Is it time to think about replacing your roof? Whether your old roof is badly damaged or it’s simply time for a change, an important part of your roof replacement process is to decide what material you’re going to use.
Nothing gives your house a lift like a new roof — but when it comes to roofing materials, only professional roofers can help you in choosing the best. Some solutions look good for years but don’t stay watertight; others fade but provide good protection against inclement weather. Ideally, your new roof should look exceptional, breathe well, and keep the inside of your house dry.
Different Kinds of Roofing Material
Shingles
Shingles roofs dominate the residential roofing market in North America, currently installed on about 85% of homes in the US. Shingles are most commonly made out of asphalt but there are other options available. 3 Tab shingles were very common throughout the 70s and 80s until architectural shingles came about. Architectural shingles are now the go-to for asphalt shingle roofs as they are thicker and have a distinctively textured appearance.
Metal
This type of roof, easily identifiable by the large interlocking metal panels, has become more common in recent years. Metal roofs have a life expectancy of 40-70 years. Metal is a great choice if you are looking for a long-term solution for your home’s roof.
Slate
Slate shingles are made of natural stone and are intended for use on sloped roofs. This strong roofing material has been in use for hundreds of years. In fact, the life expectancy of this material is 75-200+ years!
Wood Shakes/Cedar
These roofs are made up of overlapping wooden tiles. If the wood is not treated, these roofs have a life expectancy of 15-20 years. If treated, they can last 30-40 years.
Rubber
Rubber roofing (synthetic rubber), known to the roofing industry as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is another type of roofing material. Rubber roofing has become more popular in recent years due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. Rubber roofing is an investment, as it has a life expectancy of 30+ years if maintained properly. It is a top pick for commercial roofing systems and is becoming popular in the residential market as well. Your home must meet certain requirements to be able to use this material properly.
Synthetic Materials
There are many roofing materials out there that are designed to look like traditional roofing options, such as slate, wood, or asphalt. These synthetic materials are actually made out of materials such as rubber or plastic. Although it will vary depending on the type of synthetic, these roofs may last 50 years or more.
There are a lot of different roofing materials out there. With so much to choose from, how can you know what type is right for your home? The first step to any roofing project should be to contact a qualified roofing contractor. They can help you find the roofing material that is right for you and give you an estimate.
Every roofing material comes with pros and cons, but ultimately the material you choose will depend on your needs. This will include things like the pitch of your roof, your budget, the weight of materials, and the structural integrity of your home. You should also keep in mind that it is relatively easy to install all of these roofing materials incorrectly, which means you should be careful to select a qualified roofing contractor.