roofing materials offer property owners good value in the long run. Slate tiles are fragile.

If you poorly install slate roofs, they are prone to shingle loss and damage. Also, the unique slate shingles are difficult to replace with substitutes that match in color and thickness.

4. Metal Roofs

Metal roofs present residential and commercial property owners with versatile, durable alternatives to lower-grade asphalt and heavy tile roofs. Aluminum, steel, copper and zinc are the types of metals and alloys for roofing systems (4).

Steel roofs are the least expensive of the metal roofing options. However, if you do not mix the steel with a rust-resistant metal, it will corrode easily. An aluminum roofing system is often the most cost-effective metal roof option because aluminum naturally resists corrosion and is relatively lightweight. Copper roofs are beautiful and rare because of their expense. Properly maintained steel and aluminum roofs can last over 70 years before replacements are needed.

 

Conclusion on Roofing Materials

Today’s quality roofs are made up of all types of roofing materials. Materials like slate, asphalt, and metal can accommodate a structure’s functional needs and style. 

Call your local roofing contractor today in order to determine which materials are best for your house.