There are five basic residential roofing materials you ought to consider when pondering a new roofing installation or retrofitting. While all these materials have their advantages, there are also disadvantages that you need to consider. Here is a list of the most typical materials you can find in a standard residential roofing installation.
Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingles are perhaps the most commonly seen roofing material. They are probably the most preferred material by commercial roofing contractors and residential roofing contractors alike. Asphalt shingles are an extremely durable material that is also eco-friendly. However, as a roofing choice, asphalt shingles present certain drawbacks. For one, asphalt shingles are vulnerable to water penetration, moss growth, and algae.
Slate Shingles: Like asphalt shingles, slate shingles are also durable, eco-friendly, and can also withstand water penetration. Slate also provides a number of design options, although they tend to be less popular among commercial and residential roofing companies. Slate also presents some unique construction problems like buckling and unsightly valleys. While they are generally low-priced compared to other roofing materials used for residential roofing, they are relatively more expensive when it comes to repairing.
Hardiplank Shingles: Though hardiplank roofs are relatively new to the roof market, they are quickly gaining popularity because of their durability and cost efficiency. They have become the favored roofing material for residential roofs because of their long life span and weather resistance. Unfortunately, hardiplank doesn’t fare well in heavy snow and ice that often fall on southern parts of the country. In addition, the siding that usually comes with hardiplank shingles can deteriorate over time, making repair more costly.
Metal Shingles: Metal roofing is growing in popularity as well. Unlike asphalt shingles and metal roofing tiles, metal shingles are built to last. They are also ideal for commercial roofing because they require little maintenance and don’t crack or shatter. These types of roofing tiles are especially popular in areas where the temperature can fluctuate between cold and hot, causing chipping and breaking. However, installing metal roof tiles can be costly, especially when you opt for metal roofing materials made by the leading metal producers. Moreover, these types of roofing materials can be difficult to install, which poses another disadvantage.
Hardiplank Shingles: Unlike other types of roofing materials, hardiplank roofing systems are made from a flexible synthetic material. Because these roofs are designed to flex and expand to take humidity and temperature changes, they can be installed almost anywhere. As a result, many homeowners prefer to use hardiplank roofing systems because they are easier to install than asphalt shingles and metal roofing tiles. However, many homeowners report that they have experienced damage or failures from poorly installed hardiplank roofs.
Concrete Tiles: Like asphalt shingles and metal roofing tiles, concrete tiles are available in a wide range of colors and styles. However, concrete tiles are made with a shorter lifespan and they can be prone to water damage and wind erosion. This material has also been found to have a negative effect on the visual appeal of a home. In addition, concrete tiles are costly and the installation process can be tedious. In fact, there are instances when homeowners must replace concrete tiles once they collapse due to weather and other factors.
In summary, all three roofing materials can provide homeowners with an attractive form of protection for their home. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each before deciding which is right for your needs. Take into account your budget, your personal preferences, as well as the type of residence you live in when deciding which roofing system to use. Once you have determined which roofing system will provide you with the best value for your money, you can start by choosing from one of the many types of residential roofing systems available. Just make sure to pick the one that best fits your needs! Good luck!