Choosing the right roofing materials for your roof is easier said than done. Most homeowners will focus on the price and the lifespan of a roof. In reality, there are more factors that you have to take into account. There are certain roofing materials that work better in certain climates and there are some that are versatile.
But which one is the best in the industry? We’ll be discussing the different unique characteristics of roofing materials that are available in the market.
The Best Shingles In The Market
We’re going to enumerate the best shingles that are available in your local builder’s store. But first, we’ll start out with the more common and cheaper options then we’ll move up to the higher quality and rarer roofing materials.
Asphalt Shingles
If you’re going to stay in a home in the short-term, then asphalt shingles are the best choice for this matter. You’ll notice that if you go to almost any residential community in the country, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. This material is so common, that more than half of residential homes in the United States use it as a staple for roofing.
Compared to other materials in the market, asphalt shingles are the most common. Since it’s one of the most common, it’s generally the cheapest type of shingle that you can get in the marketing. However, it does have a limited lifespan of only 15 – 20 years. If you’re planning on staying on a home for a few decades without worrying about replacing your roofing materials, then asphalt shingles are right up your alley.
Although, the number of asphalt shingles that are being used on roofs is slowly being phased out by metal roofing.
Wooden Shakes And Shingles
Wooden shakes and shingles are one of the oldest kinds of shingles. You’ll occasionally see this type of roofing among older homes that have a rustic architectural finish. Contrary to what most people think, wooden shingles are exceptionally resistant to fire with a class A rating.
One of the drawbacks of using wooden shakes and shingles is that it can be flammable if it is not treated. It’s best to keep this in mind if you’re in close proximity to other homes.
The difference between wooden shingles and shakes is that shingles are precisely cut and are generally thinner. Wooden shakes, on the other hand, are usually cut without precision and are thicker.
Clay And Concrete Tiles
Tile roofing, along with naturally-cut slate tiles are some of the most durable materials that you can find in the market. Since this type of roofing can be made from a plethora of different materials, there are a wide variety of shapes, styles, colors, and designs that you can choose from. This material has a lifespan of 100 years making it one of the most long-lasting roofing materials in the industry.
Compared to other shingles that will weigh around 350 – 500 pounds for a roof with an average area of 1600 square feet. However, clay and concrete tiles are infamous for weighing over a ton if you’re going to place it on the same roof. Additionally, this material is one of the most expensive since it offers a variety of different benefits that makes it famous.
Additionally, this type of material can break if you’re going to walk on it. Getting impact-resistant shingles is the best way of making sure that your roof can withstand shifts in weight or even impacts.
Natural and Composite Slate Tiles
Slate tile roofs are quite similar to tile roofing in terms of lifespan and durability. With a lifespan of 100 years, you won’t have to replace your roof anytime soon. Moreover, this material has been used by European coastal homes for centuries since it’s able to hold down homes against some of the strongest storms and winds in history.
Just like tile roofing, this is also one of the heaviest materials in the market. It might take some time to look for this material since it’s also highly sought after.
Flat Roofing
Normally, flat roofs require a specialized form of installation. Flat roofs are one of the best materials to use for roofing. Since flat roofs are made out of rubber and plastic-based materials, it’s highly sensitive to fluctuations in temperature. EPDM, TPO, and PVC are just some of the materials that are used on flat roofing.
One of the drawbacks of flat roofing materials is that leaks can form. Also these materials can contract and expand when faced with fluctuating temperatures. However, this is easily compensated with roof sealants. Flat roofing is usually cheaper than roofing materials used in pitched roofs since it’s widely used on commercial establishments.
Choosing The Right Roofing Material
A lot of homeowners will choose their materials solely based on the price and durability. However, there’s more to choosing the right material than just having to eyeball the price and the aesthetic value.
It’s recommended that you weigh in on the unique characteristics of the roof. If you’re in the path of strong winds and storms, then slate tile roofing is the best choice. If you’re living in warm and humid areas, then concrete and clay shingles will be a better fit.
To summarize, you’ll need to consider the pros and cons for your roof if you’re planning on installing new materials. If you’re not sure about what you should be buying, you can always consult a professional roofing contractor. Having a professional inspect your roof can help you get a glimpse of which roofing material will work best for your roofing Roswell GA.