There are many different types of roofing materials available to homeowners. Some of the most popular choices include asphalt shingle, metal, and slate. Each material has its own pros and cons which should be considered before deciding on a final product. This blog post explores some of the most important aspects in order to help you make an educated decision about your home’s roofing needs.
Wood Shakes
The first type of roofing that is explored in this article is a type of shingle called wood shakes. Wood shakes are essentially thin, wooden boards which are glued on to the roof and can be painted any color that is desired. They have no added protection from moisture or harsh elements. This means that they will need to be replaced more often than other types of roofs which do have some sort of waterproof coating. However, they typically last between 15-30 years depending on how well they are taken care of.
Flat Roofing
The next type of shingle that is discussed in this article is flat roofing. This type of roof usually consists of concrete tiles or large clay colored squares and are the most common types used by homeowners. They have several benefits which include durability, affordability and ease of installation. The average lifespan for a flat roof ranges between 20-25 years. However, if the correct care instructions are followed, it can last longer than 25 years with little to no upkeep required once installed.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles tend to provide excellent protection while still being relatively affordable. They do not require much maintenance, but are susceptible to damage from strong winds and hail. Aside from that, they can last for decades without needing replacement if they are properly maintained. Another advantage is the fact that it comes in many different styles and colors which gives homeowners some degree of customization when it comes to how their homes look on the outside. If you’re looking for something that’s reliable, easy to install, long-lasting, and decent in terms of cost then asphalt shingle might be a great fit for your home.
Slate Roofs
Although slate roofs are usually associated with luxury homes, they can actually be very affordable. As long as you go with a thick slate, this option provides excellent protection for your home because of its density and thickness. It has the advantage of being extremely durable while still having a relatively long lifespan when kept properly maintained. The downside to using slate is that it is quite heavy which makes installation more difficult.
Metal Roofs
When it comes to durability, strength, and appearance metal roofs are hard to beat. They can last for decades without needing replacement which gives consumers some piece of mind knowing that they won’t have to spend money on replacing their roof for a number of years. Another benefit is how easy it is to install which means homeowners don’t need professional help in order to get the job done correctly. The main negative with metal roofs is the cost. This option tends to be more expensive than the others which makes it a poor choice if you are on a budget.
Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the cheapest options for homeowners. The cost is mainly because aluminum does not require advanced manufacturing techniques in order to create it. It has an excellent reputation for being lightweight and durable which makes it a great type of material for roofing. Aluminum is also easy to work with while still being simple when it comes to installation. Due to its nature as a soft metal, protection against hail damage can be limited so it’s best suited for areas that see little or no hail activity.
Copper
Perhaps one of the more elegant looking types of metal roofs on the market, copper provides an extremely high level of beauty combined with durability. It’s also one of the heavier metals when compared to other options which makes it an excellent heat conductor. The downside is that copper is more expensive than most materials, but that might be a small price to pay if you want your home to look its best for years to come.
We are your local hail damage Minnestoa roofing contractor. We will evaluate your entire home for storm-related property damage. If you are experiencing issues with your damaged roof, call us today!