- Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt roofs are made up of a fiberglass medium packed with asphalt and surfaced with sand-like granules. It comes in two basic configurations, the thicker laminated products, and standing single-thickness variety. Asphalt shingles are ideal for low or steeper-sloped roofs, affordable to install, and considered a Class A fire-resistant roofing product. They can easily adapt to a roof’s movements caused by expansion and contraction because they are highly flexible. However, asphalt shingles are vulnerable to storm damage, heat, and strong winds. If you live in an area with very harsh climatic conditions, your asphalt shingles may have a shorter life span than other roofing materials.
- Concrete Tile
Concrete tiles are molded from sand-mix concrete and can be colored to the desired hues. They are sometimes finished with a decorative coating to improve appearances. Concrete tile is ideal for people who live in high-wind regions because it is very heavy roofing material. Unlike asphalt shingles, you can expect your concrete tile roof to last for at least 50 years or longer. Concrete tile is a low heat transfer material that keeps your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter thus saving you money on energy bills. However, concrete tiles are considerably heavy than asphalt shingles. It is important to ensure that your roof’s framing structure can support the additional weight from your concrete roofing tiles.
- Metal Shingles/Shakes
Metal shingles or shakes are ideal for homeowners who do not like the look of standard metal roofs but desire the advantages of metal. This roofing product is made from stamped metal finished with mineral granules or high-quality baked-on coating. Metal shingles can be fabricated to look like wooden shakes, asphalt shingles, or clay tiles making it a practical option where appearance is a critical concern. They are highly durable with a life expectancy of about 30 to 50 years. However, metal shingles are very costly than other roofing materials and can be noisy during heavy rains. The shingles may loosen due to expansion and contraction if they were not installed properly.
- Slate Shingles
Slate shingles are perhaps the most beautiful roofing materials that are still trending to date. They are authentic, thin sheets of real stone that comes in a wide variety of colors, thickness, and sizes. Slate shingles are highly durable because they are made from naturally occurring stone. As a result, they are relatively unaffected by weather extremes such as high temperatures and strong winds. Slate roofs require minimal maintenance because of their superior durability and longevity. However, the cost of purchasing slate shingles is one of the main detractions that is further heightened by the installation process, which often requires expert roofers.
- Clay Roofing Tiles
Clay roofing tile is made from earthen clay that has been molded into interlocking shapes and later fired for hardness. Clay roofing tiles can be glazed and fired to create ceramic roof tiles or left unglazed with an orange or red color. Clay is a very good roofing product for people who live in hot climate or areas where salt air is present. Just like concrete roofing tiles, clay tiles are fire-resistant, energy-efficient, and can withstand strong winds. However, they have to be installed by a professional and maintained periodically because they tend to crack over time. If you are switching to clay tiles from another roof type, it is important to update the roof’s framing structure so that it can support the additional weight.
The best type of roofing best for your house may vary depending on your preference, budget, and home design. It is crucial to have your roof installed by a professional as they have the necessary skills and experience in handling different roofing products. Using good quality roofing ensures not only keeps the repair and maintenance costs at a minimum but also ensures you get the most out of your investment.