When it comes time to choose either a new or replacement roof for your home, there are some important things to consider. These include durability, longevity, energy efficiency, maintenance, warranty, appearance, and cost. Let’s explore 5 of the most reliable roofing materials to meet your needs while adequately protecting you and your family from the elements.
Asphalt Shingles
A very popular roofing material is the asphalt shingle. This material is cost-effective, can be installed quickly, and offers adequate protection from the elements for up to 25 years. Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors and profiles. When installed properly by a qualified roofing contractor, it is a great material for safeguarding your home from rain and snow. Asphalt shingles can be recycled by a specialty recycling center, which is good news for the environment.
Standing Seam Metal
Similar to asphalt shingles, metal roofing panels can be installed quickly with minimal waste. Metal roof materials include steel, copper, aluminum, and zinc alloys. The cost is just slightly higher than asphalt, but the longevity of 30 to 50 years is worth the added expense. Most metal roofing materials are 100% recyclable.
Wood Shakes
Within the same price range as metal, natural wood shakes are durable and attractive. These good-looking shakes are typically made from fire-resistant woods such as western red cedar or redwood. There are also fire-retardant-treated pine shakes. Wood is a natural insulator, making this roofing material energy efficient. When installed properly by a roofing contractor, a wood shake roof can last for 40 years.
Plastic Polymer
The newest roofing material available is one that is made from a synthetic plastic polymer. There are many benefits to this product. The first is that the material can be molded, shaped, and infused with color to look just like slate, clay tiles, or wood shakes. This material is very lightweight and easy to install. Polymers can last a very long time and are often manufactured from recycled materials.
Slate
Commonly used on historic structures, slate is one of the most beautiful roofing materials. It is incredibly durable and long-lasting. Slate offers superior protection from inclement weather as well as fire. A slate roof can last for 100 years if properly maintained. While the initial cost of slate is higher than most roofing materials, the return on investment pays off over time in both energy savings and longevity.
Summary
When choosing a roofing material for your home, you want to review the options with a professional roofing contractor. They can recommend the best solutions for appearance, durability, energy efficiency, and cost. You will be able to view samples of asphalt shingles, metal panels, wood shakes, polymers, and slate to help with the decision-making process.
