Building your dream house is not a project that can be done overnight. One must take a lot of things into consideration regarding the material, color, style, and most importantly, the money that it will cost building it.
The roof is one of the most important parts of a house. After all, what is a shelter without a roof? However, choosing a roof is not as easy as it sounds, especially now that there are a lot of different materials to choose from.
To help you make the right decision, here are six different materials, their pros and cons, and the home style to use it for.
Asphalt Shingles
Perfect for: Many architectural styles
Probably the most common roofing in the United States, asphalt shingles will match any architectural style, especially the traditional suburban. They are widely available and very easy to install.
Asphalt is also available in a variety of colors and is one of the most economical materials. However, asphalt shingles are not very durable and have a shorter lifespan compared to other roofing materials. They do not provide as much insulation as the other materials below do and some asphalt shingles are prone to algae.
Wood Shingles and Shake
Perfect for: Ranch, cottage, historic, contemporary styles
Made usually from cedar, redwood and southern pine, these materials offer a rustic look to your home. They are moderate in weight and are very resistant to wind.
Although there are Class A wood shingles that come with fire-resistant treatment, these materials can be a fire concern. They can also become a problem in areas with wet climate as these materials mold, split, and/or rot.
Metal
Perfect for: Cottage, bungalows, contemporary styles
Available in copper, aluminum, and stainless steel, metal roofing often lasts twice as long as wood or asphalt. It is usually made of recycled materials and can easily be recycled after use.
Additionally, if you are interested in rainwater harvesting, this material is for you. Metal shingles are also lightweight and are very resistant to hostile weather. Just be ready to spend more as metal shingles can be quite expensive.
Synthetic Roofing Products
Perfect for: Different architectural styles
Rubber, plastic, and polymer roofing are now available on the market. These materials are used to make a roof that looks like slate or wood shakes. These synthetic materials can resemble the color, look, and texture of other roofing materials.
They are durable, low maintenance, and are resistant to fire and wind. They are also cheaper than other natural products.
Slate
Perfect for: French chateau, colonial, European styles
Often available in dark colors, slates offer a different kind of beauty and a touch of distinctive elegance to your home. This material is very durable and can last up to hundreds of years if properly maintained.
Slates are made from natural material, which makes it easy to recycle when replaced. Be prepared to spend on this material as each square can cost as much as $600. This material is also very heavy and strictly requires a professional installation.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Perfect for: Mediterranean, Spanish, mission styles
Available in different colors, shapes, and textures, these materials add an elegant touch to the overall appearance of your home. Clay and concrete tiles are very long-lasting and are highly resistant to fire. Although these materials are cheaper than genuine clay, they are still more expensive than most materials. They are also heavy and require additional framing for support.
Have you chosen the roofing material and style you like? For more information about each type and material, contact a trusted contractor today.
Written by True Son Exteriors, the best contractor for roofing in Columbia, MO.
