Is it time for a residential roofing replacement? Of all of the needs humans have, having a roof over our heads is one of the most basic necessities. Although residential roofing repairs and replacements are expensive, it is not an optional component in a home. Biting the bullet and investing in residential roofing is your only option.
Although you can’t choose whether or not you make necessary roof repairs, you can choose what type of roofing materials use in your residential roofing project. The type of roofing solutions you invest in has a huge impact on the cost, quality, and lifespan of a roof. If you are facing a installing new roof in your near future, take the type to consider what type of roof is best for you. Stand by for our handy list of four common roofing solutions.
Pros and Cons of the Four Most Common Roofing Solutions
- Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt shingle roofs are by far the most common roofing type in the United States. If cost is your biggest decision-maker, then asphalt shingle roofs are the way to go. Asphalt shingle roofs are the least expensive option.
Pros: Not only are asphalt shingle roofs the lease expensive option, they also come in a variety of colors and styles. This means asphalt shingle roofing material can be matched to correspond with any type of house. Additionally, while other roofing materials are heavy and could compromise the structure of the home unless reinforcements are added, shingles are lightweight and do not put a burden on the frame of the home.
Cons: Asphalt shingles do not contribute to the insulation of the home, and so some of the home’s heat and air conditioning is able to escapes through the roof. Also, while some roofing solutions last for the lifespan of the home, asphalt shingles will need to be replaced every 20 to 25 years, as they wear out. - Clay or Concrete Tile Roofs
Clay or concrete tiles are a beautiful roofing solution on Spanish, Mediterranean, Southwest, and Mission style homes. Authentic tiles are made out of clay, but they are more expensive than concrete tiles. The downside to concrete tiles is they add a lot of weight to the roof.
Pros: Tile roofs are virtually fireproof, which makes the entire home safer; this may decrease the cost of homeowner’s insurance. They also contribute to the insulation of the home and decrease energy costs. Best of all, tile roofs can easily last the life of the home.
Cons: Tile roofs weigh a lot, and so additional reinforcement may be required to support it. Special skill sets are required to install a tile roof and must be completed by a professional. Also, tile roofs cannot support common rooftop structures like air conditioning units and solar panels. - Metal roofs
Metal roofing material is made in large panels or individual shingles, which provide a varied appearance, to match a variety of home styles. Common metal roofing solutions are alluminum, stainless steel, copper, and zinc.
Pros: Metal roofing material is fireproof and resistant to severe weather conditions, which make it a sturdy solution in versatile climates. It also reflects solar heat, and contribute to keeping a home cool during the summer. Metal is lightweight like asphalt shingles, but lasts 40 to 75 years, like clay tiles.
Cons: Metal roofs do not cost as much or require as much labor to install as tile roofs, but cost more than asphalt roofing materials. - Synthetic roofing material
Synthetic roofs are a fairly new concept in the roofing industry. Synthetic roofs are made of rubber or polymer, but look identical to natural roofing materials. Because they are man-made, the look and the quality of synthetic roofing material can vary vastly. Before investing in a synthetic roof, you should look at the material in person, and look at actual roofs that have it, ideally for over ten years, to ensure longevity and quality.
Pros:Synthetic roofing materials are lightweight, and fairly inexpensive to install.
Cons: Because they are a new roofing solution, synthetic roofs are not time tested and proven.
Do you have any questions about roofing materials? Please add them below!