With so many types of roofing designs to selection choices, finding the right one can be a daunting task.
The type of material to be used has a huge impact on a roof’s longevity; therefore, the correct decision has to be made when choosing which type to install. Here’s a list of materials to help in making the right choice.
Material Types
- Wood – Wood shingles are the earliest roofing material used that is still being used today, particularly on home restorations. Cedar is the most popular type of wood shingle because of its traditional look. Aesthetics-wise, this material is ranked highly; however, it lacks durability, as it is only good for 10 to 15 years.
- Asphalt – Asphalt is one of the most popular materials in the United States. It is inexpensive and can last 20 to 30 years. When using asphalt, it is important to hire a skilled contractor to do the installation, as poor workmanship is what causes asphalt roofs to have a shorter lifespan.
- Concrete – Concrete is quickly gaining in popularity. It can be molded into different shapes to mimic other designs like slate or wood and lasts a considerably long time. When using this material, it is important to make sure that the trusses are strong enough to handle the heavy weight of the concrete.
- Clay – Clay is considered by many to be a beautiful roofing material. The natural color of clay can give a unique look to a building. Using it at the right location is important though, as it is only suitable in places with hot, dry air as it provides effective insulation from heat. Using it where there is constant rain could result in faster material deterioration.
- Slate – Slate is a type of rock and because of that, it is also the most durable type of roofing material. It can last 100 years or longer. While there’s no question about its durability, it is very expensive to install. The trusses also have to be reinforced to sustain the weight of this heavy rock.
- Metal – Metal is gaining popularity and has one of the highest levels of durability. It is light yet strong enough to resist damage from hail. Maintenance is also relatively easy; a regular coat of reflective paint will last 50 to 80 years.
- Rubber – Also known as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), this type of material can be purchased in a wide variety of shapes and is easier to install than most low slope roofing material.
- Green Roofing – This unique covering involves using plants as a natural way to insulate and protect a structure from outside weather. It helps to clean the air and provide good insulation in both hot and cold weather. Due to the amount of soil required, it is only suitable for a flat roof or low slope applications. One of the important installation qualifications is that the trusses must be strong enough to handle the weight.
Important Considerations
- Location – Make sure that the material is suitable for the location. Determine if there are any dominant weather conditions in the area such as hail, typhoon, strong wind, heavy rain or snow. These things should be taken into account when choosing a roofing material.
- Budget – Choose roofing that is right for the available budget. Consider the cost of purchasing the material, the cost of installation, and the cost of maintenance. For example, slate is very durable yet is expensive to install. These items should be taken into consideration before selecting a type of roofing material.
- Style – Certain home designs tend to call for a certain type of roofing. In such cases, the architect should be the one to decide what type to install.
These are just some of the common roofing materials used around Conroe. When deciding which one to use, always consider the location, budget and the style desired for the house. For any other unanswered questions, ask a contractor to provide information on this subject. Hopefully these definitions of roofing material will prove beneficial when searching for the right one for a home!