Types of Roofing Materials
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles feature a fiberglass or cellulose backing combined with asphalt and mineral granules.They are durable and offer good insulation benefits, and this makes them a strong choice in climates that are cold and snowy. They are easy to obtain in most parts of the United States , and this facilitates quick repairs. Asphalt shingles come in a broad color palette and are available in versions that resemble materials such as wood, cedar, and slate. This allows them to be easily customized to fit many different design themes. Three-tab asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 15-18 years, while premium architectural shingles can last up 24-30 years.
Asphalt shingles are less expensive than other roofing materials. Fiberglass-backed asphalt shingles are incredibly fire-resistant, and they come with a top Class A fire rating.
Sun and weather can cause this roofing material to deteriorate over time, and it doesn't have the longevity of some other choices. Also, asphalt shingles might develop algae growth in damp climates. Less expensive variants of these shingles can also be prone to hail damage, and for homes in an area that gets this type of precipitation, it might be necessary to invest in the the more premium—and expensive—asphalt shingle choices in the marketplace.
Asphalt shingles are often used on gable, hip, gambrel, and saltbox roofs.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles can be made from woods such as redwood, pine, and cedar. They present a textured appearance that adds visual interest to steeply pitched roofs. Wood shingles are an eco-friendly choice, since they're crafted from materials that are sustainable and biodegradable. Also, they tend to be lighter in color than some other roofing choices, and this allows them to maintain cooler temperatures when the mercury rises. For this reason, they're a good choice in hot climates. A wood shingle roof typically has a lifespan of 30-40 years.
This big downside to wood shingles is that they're far less fire-resistant than other roofing choices. They can be treated with fire retardant, but the benefits that this brings will fade with time. This makes wood shingles a poor choice in areas prone to wildfires. Wood shingles can also rot and deteriorate over the years. To prevent this, regular treatment with fungicides and preservatives is required, and the roof needs to be kept clear of moisture-bearing debris that can promote decay. All of which can lead to heightened maintenance costs.
Wood shingles are often seen on gable, hip, mansard, gambrel, and saltbox roofs.
Metal Sheeting and Tiles
Steel and aluminum are just a couple of the choices available when it comes to metal roofing, which canbe configured as sheeting or tiles. Metal sheeting features panels laid side by side, joined by a small vertical flange at each joint. Metal tiles are similar to shingles and other roofing tiles, and are installed in the same way. Metal roofing offers impressive durability, and it easily stands up to snow and ice. It's also fireproof, and it deflects the sun's heat to keep your home cooler in hot weather. A metal roof has an average life expectancy of 30-45 years.
Metal roofing has a unique look that may make it a poor match for certain design motifs. This is especially true of metal sheeting. Metal roofing can be vulnerable to corrosion, though coatings are available that offer a measure of protection. It can also fall prey to dents caused by hail or falling tree limbs.
Metal roofing is often used on gambrel, hip, gable, flat, butterfly, skillion, and sawtooth roofs.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Roofing made from clay or concrete tiles is incredibly resilient and has an average life expectancy of 35-50 years. Aroof made with clay tiles can even last up to 100 years. This type of roofing is also quite versatile from a design perspective, and it can be crafted to resemble other roofing materials, such as wood and slate. Clay tiles are a top choice in hot desert weather, since they work quite effectively to deflect heat from the sun. Clay and concrete tiles have low maintenance costs. They are also fireproof, which makes them a good choice in areas that are prone to wildfires.
Clay and concrete tiles can be tricky to install, and it's best to seek professional help when putting this type of roofing in place. Clay and concrete tiles can also be quite expensive, and they're typically more costly to install than wood or asphalt, with clay being pricier than concrete. These types of tiles are heavy, and a roof needs to have adequate support in place to handle their weight. Clay tiles can also be quite delicate, and they can be easily damaged.
Clay or concrete tiles are often seen on gable and hip roofs.
Slate
Slate is made from stone, and this gives it unparalleled resilience and longevity. Slate can be hard or soft. A hard slate roof can last from 75-200 years, while soft slate will last from 50 -125 years. Slate is nicely textured and can add visual appeal to a roof. A slate roof is also fireproof, and this makes it a strong pick if you live in a region that is subject to forest fires.
To install a slate roof, it's best to get the help of a contractor with experience in handling this type of roofing. Slate is heavy, the underlying structure of your roof may need to be bolstered to accommodate this roofing material's weight. Slate roofing can also be quite costly, and it's one of the priciest roofing materials on the market.
Slate is often used on mansard, gable, hip, gambrel, and skillion roofs.
Composite Tiles and Shingles
Composite tiles are comprised of rubber, plastic, or a melding of both. This type of roofing is less expensive than materials such as slate and easier to maintain than materials such as wood. At the same time, it can be designed to mimic both these materials. Composite tiles and shingles are also relatively lightweight. This roofing material is eco-friendly, since it can be made from recycled products. It's estimated that roofing made from composite tiles and shingles has a lifespan of 10-16 years.
Since composite roofing is relatively new, not much is known about its long-term performance. Also, the look of this type of roofing can vary significantly. Some choices look upscale and convincingly resemble the materials they aim to imitate, while other have a plastic-like appearance. Composite tiles and shingles tend to attract heat, and this makes them a poor choice in hot climates.
Composite tiles and shingles are often used on gable, hip, and saltbox roofs.