Roofing: What Material Is Best For Your Home And Budget?
Many of us are familiar with the classic asphalt shingle roof, but there are several other options that homeowners can select from when it comes to roofing materials. To help you decide what’s best for your home, we’ve pulled together this roofing round-up.
Asphalt Shingles:
Asphalt shingles are extremely popular because they’re more affordable than other materials on the market. Asphalt shingles are lightweight making them easy to maintain and easy to repair and install. Because of their ease of installation, this type of roofing is quick to install, cutting down on labor costs. Additionally, they offer a wide range of versatility in color, shape and texture for homeowners. Asphalt roofing systems also have a general lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Wood Shingles & Shakes:
A wood shingle or shake roof can last between 20 and 40 years and it’s lifespan is dependent on several variables including the quality of the wood used, the quality of the installation, the roof’s pitch, the roof’s exposure to the sun and weather elements. Moisture is detrimental to the health of a wood shingle or shake roof so it’s crucial that any debris, like leaves or branches that could retain moisture, are cleared off frequently. While a wood shingle or shake roof is a beautiful option, it’s not always practical for those on a tight budget since its a more costly material and requires more frequent maintenance.
Tile:
Tile roofs are more expensive upfront than asphalt or wood, but they can last as long as 50 to 75 years. They are a great roofing material because of their durability and the little maintenance that’s required. Concrete tiles are less expensive than clay tiles and offer the same durability. The classic spanish red tile is what is most popular, but tile roofing can come in a variety of colors to match your style.
Metal:
Metal roofing can be found in several different materials including tin, galvanized steel and aluminum. Metal roofs can last anywhere between 35 to 60 years however metal roofs are notoriously warm and retain heat, which is why they’re typically found in cooler climates. Aluminum is becoming an increasingly popular metal roof material because of its higher resistance to heat and corrosion. Aluminum also requires little maintenance.
If you’re not sure what type is best for your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call. At Elite roofing, we’re always happy to help you determine what roof is best for your home and budget. Click here for a quote.