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Your roof takes the brunt of the weather, from the scorching sun to pounding rain. Choosing the best roofing material can help protect your home from the elements.
From versatile asphalt shingles to long-lasting slate and clay tiles, each offers its own unique benefits. But how do you decide which one is right for your home?
Asphalt
When it comes to choosing the best roofing material, asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials because they’re affordable and easy to install. They also offer a variety of textures and colors to fit your home’s style. They are very resistant to damage from hail and wind, but it’s still a good idea to check your roof after major storms and keep it properly ventilated.
These shingles can be built in organic or fiberglass, with the fiberglass option offering better fire protection and a longer warranty. Mineral granules on the surface of shingles reflect harmful UV rays and can protect the roof from discoloration.
Luxury shingles are designed to mimic the appearance of high-end roof materials like cedar shakes and slate tile, but at a much more cost-effective price point. They also offer a number of performance benefits, including insulation and solar reflectivity.
Wood
Don’t think asphalt shingles are the only option when it comes to picking the best roofing material. Wood shingles offer a warm and natural appearance to your home. Their acoustic properties also reduce echo in living spaces, making them ideal for homes with modern architecture. They also provide insulation to make your home more energy efficient.
Unlike asphalt, which is made from petroleum, wood shingles are sustainable. They are also resistant to humidity and have an aesthetic appeal that improves with age. They also have natural insect-repelling properties to protect your home from termites, ants and other insects.
While wood shingles and shakes are durable, they do require regular maintenance to maximize lifespan. You’ll want to remove any moss, mildew or mold and replace any split shakes. Look for edge-grain shingles that are cut perpendicular to the tree’s rings, which will be more stable and less likely to distort over time.
Clay
There are many options when choosing the best roofing material? A clay tile roof can last a lifetime and is known for its beauty. It lends itself to a variety of architectural styles, from Spanish to Mediterranean, enhancing the overall look of a home and increasing its sale value.
Clay tiles also tend to be fireproof and can lower homeowner’s insurance rates. They absorb and release heat efficiently, keeping the home cooler in hot climates.
However, a clay tile roof is heavy and requires the roof structure to be reinforced in order to withstand high winds and extreme weather conditions. In addition, the brittle nature of clay tiles can be a problem for homeowners performing regular maintenance, since they must be carefully walked on to avoid breaking them. Clay tiles are also more expensive than other roofing materials.
Metal
Metal could be an option when searching for the best roofing material. Metal roofing got a bad rap in the ‘80s and ‘90s as a tacky material for barns, but it’s experiencing a renaissance in stylish warm-climate cities. It comes in a wide range of colors and styles, including panels that mimic wood shakes, slate or tile, and can also be configured into shingles or other shapes.
These durable roofs withstand fire and salty sea air, extreme weather conditions and strong winds. They also provide excellent insulation, keeping homes cool in summer and warmer in winter.
One disadvantage is that metal is slippery when wet or covered with snow, and can create a safety hazard for homeowners in areas that experience heavy winter snowfall. But, a well-installed metal roof can be just as beautiful as any other roofing material and may even add to your home’s resale value.
Slate
Slate deserves to be talked about when it comes to the best roofing materials. This type of roof can last centuries and has a timeless beauty that complements historic homes as well as contemporary ones. Slate is an excellent insulator and is fire resistant. It also requires little manufacturing energy and leaves the lowest carbon footprint.
You can choose between hard or soft slate, with hard slate lasting the longest. Both types of slate are environmentally friendly and can resist mold growth, fading, high temperatures and excessive moisture.
Slate roofs are heavy and should be installed by experienced craftsmen. They are a great choice for homes with architectural details that would be lost with other roofs. In addition, they can help save on your energy costs by keeping hot air out in the summer and warm air out in the winter.
Contact Us To Learn More About The Best Roofing Materials
Are you looking for the best roofing materials for your home or business? We can help! We are a team of experienced roofers who can help you choose the right materials for your needs and budget.
We offer a wide range of roofing materials, including:
- Asphalt shingles
- Metal roofs
- Slate roofs
- Concrete tiles
- Wood shakes
We offer a free consultation service to help you choose the best roofing materials for your home or business. Our experienced roofers will come to your home or business and assess your needs, then recommend the best roofing materials for your budget and climate.
To schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
