If a homeowner is tired of the look of the same old roof that has been on their home for 20+ years, then this might be the time to call a Woodlands roofing repair specialist to update that roof and give it a fresh new look. Installing new roofing will not only freshen-up the home’s exterior; it will also significantly
enhance the curb appeal of the entire house.
Another reason for updating roofing after that amount of time is to take care of any damage that may have developed over the years. Although there may not have been any problems with leaks up to this point, the accumulation of moisture along the roof’s insulation may have already damaged underlying structures. The old roof may also be wasting a great deal of money in added energy expenses due to unsatisfactory insulation performance. Insulation materials today have much better capacity than the materials sold 20 to 30 years ago.
Types of Roofing Materials
Today, there are many kinds of roofing materials that can be used to boost a home’s visual appeal. In addition to some of the traditional roofing materials, synthetic roofing materials are also fast becoming popular to homeowners. A roofing repair contractor should be knowledgeable in all of these materials and be able to provide a homeowner with valuable information about any of the following types of roofing materials.
- Asphalt Shingles – Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular types of roofing materials. They gained popularity because they are very cost-effective and have warranties that last up to 30 years. Aside from their durability, asphalt shingles have a high insulation capacity and have a classic look sought after by many homeowners. The only downside of asphalt shingles is that the material becomes brittle as it ages and asphalt tends to become more and more expensive.
- Wood Shakes – Another roofing material that is guaranteed to give a home an exquisite look are wood shakes. Like the name implies, wood shakes are made from organic material, typically cedar or pine. Most homeowners who prefer wood shakes are often after the rustic aesthetic feature of the material. Although wood shakes are organic, a well-maintained wood shake roof can last from 30 to 50 years.
- Slate – Slate roofing is another highly decorative and classic-looking roofing material. Slate roofing is made from foliated rock. Slate is available in many different colors depending on the rock’s composition. Homeowners can combine several colors to achieve a unique color scheme. The only downside of using slate is that it can be very heavy on the roofing structure. For a person who does roofing maintenance, slate roofing is very slippery to cross. Slate is also one of the most expensive roofing materials to install. The cost does eventually pay itself off as slate roofs have a typical lifespan of 80 to100 years.
- Faux Slate – If authentic slate is too pricey, homeowners can still achieve the same look for half the price of real slate with faux or composition slate. Composition slate is made from synthetic recycled materials. Although faux slate is relatively new, it is beginning to gain acceptance simply because of its aesthetic benefits that are comparable to authentic slate. Longevity wise, faux slate only has a maximum life span of 20 years. Because it is made of synthetic materials, faux slate will eventually fade and the material will turn brittle from repeated exposure to UV rays.
- Metal – For homeowners who are looking for reliability and durability at the lowest possible cost, metal roofing should be at the top of their list. Metal roofing is still a rarity in many developed countries; however, it is starting to gain popularity particularly in places that experience strong wind speeds due to the durability of this material. Aesthetically, metal roofs are quite competitive. Most metal roof panels are molded and painted to look like traditional roofing materials. Although when looked at closely, it is still a far cry from authentic, its low cost and longevity of 60 to 80 years makes it one of the best roofing materials on the market.
Each of these roofing materials is guaranteed to give a home that certain look, whether the homeowner desires a classic or modern roof design. A homeowner can revive curb appeal with a new roof while also improving the home’s thermal efficiency. A homeowner should consult a local Woodlands roofing repair specialist to ensure they have plenty of knowledge about installing the type of roofing material that is being considered for their new roof. Indeed, a new roof can certainly revive the curb appeal of almost any home!