When it comes to deciding what roofing material works best for your home, not every house will have the same answer. Figuring out what roofing material you’ll get the most mileage from depends on a number of different factors; your location, the slope of your roof, and how durable your house’s structure is. Depending on these factors, your appropriate roofing material may be far different from someone else’s. Read up on the different types of roofing materials to determine the appropriate fit for your home!
Tile
Did you know that roofing tiles can last for decades on your home? In fact, clay and concrete tiles are some of the most durable roofing materials that you can find! This material is common on homes that have Spanish or Mission styling. It works best in warmer climates, so you may often find this material on homes in states like California and Texas. Flammability is a nonfactor with this material. Tiles are non-combustible, so you won’t need to worry about your roof catching fire!
As with any roofing material, tile does have its drawbacks. The most significant of them is cost; tile is more expensive than most other roofing materials, so you should be prepared to part with a good amount of cash if you use this. The other big downside to tile is that it is far heavier than other materials, meaning that your home will need a strong structure in order to support it. If you can get past these issues, roofing tile can be a long-lasting investment!
Slate
If you want a roofing material that will make your home look gorgeous, look no further than slate! Like tile roofing, slate is durable and fire resistant, meaning that it can last you a while with minimal chance of catching fire. Out of all the roofing materials, slate is the most aesthetically pleasing, coming in a variety of colors that give your home a decorative flair. It works best on Colonial and European style homes, and is a popular material in areas with warmer climates.
Slate shapes many of the same cons as tile, too. They are similar in terms of how heavy they are, being one of the heavier materials to use. Because of the nature of the material, installing slate roofing requires finding someone who is an expert at working with the material. For this reason, installing slate roofing can be a little pricey. If you do use slate roofing, you may never need to install a new roof again!
Asphalt
Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular of the roofing materials out there. One look at the positives of using this will tell you why; for starters, it is the least expensive roofing material to install, primarily due to the fact that it requires minimum skill to do so. It is also flexible in terms of what style of house that it works on, being a popular choice for many housing styles and climates that aren’t as warm. Like slate roofing, asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors to help make your home look more appealing.
Asphalt roofing is durable, but not as much as some of the more expensive roofing materials. For this reason, you’ll always want to inspect your roof for damage after severe weather. In addition, asphalt roofing does not last as long as tile and slate roofing, having an average lifespan of around two decades. Despite these drawbacks, you may still end up saving money in the long run with asphalt roofing!
Wood
How much you’ll be able to get out of wood shingles on your roof will largely depend on the conditions that you live in. Areas that tend to have a drier climate will get the most usage out of this roofing material. It is a popular choice amongst Cape Cod-style homes and bungalows. Unlike other materials, wood roofing comes in two different types: shingles and shakes. Shingles are thinner and less expensive, while shakes are the exact opposite. Shakes have a slightly longer durability and can hold up better in weather conditions.
The durability of wood roofing will largely depend on what kind of climate you live in. Those in drier climates can expect their roof to last for a few decades, while those in more damp climates may see less than half of that durability. As expected, wood roofing is far more flammable than other materials, and is often barred from places that have a high wildfire risk. However, you’ll be able to get a lot out of wood roofing if you live in the appropriate conditions!
Metal
Metal roofing has far more than just a stylish appeal; it can also be incredibly flexible and durable! It has one of the highest durabilities out of all roofing materials, and can be fashioned in a variety of different designs. It works well on many home designs from bungalows to cottages and a lot in between. As you might expect, metal roofing is a lot more fire resistant than other types. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t generate a lot of noise in the rain.
Metal roofing may be extremely durable, but that doesn’t mean that it’s impervious to damage! Extreme amounts of hail have the potential to damage your roof. Metal roofing is also more expensive than most roofing materials. You may get lucky and find some for cheap, but that isn’t always the case! The price will also vary depending on what style you want your roof to have. If you do decide to go this route, metal roofing is the most environmentally friendly option on the market!
Get Roofing Assistance With Bay State Exteriors
Regardless of what type of roof you choose, Bay State Exteriors will be able to assist you with all of your roofing needs. Our expert team uses an exceptional attention to detail, optimizing your roof to maximize its durability and minimize the potential for damage. Whether you’re looking to install a new roof or repair damage to an existing one, we’ll be able to assist you with anything you need! Contact us today to receive an estimate and get the best roof for your dollar.