Planning to build a house? Have you thought which type of roofing materials you are going to use for your top? Before plunging in, we will help you narrow down your choice of roofing materials.
One of the main attraction and visible structure in your home is the roof. It’s the part of the house that is usually the center of attraction, especially form afar. So, it’s a must to wisely choose the best roofing material for your abode.
In choosing your top, you have to consider the cost, quality, accessibility, warranty, durability and style. We will discuss these considerations here. Both the pros and cons are listed here.
Wood Shake
- most sophisticated
- usually preferred by high society group
- has a natural look
- insulates the attic
- your roof will always be unique because it comes in various colors, width and thickness
- installation is more complicated compared with other shingles
- demands proper maintenance
- molding and rotting are the usual problems encountered
Shingles
- one of the most affordable type of roofing materials
- neat and clean
- comes in recycled content
- durable
- high quality version come in asphalt or fiberglass shingles
- easy to install
- can be placed over an existing roof
- low maintenance
- roof is not as strong as others; can be easily blown off by strong winds
- very plain and don’t have the sophisticated look of tile or wood shake
Clay Tile
- Spanish-inspired
- modern and clean look
- comes in various colors, types and styles to suit your fashion requirement
- long lifespan
- fire-resistant
- low maintenance but sensitive to maintain especially the gutter
- cannot be destroyed by insects
- very heavy that a roofing support is essentially needed
- very fragile
- installation is quite complicated
- costly compared to other roofs
Slate
- also comes in a very sophisticated and natural look
- has good dire protection characteristic
- slates are heavy like clay roof so extra support is needed
- breakable so walking on it is strongly discouraged
- re-painting and cleaning is quite complicated because of its breakable characteristic
- installing in DIY basis in not possible
Concrete Tile
- long lifespan
- requires low maintenance
- fire and insects resistant
- can mimic the style and fashion of clay and wood shakes
- more expensive than asphalt and composite shingles
Metal
- one of the most popular roof in the roofing industry
- trendy and fashionable
- comes in various style sand colors to suit your needs
- can be installed over an existing roof
- 75 to lifetime warranties
- 100% fire resistant and durable
- reflects off heat
- doesn’t rot, mold or crack
- very little or no maintenance at all
- no need to re-paint
- it can resemble the appearance of wood shakes or clay tiles
- energy-efficient
- you can avail of Federal Tax credit if you install before December 31, 2010
- increases the value of your property
- perfect shield for hurricanes
- environment friendly
- made form 65% recyclable materials
- costs twice the cost of traditional roofs
Remember that cost alone is not an absolute gauge to determine quality. Also, not all of these materials will meet your needs. So again, careful selection is very essential. by choosing wisely, you can reduce the cost of roof replacements which can save you in the long run.
