10 Roofing Materials to Consider

In the olden days, there were only limited varieties of roofing materials in the market, and the homeowner could easily choose between asphalt, concrete or clay tiles. As technological advancements are made, newer roofing materials are also invented, and currently, this market is flooded. Therefore, a good knowledge of these available materials is vital for you as a homeowner to make the right choice when it comes to roof replacement or installation.

As the homeowner, you may encounter a few challenges when selecting out of the countless options. For this reason, we discuss 10 of the most common roofing materials highlighting their pros and cons as follows:

Asphalt Shingles

This material is suitable for many climatic and other environmental conditions giving it its worldwide popularity. It has a low upfront cost which is comparable to its short lifespan as compared to other materials. Impact-resistant shingles are very suitable for hail-prone areas; hence you can consider such depending on your residence.

Important properties of asphalt include water resistance, easy installation and maintenance and low cost. Asphalt can be made to have different appearances resembling other shingles like wood or slate. This feature has kept asphalt relevant in the market for the last century.

Wood Shingles

A common misconception about wood roofing material is durability. But to your surprise, wood shingles when properly installed can last for 3-4 decades. Principally, these shingles are made from four kinds of trees; cedar, cypress, redwood and pine. Different treatments such as preservative application can be given to wood shingles to prolong their lifespan. Note that wood shakes are not similar to shingles as their mode of manufacture and appearance differ.

Slate Shingles

Most historical buildings have slate roofs attributed to their main features of beauty, long lifespan, water and fire resistance. When you have the money and live in a hail free area, a slate roof is the choice. These roofs last for up to a hundred years and have been branded the ‘forever roofs’. Another crucial feature that every homeowner desires is high aesthetic value; slate roofs are simply beautiful and can withstand adverse weather conditions like snow, strong winds and heavy rains.

Metal Roofing

This roofing material is continually being overtaken by the other newer materials but still poses unique properties for your consideration. First, the metallic roof has a longevity of 30- 50 years as they are resistant to destruction by insects, mold and does not rot. They are also impervious to rain and snow hence rarely leak. During the times of storm, a metal roof is crucial as it quickly absorbs heat and enhances snowmelt. In comparison to other roofing materials, metal is the lightest having a weight of 100 lbs per square metre barely.

However, when you love a quiet environment despite the weather, metal roofing is not for you. They are quite noisy during extreme atmospheric conditions such as hail that can easily dent it too.

Metal Shingles

This kind has also become the darling of many homeowners with a variety of subtypes to choose from. The shingles can be made from aluminium, zinc, copper or galvanized steel. They come in different shapes that may resemble other shingles like wood and slate. Generally, they have more extended durability and low cost.

Stone-Coated Steel Shingles

Most people cannot tell the difference between a stone-coated steel roof and clay tile at first sight. Surprisingly, it costs much lower than that of clay tiles.

When you would consider selling your home later, settling for stone-coated steel shingles would be a right choice because of; longevity as it can withstand various conditions like fire, earthquakes, hail, etc. and lightweight. Weighing as low as 5 pounds per square foot, it can be installed over an existing roof without significant structural burdening of the house.

Rubber Slate Tiles

These are the synthetic variation slate shingles. Made from rubber, this roofing material is more durable and lighter than the authentic shingles. One exciting feature is that it can be customized into various shapes during installation. 

Clay Tiles

When you want style and uniqueness, nothing can beat the clay shingles. Their rustic appearance makes them stand out.

They are commonly used in warm areas, but manufacturers have also modified some of them to stand the freeze-thaw cycles in the cold regions.

Despite their authenticity, clay shingles have downsides that you must consider before making the final decision. They have higher initial costs compared to other modes of roofing and are also more vulnerable to damage hence higher maintenance costs. It also remains to be the most substantial roofing material and has severe implications on the house structure.

Concrete Tiles

This mode of roofing has been in use for centuries now.  It is very economical as the roof can last the lifetime of a house and does not require frequent repairs. With a variety of colours and textures, you can find your exact taste. 

Concrete tiles are the most resilient to extreme weather conditions such as hail and storms that damage most roofs. Like slate shingles, these are a real investment.

Green Roofs

The need for water conservation globally is rising, and roofing materials manufacturers are ready to meet the demand. The green roof has been designed to absorb and filter rainwater that can then be stored. This reduces the demands on our water catchment areas. Besides, they give the home a beautiful look and efficiently regulates temperature during warm seasons. Ultraviolet radiation that significantly contributes to the disintegration of other roofing materials has little impact on green roofs, giving them a long lifespan.

The roofing industry has numerous options for the consumers with materials that can last a few years to a house’s lifetime. Your choice depends on your preferences in terms of beauty, colour, longevity and prevailing climatic conditions in your area. Described above are some of the most common roofing materials in the current market.