Your roof is one of the most crucial parts of your home -
essential to keep out the elements and insulate the interior from harsh
temperatures. If you've noticed some problems, however, you may want to
consider replacing your roof to make sure it lasts you family for decades more.
As you prepare to overhaul the structure, consider your options for the roof's
material and which would best fit your home.
Asphalt Shingles
Composition tiles, also known as asphalt shingles due to
their primary material, make up most of the roofs on American homes. The
innermost part of each shingle consists of fiberglass, which holds the shingle
together while retaining flexibility. They protect the house well and are
adaptable to most climates, as well as easy to replace and comparatively cheap
to purchase.
Composite tiles do need more frequent replacement than some
other materials, which can lead to a higher lifetime cost. The quality can also
vary between manufacturers, so make sure your roofer trusts the tiles that they
use. If you like to recycle old materials, you may not want to use asphalt
shingles - the materials don't break down well, and most plants won't take
them.
Metal Panels
Metal is durable, recyclable, and long-lived - most
estimates land comfortably between 30
and 50 years, but some have lasted through more than 75 years of use. The
raised, interlocking panels in most metal roofs led to their other name:
standing seam roofs. The roofer may use aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or
zinc panels to create your roof.
However, metal can be an expensive option for your roof,
depending on the style and material you choose. If you get a lot of rain, you
may find evidence of corrosion, which will lessen the lifespan considerably,
and if a fire occurs in or near your home, firefighters may not be able to
break in and save the top floors from damage.
Wood Shingles & Shakes
Wooden roofs can be among the most beautiful choices
available. Though the terms shingles
and shakes
are somewhat
interchangeable, a wooden shingle has undergone processing to make it regular
in size and shape, while shakes are more likely hand-cut and of differing sizes
or shapes. The resulting material makes for a renewable resource, which is
better for the environment.
Wood is unfortunately prone to catching fire, so make sure
to apply a fire retardant if you choose shakes or wooden shingles for your
roof. In more wet weather, the material may also have problems with mold or
rot, so consider your environment and take precautions if you plan to use wood
for your home.
Slate Tiles
Natural slate tiles are fire-resistant, waterproof, and
deter mold and fungus, which makes the material one of the most durable
available. Some slate roofs have lasted for hundreds
of years. The natural colors of the stone are distinctive and add a lot of
beauty to your home.
However, slate can be expensive and weighty, which will
require support that your present roof may not provide. The stone can also
react poorly to weight and impact, so walking on the roof will be inadvisable.
You may also have to replace individual tiles along the way.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Many of the same factors that affect slate will also be
relevant if you consider clay or concrete tiles. The striking appearance,
longevity, and fire resistance all point to a material well suited for most
climates, particularly in the southwest region of the US. However, the tiles
are also heavy and expensive, especially when you add the extra support
required.
Do you need roof repairs or a complete reroofing
job? Cal Roofing Systems, Inc. is here to help. With 30 years of experience, a
commitment to integrity, and a high standard of performance, our company has
everything you're looking for in a roofing contractor.
Contact us today to let Cal
Roofing Systems Inc. handle your next roofing project.
