Comparing Three Most Common Residential Roof Materials

There are many different materials that have been used to make residential roofs over the years. Long ago, people used thatching. Then, wood shakes became common. These days, you occasionally see thatching or shakes, but it's more common to see the following three roof materials being used.

Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a very common roof material all across the country. They are made with an asphalt backing, plus granules of stone attached to the top. These shingles tend to be very affordable to buy and install. Almost every roofing contractor can install them. They come in many different varieties, some of which are made for high winds, and others for really sunny and hot areas. A roofing contractor can recommend the type of shingles that are best for your home.

The only downside to asphalt shingles is their shorter life expectancy. They don't last as long as metal or tile roofing.

Metal 

Metal roofing has become quite common in recent years. Most residential metal roofs are made from a few large panels. They are either steel or aluminum. The steel roofs are treated with galvanization to prevent them from rusting. Aluminum doesn't need to be treated since it does not rust naturally.

Metal roofing lasts a lot longer than shingles. It does a good job of reflecting sunlight, which helps keep your home cooler in the summer. This will reduce the burden on your air conditioner and lead to lower energy bills. The downfall of metal roofing tends to be the cost; it costs more to install than shingles, and repairs can be expensive, too.

Tile 

Roofing tiles can be made from either concrete or clay. Both are very strong and share many of the same qualities. However, clay looks more natural, while concrete tiles have a more modern appearance. Tile roofing is really durable and wind resistant, which makes it a good choice in hurricane-prone areas. It's also really long-lived.

The downfall to tile roofing is how long it takes to install. Roofing with tile is a demanding process, and only some roofers do it. Repairs can take longer and be more extensive, too.

Now that you know more about these three types of roofing, you should be better equipped to choose the best roof material for your home. Talk to a residential roofing contractor if you have more questions. They can look over your home and make some personalized recommendations.  

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