Choosing a new roofing material is a big decision. To find the best one for your situation, you must do extensive study.
This article begins with the top 5 roofing materials and a brief description of each. Then we provide you the three questions to ask yourself while deciding on a roofing material.
Top 5 Roofing Materials
Your new roof can be made of a variety of materials. But there are five that we observe across the country.
Learn about the different types of roofing materials before deciding which is best for you.
1. Asphalt shingle roof
Asphalt shingle roofs are the most used roofing material today. Its popularity stems from its low cost.
Asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components make up an asphalt roof. Asphalt roofs are fantastic since you may choose shingles based on your budget and desired look.
dimensional and premium asphalt shingles. While 3-tab shingles used to be the most popular, dimensional shingles are now the most popular.
2. Standing seam metal roof
For residential roofing, a standing seam metal roof is preferred.
A standing seam metal roof is made up of metal panels that are mechanically seamed together. When the metal heats up, the panels can expand and contract freely.
While not as widespread as asphalt, standing seam metal roofing is gaining popularity. It will cost two to three times as much as an asphalt shingle roof.
3. Cedar shakes
A cedar shake roof is a luxury roof system constructed of natural wood (cedar). To create shingles, cedar trees are split or sawed into 2-foot portions (tapersawn).
Hand split is more rough, while tapersawn is smoother. Because cedar shake shingles are natural, there is no manufacturer warranty if they fail.
Only the workmanship warranty from your roofing contractor protects your investment. You should also know that cedar shake shingles age, lose color, rot, crack, and curl depending on the climate. Ask your roofing contractor about the effects of your local climate on cedar shake shingles before investing in one.
4. Synthetic/Composite shingle roof
These newcomers to the roofing sector are gaining popularity by the day. Composite (or synthetic) roof shingles are built of recycled rubber and plastics, for example.
However, DaVinci composite shingles are constructed of man made polymer rather than recycled resources. Composite shingles are made to look like cedar shake or slate roofs.
To do this, they employ molds of real cedar shake shingles and slate tiles. For those who operate in the roofing industry, composite shingles may be discernible from the real thing. From the ground, you, your neighbors, or passers-by won’t know the difference. If you can afford it, a composite shingle roof is an excellent option.
5. Slate
Slate is the last roofing material on this list. In a slate roof, natural slate tiles and other slate roofing materials are used.
Slate is mined (mainly in Italy) and tiled. Unlike other roofing materials like metal panels or 3 foot wide strips, slate tiles must be put one at a time.
This makes replacing an ancient slate roof a lengthy and costly procedure. Due to the weight of the slate tiles, your home must be built, framed, or modified.
It is one of the most attractive and durable roof systems available, but it is also one of the most expensive. If you can afford it, it will be your last roof.