TYPES OF ROOFING TO CONSIDER – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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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 TO CONSIDER

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 find the right roofing professional for you.

ASPHALT SHINGLES

Most homes in the US use composite asphalt shingles because they’re affordable, durable and easy to install.  They 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

  • Short lifespan

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.  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

Slate roofing

1. Slate has been used around the world on roofs for centuries.

2. Slate comes from natural stone formed under intense heat and underground pressure.

3. Although slate is very hard, manufacturers can split it into pieces to form tiles or shingles.

4. There are different quarry locations for slate, which means its chemical and mineralogical compositions vary.

5. Popular slate roofing colors include red, gray, purple, and green.  When exposed to different weather conditions, it weathers into a beautiful shade.

6. Slate can withstand any weather condition.  It is also impervious to mildew, mold, and other sources of contamination.

7. Due to its durability, you do not have to replace or repair your roofs for a long time.  As slate can last up to 75 years or more without requiring much maintenance.

8. Slate roofs also contribute to a healthier environment because it can be recycled after its service life.

9. A new slate roof can add property value to your home.

10. You can use this material on steep-sloped roofs only.

11. Only a professional roofer should install slate roofs.

Clay & concrete tile roofing

Tile roofs are most closely associated with Spanish style houses, but clay and concrete roofing products can be used with other architectural styles as well.  Clay and concrete tile roofing are often grouped together because they are both masonry roofing materials with similar installation requirements.  Whether clay or concrete is used as the molding material, the end result is a roofing tile designed to overlap and/or interlock with adjacent tiles.  Clay and concrete tile roofs are well-suited for hot climates that don’t have high rainfall; they shouldn’t be installed in areas where heavy, regular rains and freezing temperatures are common.