A Guide to Choosing the Right Roofing Material

Choosing the right roofing material requires careful consideration. After all, your roof is like a knight in shining armor, protecting your family and prized possessions from Mother Nature's harshest elements. So, you'll want to make sure you pick one that not only looks good but is also durable, dependable, and tailored to your unique needs.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles reign supreme as the go-to material for pitched roofing in the United States for many reasons:

• Roofing durability
• Affordability
• Simple roofing installation.

When it comes to asphalt shingles, there are three main types to choose from:

1. 3-tab shingles used to be the norm. They lie flat and get their name from the trio of tabs found on each shingle. While offering the lowest roofing cost of the shingle types, 3-tab shingles are going out of fashion.
2. Architectural / dimensional shingles have taken over as the most popular type used on roofs today. Their patterned finish mimics the appearance of wood shingles. With adequate roofing ventilation and professional installation, architectural shingles should last up to 30 years.
3. Simulating the look of slate roofing, luxury style shingles are larger in size – and in price. The increased area and thickness add to their durability and therefore longevity – around 50 years lifespan. Expect to pay almost twice the price for these premium shingles.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Although not as ubiquitous as asphalt shingles, standing seam metal roofing is becoming a more popular choice for residential roofing projects. This type of roof consists of:

• roofing underlayment,
• a series of metal panels that interlock to form a watertight seal under
• standing seams, aka, ribs. Typically, these ribs are spaced anywhere from 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on the length of the metal panel and the overall aesthetic desired.

But what's interesting is that this design allows for the roof to glide back and forth - crucial for the roof to expand and contract freely during changes in temperature.

Although more costly than an asphalt shingle roof, standing seam metal roofing offers durability and a sleek appearance. Metal is versatile enough to be used in various ways on your roof, from covered porches and dormers to flat roofs. You will also be pleased to know that after the installation of a standing seam roof, it requires very little roofing maintenance, aside from the boots and collars of vent and gas pipes.

Synthetic (Composite) Shingles

Synthetic roofing shingles are designed to look like traditional roofing materials such as slate or wood shake but are made from a mixture of recycled materials like plastic and rubber. Unlike concrete tiles and even clay tiles, this green roofing option has a high impact rating – meaning that your composite roof is tough enough to resist damage from hail, windstorms, and flying debris.

They are resistant to moisture, mold, and algae, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who want a long-lasting roofing material that is high in robustness and low maintenance.

TPO Membrane

Short for thermoplastic polyolefin, TPO membrane is a popular roofing material in Northern Utah. Because thermoplastic polyolefin is highly resistant to UV rays, punctures, and tears, TPO membrane forms a waterproof barrier on low slope* or flat roofing.

*When the pitch is less than a ratio of 2:12.

What’s more, the white TPO roofing color is also highly reflective. By deflecting sunlight away from the roof, it reduces the amount of heat absorbed by the roof, making it an energy-efficient option. Using TPO membrane contributes to keeping a building cool and saves on air conditioning costs. It is also fire, wind, algae, and mold resistant.

When selecting roofing, weather resistance, durability, affordability, energy efficiency, and aesthetics should be considered in your research. Additionally, factors such as the roofing safety record, experience, and roofing warranty offered by the contractors will help you make your decision.

To help ensure that you choose a roofing material that meets your specific needs and provides reliable protection for your home and family for years to come, contact our team at Bob Harvey Roofing today!