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What Are The Most Cost-Effective Roofing Materials?

When building your home, roofing is the most crucial aspect. Having the best roofing material is what matters. Roofing protects your home from external danger, and for that reason, you need to use quality materials to ensure your house is safe. There are various types of roofing materials in the market. The process of choosing the best can be confusing. Factors such as durability, quality, longevity are crucial and should be considered. This article explains some of the most cost-effective roofing materials for homeowners.

  • Wooden Shingles

Wooden roofing materials last about 30-50 years. Most of the wood used for roofing is fire-resistant, like redwood and cedarwood. They give your house a natural look with an appealing aesthetic. The downside of wood is that it is expensive, and the best type is rare to find. The cost of wooden shingles is usually between $6.50 and $11.00 per square foot. Also, wood is a natural insulator. Although it is fire-resistant and can be sprayed with a fire spray, it is not fireproof. Fire can still affect it. As for maintenance, wooden shingles require high maintenance.

different roofing materials
Wood is known to expand and contract, which makes it, predisposed to mold growth. In addition, wood needs cleaning regularly, to allow the wood to breathe.

  • Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing materials in the industry today. They are among the cheapest roofing material. The cost of shingles is inexpensive and is affordable to everyone. Asphalt shingles cost about $2.25 per square foot and they last about 15 to 30 years. This roofing material is made from large rolls of the same materials. It is easy to install and requires less time for it to be done. It is best suited for houses in sheds, garages, and porch roofs.

For maintenance, you will need to replace the asphalt when worn out because it tends to loosen up with time. It is good to note that the quality of asphalt shingles varies. Therefore, because they are cheap does not mean you have to go for the cheapest.

  • Metals

They are best known for their ability to withstand strong winds. If you live in areas with such conditions, then metal roofing is what you need. Not only can it withstand strong winds but also heavy rains and storms. Metal is known for its extreme durability, and it requires little maintenance.  Metals will last you about 30-50 years. Besides that, metals are good insulators. They will keep your house warm during cold days and cool during hot days. Metal roofing will last you a lifetime, which means you will never have to buy another roofing material. However, metals are expensive. They cost between $10 to $20 depending on the type of metal and the square foot.

  • Plastic Polymer Materials

Polymer roofing is a type of material that looks like slate or wood shingles. They have high ratings and can sustain any type of weather. The fact that they are plastic means they can be recycled making them energy-efficient. Plastic shingles like metals absorb energy. They will keep your house warm during cold weather and cool during summer. The cost of installing ranges from $4 to $6 per square foot.

  • Slate

A slate roof will last 75-150 years. It is among the oldest roofing materials and is considered the most expensive. Slate is known to be the most durable and stands out in the market. The cost of installing slate is usually between $10 and $75. Slate is a naturally occurring material meaning its manufacturing process contains no toxins. Like other roofing materials, it is an insulator, hence regulates the temperature of your home.

It is important to note that roof installation needs to be done by qualified contractors. If not installed well, it will destroy the whole building. Once you have chosen the type of roofing material to use, the next step is to look for the right contractor. You are advised to look for a good company that will have your interest at heart and not just any that will do a shoddy job.

When it comes to roofing, one has to be careful to choose the right material for their house. Getting the best can be exhausting and overwhelming. However, this article has listed the top roofing materials in the market. Every material has its pros and cons. Therefore, you have to research well on each and make a decision that is best for your home.