For most people, roof maintenance is the last thing on their minds. It’s only when leaks appear that most people consider the state of their roof and whether it needs replacing. The roof of your home contributes significantly to the overall curb appeal, so when building a house, an add-on, or re-roofing, it is essential to consider the options. Choosing the right roofing material can be challenging; there are multiple options, and finding one that suits your needs and home is essential.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly used roofing materials today; you will see these shingles on a majority of the roofs in North America. The cost of asphalt shingles is minimal, and they are available in a dozen or so color options, both blended and solid. These shingles can last between 20 and 30 years, making them an excellent value.
Wooden Shingles And Shakes
Wood shingle roofs provide one of the best options for looks. However, over time these shingles weather out and turn into a gray, silver color. Wood shingles are cut to a uniform thickness and are relatively smooth.
Wood shakes differentiate from wood shingles in the way that they are thicker and rougher. Usually, these wood roofs are laid over a substrate allowing more air circulation. This type of roofing is expensive to install and requires more periodic maintenance than asphalt shingles. Wooden roofs can also attract more moss and mildew, which will routinely need to be removed and oiled. However, wooden roofs have a longer lifespan than asphalt, lasting about 30 to 50 years.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs usually come in the form of corrugated, galvanized sheets. These roofs are typically featured on sheds, barns, or other utility and agricultural buildings. These roofs are cost-effective but do not have a great curb appeal when placed on a home. Metal roofs are easy to install and last over 50 years.
However, copper roofs are more attractive and used on homes, mansions, and public buildings. These roofs are an excellent option for those living in areas where the seasons bring different weather conditions.
Ceramic Roofs
Tile roofs are found on more Mediterranean-style homes. When building a house with a ceramic roof, it is essential that the framing is strong enough to support the heavy tiles. These roofs are quite labor intensive, making them more expensive. Since these roofs are high quality and costly, they are relatively rare; however, they can last anywhere from 60 to 80 years. Although they are expensive, their lifeline makes them more worth the cost. Ceramic roofs are one of the more attractive roofing material options.
There is a lot to consider when choosing your roofing material, including curb appeal, cost, and how long the roof lasts. Asphalt shingles are one of the most common materials because they are low-cost and come in multiple colors. Pitch Masters provides roof installation and maintenance services; visit our website to learn more.
