Thanks to great advances in technology and refinement processes, roofing types have blossomed recently. Many home owners are aware of the typical asphalt or composite based shingle roofing, but there are many more types to choose from. Some of the most popular roofing types, in addition to asphalt/composite roofing, are wood or shake, metal, clay tile, and even solar shingles. Check your Houston roofer to learn each style’s benefit and features as well as items to remember for your planning purposes.
Asphalt Composition Shingles
Asphalt/Composition shingles are probably most widely recognized as being the “traditional shingle” whenever one thinks of roofing shingles. These shingles are low cost and relatively durable. Composition shingles usually come in two types; organic and fiberglass. Organic shingles contain a mix of asphalt, ceramic, and paper. Fiberglass shingles tend to be more fire resistant than organic shingles.
Composition shingles tend to last over 2 decades and have a wide variety of looks and colors. Most manufacturers have lasting warranties that will completely cover the materials used in your roofing project. However, composition shingles can be subject to dramatic shifts in temperature, but generally last longest in moderate to cool climates. Be sure to check Houston roofing contractors for differences in their warranty terms.
Wood Shingles and Shake
Wood shingles are a visually appealing look to any home. The wood can be harvested from several sources, but a popular source is Western Red Cedar. There is a slight difference between shingles and shake. Wood shingles are machine cut and wood shake is usually harvested by hand from many blocks of wood. Shake also ages very well over the year, changing color tone with weathering and time.
Wood roof styles are gorgeous roofs but require a more detailed production and installation process.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is gaining popularity in the market, especially for the new selection of color, materials, and thermal options. In addition to galvanized steel, metal roofing can also accommodate stainless steel, aluminum, copper, corrugated iron, and even blends of different metals. Metal blends allow customers to mix and match various properties of the metal like color and thermal expansion during the design of their roof.
Metal roofing is one of the most durable roofing options that you can choose. Not only does metal roofing actually resist thermal influences by the sun, but also resists fire, hail, high winds, and snow. Also, as an attractive option, metal roofing can be specially coated to increase energy efficiency.
Clay Tile Roofing
Traditionally thought of as a classic “Spanish style” roof, clay tile has really found its niche in the southwest. Usually compiled from clay, tile roofing can also be made of additional materials like concrete and sand.
Tile roofing is one of the most durable types of roofing you can select. Often, tile roofing lasts for 50 years or longer. Because tile roofing is made from materials like clay and sand, it is perfect for hot and/or sunny climate conditions. Tile roofing protects against rot as well as imitates the look of other types of roofing, like wood shingles.
Tile roofing can be heavy and structural improvements often need to be made in order to accommodate the extra weight. It is important to note that while the tiles are sound for many decades, the underlayment will be need to be replaced during the course of regular maintenance. Clay tiles can also break easily and usually requires a skilled roofing contractor to complete the necessary maintenance.
There are many roofing types and even thousands of choices within the various roofing types. Contact Schulte Roofing, a local Houston roofing contractor, to help identify the perfect roof design and type for your energy efficiency goals, home, and budget.