All About Roofs
Among the wide variety of roofing materials available, it’s difficult to decide which type of roof is best for your house. To help you answer that question, we’ll describe some of today’s most popular roofing products. Ultimately, the right type of roof for you depends on a number of factors, including location, weather, budget, the style of your house, and your personal preference.
Roof Materials
Within each of the following categories of roofing material, you’ll find even more variety in material type, sturdiness, color, energy rating and more. We’re just touching the tip of the gable with these categories, so feel free to reach out to us directly if you have more in-depth questions.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are commonly used in the United States because they’re easy to install and available at a moderate price point. Today, some shingle manufacturers reinforce asphalt shingles with fiberglass or organic material to improve durability and heat resistance. And depending on the manufacturer, you can select from a variety of colors, styles and sizes.
Clay tile
Clay tiles give a distinct aesthetic quality to a roof. Genuine clay tiles, often referred to as Spanish tiles, can be flat, ribbed or scalloped. While clay tiles are long-lasting and durable, they’re also relatively expensive. Because they’re heavy and may require extra roof framing prior to installation, we recommend consulting a professional installer if you’re considering clay tiles.
Concrete tile
Like clay tiles, concrete tiles are also extremely durable and energy efficient. They’re less expensive than clay tiles, but not as moderately prices as asphalt. Concrete is also heavy and should be installed by a professional.
Metal
Metal roofing has a romantic allure. The sound of rain on a tin roof has been rhapsodized in many a country song for good reason. Metal roofs are appealing for their style, durability, energy efficiency, and water shedding ability. Metal roofs can be installed in sheets or panels and come in aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc.
Slate
Slate, another natural material is beautiful and distinct. It’s also long-lasting, recyclable and comes in a variety of hues. According to HomeAdvisor, slate roofs can last more than a century. Slate is one of the more expensive roofing materials on the market, and like clay, it’s heavy and might require extra roof framing.
Wood shingles and shakes
Wood shingles and shakes are made from cedar, cypress, pine and redwood trees. Shakes are thicker at one end than shingles, and depending on the type of shake, they have a textured surface. Wood can be treated with a fire retardant to improve fire resistance, but it’s generally a higher maintenance roofing product.
Synthetic products
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, synthetic roofing materials containing recycled plastic or rubber have been around since 1993. Many manufacturers create durable synthetic shingle systems that mimic the look of slate, clay, or wood at a lower price.
If you have questions about roofing materials, costs, installation or the right roof for your location and budget, contact us! TruGuard is an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, and we’re happy to talk to you about the best roof for your home.
