If your home needs to have the roof replaced, or you just bought a new home that needs a roof, you have probably been considering what exactly goes into a new roof, including materials.
While the underlayment of most roofs is the same and includes materials like plywood, ice and water shield, and synthetic underlayment, you are probably considering the materials for the outermost layer, which everyone will see and which will contribute to the aesthetics of your home.
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As you consider that type of material you want for your roof, choose from these possibilities:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are probably the most well known roofing material, and are the most commonly used roofing material in the United States. Chances are, if you are replacing a roof, it probably has asphalt shingles. There are several reasons why this material is such a popular one for roofs in the United States.
First, asphalt shingles are affordable. They are also easy to install, and they come in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you can really design the look that is perfect for your home. Asphalt shingles are also pretty durable and last about 15-20 years. The only drawback to asphalt shingles is that they can be prone to damage from extreme weather like wind and hail, meaning they may have to be replaced sooner than other materials.
Metal
While metal roofs are not as popular as shingle roofs, they are definitely becoming more popular and you may have started seeing them pop up when people replace their shingle roofs. Metal roofs fare better than shingle roofs in extreme weather conditions.
Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, and they are resistant to damage from wind, hail, and fire. Another bonus of metal roofs is that they reflect heat, which can help reduce cooling costs in the summer. The potential downsides of metal roofs are the cost, and that they may require specialized installation.
Tile
If you live in certain cities or communities with a lot of Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes, you may have noticed tile roofs. Tile roofs are known for their durability and can last up to 100 years or more! Like metal roofs, they are resistant to damage from fire, wind, and hail. They also come in a variety of colors and styles.
The drawbacks to tile roofs include the price, which can be very expensive, as well as the weight of this material. Tile roofs can be so heavy that additional support is needed for the roof structure.
As you can see, these are the three main types of roofing materials. You can choose your material based on your budget, the type of home you have, and the aesthetic look you are going for with your home. If you need a roof within a certain budget, you may want to stick with asphalt shingles. If you have a higher budget or have secured roof replacement financing and want something more durable, you may want to go with a metal or tile roof.
