Every house or building that you see has a roof and it's not surprising that each one of us wants a roof that will last for a last time. Roof construction can be complicated especially if you do not know anything about roofing materials. We often need a professional to decide which specific materials will suit our needs and our budget. When I say needs, I mean climate or any other conditions that can affect how your roof will stand the test of time.
What are asphalt shinglees? These are less expensive than clay tile or slate roofs and not surprisingly they are the most popular roofing material. They actually come in organic and non-organic (fiberglass) type. What's good about this roofing material is that it comes in various colors and level of durability. The only downfall of the asphalt shingle is that it is vulnerable to wind and ice damage. On an average, you will spend $ 55 per square foot for installation. Next will be the clay tile roof. Experts say that clay is really good material regardless where you live. What I like about it is that it is insect, mold and decay resistant. It will not burn as well so you can have additional peace of mind. You will often see clay tile roofs on Italian or Spanish designed houses. Clay roofs are very heavy and a little bit pricey to install because it spells luxury. If you want this kind of roofing material, be ready to shell out $ 150 to $ 400 per square foot.
Slate is another type of roofing material that is guaranteed to last a lifetime and they say it's almost shatterproof. Can you imagine your roof for 100 years? Well the slate can definitely handle that for you. Just like the clay tile, it is resistant to outside conditions and it is also very heavy. If you have a lot of money then by all means you can spend $ 1,000 per square foot for installation. If you want another roofing material that will not rot or decay then you can opt for wooden shingles. It is made from Western Red Cedar and it comes in two types. On an average, wooden shingles cost about $ 70 to $ 100 per square foot.
Lastly, if you want something that will last for decades, you can go for metal roofs. They are extremely expensive to install but it will pay itself off in the years to come especially if you live in an area where hurricane is uncommon. What I like about metal roof is that it is resistant to fire, insects, mildew and decay. You will see metal roofs in countries or areas where there's a lot of snow.
