What are the Different Types of Roofing Materials?
Most homeowners completely ignore their roofs up until a point when something goes wrong. To avoid difficult circumstances and complications, you should carefully choose your roofing material.
Inspections and regular maintenance are necessary, especially when moving into a new home. There have been many cases where people purchased a new home, didn’t focus much on the roof and not long afterward had to replace it.
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get” – said Forest Gump, however, there are some rules that apply for roof replacement. Besides wise budgeting, you should also know how to choose a roof for your home. Let’s start with different types of material:
Asphalt
The most popular option out there is asphalt. This is mostly due to affordability and easy installation. Asphalt is highly resistant but lasts much less than other materials. If it’s fiberglass, it can reach 20 years maximum, but if it’s organic, expect it to barely reach 18. Here are some pros and cons:
- Asphalt shingles come in a variety of shapes and sizes
- They are very affordable and impact resistant
- Asphalt lifespans are much shorter, so chances for another replacement are higher
- They will crack due to temperature changes
- They are vulnerable to moss and algae
- The manufacturing process isn’t environmentally friendly
Asphalt shingles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Additionally, the market offers a highly impact-resistant asphalt roofing. But, asphalt has its cons. From short lifespans to cracking due to temperature changes, asphalt may not be a smart option if you aren’t on a tight budget.
Wood
Always a chic option, wood improves curb appeal in every home. You can choose from cheddar, redwood, cypress, and pine. Wooden shingles can last from 25 to 40 years, but everything depends on the manufacturing and installation.
- Extremely aesthetically appealing
- Treated wood has Class A fire rating (the highest one)
- Special oil coatings repel insects and moisture
- Wooden roofing can be recycled and manufacturers use recycled wood or fallen trees
- Fire-prone areas forbid wooden shingles by law
- If not treated or with oil coatings, wooden roofs are dangerous, moldy and dirty
- Renovations are more expensive, compared to other roofing materials
Sceptic attitudes because of fire hazards and pesticide are normal. You can put your worries aside though since wooden roofs have special oil coatings that repel insects and moisture. Plus, treated wood has a Class A fire rating (the highest out there).
Tile
The most environmentally friendly roofing material is tile. It is known for its long lifespan, durability and excellent heat retention. But, tile isn’t as cheap as asphalt and as aesthetically flexible as wood. The extremely long lifespan (up to 100 years) is surely a plus, but here is what else you should know:
- Significantly improves curb appeal, adds luxury to your home
- Tile is extremely resistant to insects and fires
- Completely recyclable comes in all textures, shapes, and sizes
- Tile is much heavier than other materials, therefore requires additional structural support
- Additionally, it is very expensive, more than any material out there
- Installation and repair is tricky to do since tile can break when walked on
If you decide tile, whether clay or concrete, make sure to cut all branches above it. You don’t want severe impacts cracking a neat and expensive roof. The longevity of tile surpasses everything, even your own. Whereas asphalt may sound like a good deal, but be prepared to replace it at least 3 times in your life.
Metal
A modern look, highly recommended for fire-prone areas, metal roofing will definitely make your home stand out. The variety of shapes and sizes makes it aesthetically flexible since they can imitate any other roofing material. Luckily, metal also has a large lifespan and in ideal weather conditions can reach 100 years as well.
- Cheaper than tile and with the same lifespan
- Fire, pesticide, corrosion and moisture resistant
- Metal is impact resistant and lightweight (you don’t need structural support)
- The biggest concern homeowners have is noise during storms and rain
- Replacement and repair are expensive
- Denting due to impact is very common
- Metal will expand and compress during temperature variations
Slate
The most expensive material is slate and the high price isn’t for nothing. Theoretically, slate can last 2 centuries, however, functionality will mostly depend on manufacturing and installation. Slate is literally made from stone, has approximately the same benefits as tile, but isn’t that heavyweight and might pass without structural support.
- Very expensive, commonly found in luxury traditional homes
- Installation must be done by professional roofing experts
- Slate requires little maintenance
- It can be completely recycled and reused
- Composite slate isn’t that lightweight and may need extra framing
- An improper installation invites moisture
- Like a tile, the slate will break if walked on
Available Roofing
Available Roofing is your industrial and commercial roofing company in Oakville. With over 14 years of experience in Commercial & Residential Roofing, we are proud and dedicated to offering the highest level of quality and service. Contact Toronto professional roofing experts.