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People use different types of roofing materials for buildings today, and if you're considering building a new house, you can consider one of these roofing materials. A roof is a substantial financial investment as it's one of the main features that protect your home.
There are copious factors to consider when choosing the right roofing materials for your house, including personal preference and architectural style. Today, most contractors use six roofing materials: membrane and slate shingles, corrugated/long-run steel, copper, clay or concrete tiles, and asphalt shingles.
This doesn't mean that these are the only options you have, as there are also solar tiles which are a more technologically advanced and sustainable option. To help you select which is best for your needs, we'll go through the strengths and weaknesses of each of these materials used for the roof. That way, you can quickly determine which one you should go for.
Asphalt Shingles
This is a well-known option in the United States and has been used for more than 100 years. Two common types of asphalt shingles are widely used: fiberglass and organic shingles. Fiberglass shingles feature a fiberglass layer bonded to a urea-formaldehyde resin.
On the other hand, organic shingles feature a base layer made from wood fiber, cellulose, and waste paper infused with asphalt. Asphalt shingles are available in different patterns and colors, allowing people to make different choices. With the fiberglass option, you get high fire resistance, which is ideal for various weather conditions.
Both the fiberglass and organic options are durable and robust but often require frequent maintenance. Asphalt shingles also have options that are key for people living in areas with high wind.
However, even though it's a durable option, it's important to note that asphalt tiles have a high potential to deteriorate with time. With that, you may need to replace it with other roofing options.
Clay or Concrete Tiles
Clay roofing tiles were used over a thousand years ago in ancient China, making them the oldest roofing material today. Unlike other options, clay tiles offer impressive longevity and have gained global acceptance. Over the years, there have been many manufacturing improvements that have made it more durable and lightweight.
The curb appeal to the house is also crucial to note with tile roofs, especially in most Mediterranean-style homes or Spanish Mission homes. Clay tiles are durable and offer a high level of resistance to insects. They are aesthetically appealing and come in different colors and finishes.
In addition, they can be recycled, which gives them impressive sustainability credentials. The disadvantage of tile roofs is that they are generally heavier than other options and usually require extra structure for added support. The roof also has a high chance of breaking if walked on.
Copper Roofing
This type of roofing material is commonly regarded as the Rolls Royce of metal roofing and has been around for hundreds of years. It is equally a very durable and enduring metal roofing system available. Unlike many other steel roofing options, copper is not prone to corrosion or rust, making it the best choice in coastal regions.
The interesting thing about copper roofing is that it doesn't require finishes or special roof coatings. Copper contains up to 75% recycled content, and it's considered one of the most recyclable roofing materials available.
However, it is a soft metal, which implies that it's more likely to become dented by stray or hail objects. Also, copper can quickly fluctuate when subjected to extreme temperature conditions. It can expand or contract easily, especially when not installed correctly.
Corrugated Iron/Tin Roof
Corrugated iron is another option renowned for its durability and technological advances. The choice has been around in different styles and finishes for many years. Steel roofing has a high performance-to-weight ratio and is generally very easy to install.
Corrugated iron is an ideal option for use in different architectural styles, and you can find them in most old and modern homes today. In addition, corrugated iron/tin roofs are also recyclable, and they can easily withstand different climate conditions.
However, this type of roof also has its own disadvantages, including the potential to dent, especially when a hard object hits it. Another thing to note is that damage can cause leaks on the roof. Improper installation of this type of roof increases its potential to encounter different problems.
Membrane Roofing
This type of roofing material was initially used on commercial buildings, but it is now widely applied to residential properties. It is the ideal option for use on flat roofs or low-pitched roofs.
There are five types of membrane roofing: liquid, glass-reinforced plastic, modified bitumen, thermoplastic, and thermoset membranes. It's important to note that each membrane type has its own properties and qualities.
However, the common thing with each roofing type is that they all offer impressive performance-to-weight ratios. In addition, they are also easy to install and can increase the aesthetic appeal of your property.
The disadvantage of membrane roofing is that with improper installation, some thermoplastic and thermoset products have a high potential to pool water, which can cause water ingress. These products are also known to suffer punctures, implying the need to be extra careful when using them, as well as the need to perform a regular roof inspection.
Slate Shingles
This is a roofing material to consider if you want something that will deliver a bold statement to your roof. There are only a few options that can beat slate roofing in this aspect. Slate shingle roofs are also recognized for their ability to increase the value of most homes.
They are attractive for many reasons, especially their organic tonal variations. Another thing to note is that you can use slate shingles for different architectural styles and roof designs. When it comes to durability, it's not easy to find a material that is more durable than slate shingles.
They are mostly known as lifetime roofs and are very common in many parts of Europe. Another impressive thing to note about slate shingles is that they don't require much ongoing roof maintenance, and it's easy to recycle and reuse them. However, the downside of this type of roof is that they are the heaviest compared to other options.
Therefore, having solid structural support to hold them is compulsory. The installation of slate tile shingles can only be done by a professional or a roofing contractor. Therefore, you need to ensure that the right person does the installation.
Tips to Consider Before Choosing
Before choosing any of the roofing materials above, it's essential to consider the following:
- The weight of the material, as well as the need for particular framing.
- Determine whether the material meets your jurisdiction's local fire code requirements.
- Check to ensure the availability of the material in different styles and colors to ensure that it complements your home perfectly.
- Determine the lifespan and roof cost of the material. It's also essential to check whether the product comes with a warranty or not.
- What are the installation requirements of the materials? Also, determine the maintenance issues that are associated with the material type.
- What's the level of performance offered by the material when subjected to different weather conditions like heavy snow or strong wind?
It's vital to have answers to these questions before you decide which roofing material is best for your home.
The Best Types of Roofing Material For Your Roof
There are many roofing materials on the market, and sometimes choosing the ideal one for your home can be an arduous task. However, with these tips, you can easily select one, and be rest assured that it will serve you well, whether you're getting a new roof installed or a roof replacement. For best results, consult roofing contractors to help you choose and install the best type of roof material for your needs.
