Replacing your roofing is a good way to increase your home’s value, but it can be a bit troublesome if you’re not sure what type of material to use.
So, if among your questions there are:
- What are the different types of roofing materials?
- What is the best type of roofing material?
- Which roofing material options should I consider?
Then this is the right article you need to read. We’ve selected the top five popular roofing materials and taken a look at their pros and cons. Enjoy!
At the beginning of every role I take, I have to start from basics and build it up. It's like a new construction. - Kim Cattrall
Asphalt Shingle
Asphalt shingles are probably the most common type of roofing nowadays. The use of asphalt gives it a waterproofing quality, but this type of roofing isn’t entirely made of asphalt as most people think. In its composition there’s also mineral fiber and cementitious fillers.
Pros:
- Asphalt is inexpensive and requires little maintenance
- It’s easy and quick to install (and to tear down too)
- It can be reinforced with fiberglass
- It’s widely available in a great variety of colors
Cons:
- It only lasts for about 20 years
- It doesn’t have much resistance for extreme weather conditions
Concrete Tiles
Made from cement, sand, and water, concrete tiles are a nice option of roofing material. Despite not being as solid as the actual concrete roof, it provides a great look to your home and they have many advantages.
Pros:
- They’re long-lasting (about 50 years)
- They’re energy efficient and non-combustible
- They’re versatile (even being able to provide the looks of fine ceramics)
Cons:
- They usually require additional framing
- They’re heavy and difficult to install
- Even though they’re not the most expensive choice, they may be a bit over the budget
Metal
You have four options to choose from: aluminium, steel, copper, and zinc. The first two are usually the most used since they’re cheaper. While aluminium is prone to denting, steel is prone to corroding - but both have equal pros and cons.
Pros:
- Metal roofs are resistant to extreme weather conditions
- They’re easy to install and long lasting
- They’re recyclable
Cons:
- If your roof gets installed without a solid sheating and you live in a rainy area, it’ll be very loud each time the drops fall on your roof
- Metal has a tendency to expand and contract as the weather gets hotter and cooler, so this may cause a wavy effect on your roof
Wood Shakes
Manufactured from cedar, cypress, pine, and redwood trees, these wood shakes are split from logs and then shaped for commercial use.
Pros:
- It offers a natural look and it’s also extremely unique
- It helps insulate the attic
- It allows the house to breathe
Cons:
- It’s harder and more expensive to install and maintain
- This type of roofing isn’t recommended by fire safety codes
Slate Shingles
Slate is a type of rock created by the alteration of shale, usually used for flooring, flagging, and of course, roofing.
Pros:
- Slate shingle roofing adds major curb appeal to your home
- It comes in a wide variety of colors and textures
- It is considered low maintenance
- It’s the most long-lasting material (and depending on the service you hire, the installation stays within a nice budget)
Cons:
- It’s a heavy material and your home needs to be evaluated beforehand to see if it’ll stand the weight
- It’s a bit expensive
- It’s hard to install
Generally speaking, these are the most popular types of roofing materials and their pros and cons. We hope it helped you and in case your questions weren’t answered (or you’re wondering about something that’s not on the list), let’s us know in the comments below and we’ll be sure to answer you!
Keep reading:
- What’s The Difference Between Asphalt and Concrete?
- 10 of the Most Unbelievable Painting Transformations of All Time
- What’s the Difference Between Popular Countertop Materials?
- 14 Things to Get Rid of Now to De-Clutter Your Home
- The Ultimate Fall Checklist For Your Home
What are your home improvement plans? Make sure to share some thoughts in the comments below and find more Home Improvement tips and ideas!
