Types Of Roofing – Family Roofing

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004   FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Types Of Roofing

Most homeowners in the U.S. choose asphalt shingles because they are of the easiest to find, most affordable and versatile types of roofing.  The most durable types of roofing are slate and clay tiles but they’re more expensive than materials like metal or wood.  Functional roofing alternatives like green roofs and solar shingles are among the most expensive types.

Replacing an old roof is one of the best and most profitable ways to invest in a home.  Choose the type of roof that suits your home, climate and budget and make sure if you’re installing a new roof to find the right roofing contractor for you.

Shingles (Asphalt, Fiberglass, Composite)

Almost 90% of homes in the US use composite asphalt shingles because they’re affordable, durable and easy to install.  Asphalt shingles roofs can last up to 30 years and can be recycled to make pavement.

Manufacturers mix fiberglass, asphalt and mineral composite to create a variety colors like gray, brown, red, green or blue.  However, their color will fade over time due to sun exposure.  The color and quality will look different depending on whether you choose architectural or three-tab shingles.

Pros

Affordable, Low-maintenance, Easy to find, Works well in most climates, Comes in a variety of colors, Recyclable

Cons

Color fades with sun exposure, 3-tab style prone to wind damage

Architectural and Three-Tab

Architectural asphalt shingles are individual tiles that are thicker than three-tab to create a layered, durable texture on your roof.  The higher quality material and longer installation make architectural shingles more expensive.  However, they can last 15 to 30 years and are more weather resistant.

Three-tab asphalt shingles are thinner and cut to look like three shingles. This allows for faster installation and creates a uniform, brick-like pattern.  They are prone to high winds and generally last 7 to 15 years.  These are usually the most affordable roofing option.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing feels like a modern choice, but they’ve been around since the 1800s.  Metal sheets and shingles continue to be a popular choice today because materials like aluminum and zinc are affordable, easy to transport, low-maintenance and beautiful – even with age.  They can last up to 80 years and cost between $6 to $14 per square foot depending on design and material.

There are two types to choose from: shingles and sheets (also called panels) that are connected with a “standing seam.”  You can also have the metal pre-treated with sealants. While metal roofing can come in a variety of colors, you can also paint some styles.

Pros

Low-maintenance, Durable, Can mimic slate, asphalt or wood, Variety of colors, Lightweight, Recyclable

Cons

Needs soundproofing to reduce noise, May warp or develop ripples with improper installation, requires specialized labor to install and repair

Standing Seam and Shingles

Standing seam metal roofing takes careful installation to keep panels from rippling to create clean vertical lines.  Installing metal sheets like this is usually more expensive, pricing between $9 and $14 per square foot.

Metal shingles are manufactured to mimic slate, asphalt or wood roofing.  These, on average, are about $1 to $3 per square foot less expensive than standing seam.

Slate Roofing

Slate is one of the most durable types of roofing material and is similar in cost to clay tiles, ranging from $9 to $20 per square foot.  This material can last 50 to 200 years.  In addition to being fireproof and resistant to high winds and extreme temperatures, it is also resistant to impact from hail and small branches.

You can choose from natural, quarried slate or synthetic alternatives like fiber cement slate or bituminous styles.  Synthetic slate is much more affordable and has many of the same benefits of natural.

Pros

Long lifespan, Low-maintenance, Durable, Colors include gray, blue, green, brown and red

Cons

Cost, May need extra structural support for its weight