You have a choice when it comes to roofing materials. With quality materials and installation, the choice you make will be yours to live with for many years to come. Learn about the different roofing materials available and how they differ.
It matters a great deal what roofing material you choose for your home. Different roofing materials fare better than others in certain climates and regions of the worlds. Your choice of roofing materials also affects how your home looks and how well the roof protects your home in inclement weather. Here are common roofing materials to consider for your home:
Asphalt shingles are the single most common roofing material used in homes across America. They are composed of a durable fiberglass based that is coated with granulated asphalt. They are long lasting and homeowners can expect a lifespan of between 20 and 30 years. Asphalt shingles also come in a range of colors, which can enhance the beauty of your home.
Slate shingles are considered a premium roofing material. One reason is that this type of roofing material lasts between 75 and 200 years. Another reason is the actual material. Slate shingles are made with slate, which is very thin sheets of a certain kind of stone.
Rubber slate tile can look like authentic slate from a distance, which is why it’s more appropriate for properties with multiple stories. Made with recycled materials, rubber slate tile is considered eco-friendly. Homeowners can expect a roof like this to last up to 50 years or more.
Seam metal roofing is comprised of wide panels that interlock with raised seams. They are very appealing to look at, but their best feature is their durability. Seam metal roofing can last up to 75 years, even in climates like Minnesota, where snowfall is a contributing factor in choosing roofing materials.
Metal shakes are similar to seam metal roofing in that they are made from aluminum or steel. However, metal shakes come in individual pieces like asphalt shingles. Metal shakes carry a lot of visual appeal and the expected lifespan is between 30 and 50 years.
Cedar shakes are very attractive and come in a range of hues to suit any style home. They are most often used on homes where the roof line is steep and where lots of roofing shows around upper story windows, such as gable style homes. Made with split cedar wood, cedar shakes can last between 20 and 60 years, depending on care and weather conditions.
Clay tiles are commonly found in homes situated in hot climates like Nevada or Arizona. They come in a variety of shapes, including disk-like tiles or the famous Spanish tiles you might see in areas of Europe. Clay tiles are not very suitable for areas with heavy snowfall or rain because they do absorb moisture. Clay tile roofs can last over 100 years.
As you can see, there are many different roofing materials for you to choose from for your home. If you’re ready for a new roof in Minnesota, please contact The Roof Guys for advice about what roofing material would be right for your home.