Whether you are doing a repair, replacement or roof upgrade, the right roofing material can really take your home’s exterior design to the next level. It can also add to the value of your home and help it meet local building codes.
It’s always important to evaluate the scope of your project before setting a budget. Also, consider potential unforeseen expenses.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing options for homeowners. They offer a traditional look and are affordable compared to other materials such as metal roofing.
A typical shingle is made of an organic or inorganic base mat, a layer of waterproof asphalt and coarse mineral granules for color. The granules provide additional protection from the sun’s UV rays and help to resist fire. The granules are available in a wide range of colors to match the style and appearance of your home.
In addition to the different color options, asphalt shingles are also available in various styles and designs. There are standard three-tab shingles, architectural (also called laminate) shingles, upgraded architectural shingles and premium shingles. Each shingle type performs slightly differently and has a unique look.
Upgraded architectural shingles have two or more layers of asphalt that are fused together to create a dynamic, dimensional appearance on your roof. These shingles have a heavier weight and are therefore less likely to blow away in severe storms. They are typically more expensive than 3-tab shingles. However, their durability and increased warranty protection make them a cost-effective choice for homeowners. Premium shingles mimic the natural aesthetic of cedar shakes or slate tiles, while offering the performance of an asphalt shingle. edinburgh roofing
Metal
Metal shingles are a popular choice for homeowners seeking a stylish and durable roof. These interlocking pieces are manufactured from a variety of metals such as galvanized steel, galvalume or aluminum, but they’re most often made of copper or tin. They can be installed either by snapping or mechanically seamed onto the roof frame.
Besides longevity and minimal maintenance, these roofs are energy efficient. They reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, which can reduce cooling costs during the summer. They also provide excellent insulation and can help prevent ice dams in winter. Another benefit is that they can be recycled and are a good option for homes in wildfire-prone areas.
The main downside of a metal roof is that it can be noisy during inclement weather, which can be a turn-off for some homeowners. Also, pea-sized or even dime-sized hail can dent or damage a metal roof. Homeowners should make sure their homeowner’s insurance covers such a risk before choosing this roof type.
If a homeowner chooses standing seam metal roofing instead of stamped metal shingles, they’ll find that the panels come in different styles and colors. This allows them to achieve the look they want for their home, especially if it’s against their neighborhood association’s guidelines.
Tile
Tile roofs are a great option for homeowners looking to add a classic, distinctive look to their home. Typically made of clay, slate or concrete, these roofs have been around for centuries and offer superior durability and fire resistance. Additionally, the color of most tile roofing is incorporated into the material and doesn’t fade in the sun like shingle colors can.
Tile is also highly customizable – terra cotta and concrete tiles are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors, from the reddish-orange hues of a clay tile roof to the Gothic beauty of dark slate. Some styles even resemble traditional wood shake, allowing you to achieve a rustic feel with a durable, long-lasting roof.
One important consideration is that, because tile roofs are so heavy, they require extra reinforcement to support them on the structure. This may increase the overall cost of the roof. Additionally, the installation process is much more labor intensive than shingle roofs and requires an experienced and knowledgeable contractor to ensure proper installation and longevity of the roof.
Slate
Slate is one of the oldest and most celebrated roofing materials on the market. It offers a unique, classy look and can be available in a variety of colors and thicknesses. This material is also very energy efficient, helping to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Slate is a very durable roofing option, able to last up to a century or more with proper care.
A slate is a fine-grained, metamorphic rock that splits easily into thin flat slabs with great tensile strength and durability. It is most often gray, but can be black, green, purple, or red, and it can even be mottled. Slate can be used for a variety of purposes, including flooring, billiard tables, and chalkboards.
Slate is also a good choice for a roof because it doesn’t give off toxins. Additionally, it is naturally resistant to water damage, mildew, and temperature fluctuations. It can also withstand high winds and heavy snowfalls. Slate is more expensive than some other roofing options, but can last longer and is a great investment for those who are concerned about their carbon footprint. This type of roofing is usually backed by a warranty from the manufacturer and the installer.
Wood
Wood shakes and shingles are a classic roofing material that provides a natural, rustic aesthetic. They are commonly made of cedar or cypress and are often used on older homes and houses built in historic styles. While they do not offer the durability of modern roofing materials, they can be a good choice for homeowners who prefer the look of traditional woods.
There are several types of wood shingle available, including hand-split and machine-sawn. Hand-split wood shingles have a rugged appearance with varying grain patterns, ridges and grooves that give a roof depth and dimension. Machine-sawn wood shingles have a smoother finish and are typically hewn from western red cedar or spruce.
Different grades of shingles and shakes are also available, with the highest-quality materials costing the most. Grades are based on a number of factors, including the size and shape of the shake or shingle and its color.
Some types of wood have a natural resistance to weathering, while others require regular treatments with preservatives or copper-based biocides to protect against the elements. Repeated wetting and drying can cause physical changes in shakes and shingles, such as cracks, splits and cupping. While these changes are not harmful, they can make a roof look unsightly.
Concrete
Whether your roof needs replacement for aesthetic reasons or you’re replacing an existing roof, you can upgrade your home with a variety of roofing materials. The material you choose can add to the value of your home, create a unique look, and communicate your design style.
However, a roof’s construction materials need to be properly maintained for long-term performance. Porous roofing materials, like concrete tile, tend to absorb water if not treated with sealants and other weatherproofing products. This moisture absorption can cause stains, mildew and other problems. It also increases the weight of your already heavy tile roof and puts more pressure on your structure, possibly leading to costly structural issues down the line.
The heaviness of tile roofs also impacts your project’s timeline and labor costs. In some cases, homeowners will need to consult with a structural engineer to determine whether their existing roof can support the weight of a new tile roof or require reinforcements before installation.
Rubber
While most homeowners may not think about rubber as a roofing material, this option is one of the best advancements in roofing since asphalt shingles. Rubber is made from eco-friendly materials like recycled tires and sawdust that are molded into different textures and colors to mimic more traditional roofing options. These can be rolled out in sheets or in shingles, depending on the design of the roof.
Unlike metal, asphalt shingles and wood, rubber isn’t vulnerable to damage or corrosion. It also resists the effects of heat and cold. It doesn’t crack or brittle under pressure and is highly resistant to thermal shock, meaning it can withstand a lot of stress and movement.
It’s also a great choice for mitigating hail damage to a home. Other materials like metal allow the impact of hail to deform them, but a class four rubber roofing can withstand even some of the biggest hailstones and prevent roof damage.
Another benefit of rubber is that it’s very lightweight. This makes it easy to install on flat surfaces and reduces labor costs for a new roof. However, it’s not a good idea to use rubber on sloped areas or for features like chimneys, which require extra flashing and labor to install.