How to Pick the Best Roofing Materials for your House

Your home’s roof is an important contributor to the building’s value. It is also there to provide long-lasting protection for the home and its contents. It is therefore essential to choose your roofing materials carefully when planning a new home or roof replacement. Follow this guide on how to pick the best roofing materials.

Top 6 Roofing Materials

When selecting materials for a new roof, builders or homeowners generally consider the following six options, each of which has its own set of pros and cons.

• Asphalt shingles:In the United States, shingles are the most common materials used to construct roofs. They are a relatively economical option, and come in a wide variety of colors. On the downside, they don’t last as long as other options and don’t provide as much insulation.
• Clay and concrete tiles:Tiles are tough and sturdy as they are elegant. They are also heavy and expensive, and require additional framing to support them.
• Metal roofing:Metal roofing is extremely durable and resists extreme weather conditions very well. It is also relatively inexpensive and lightweight.
• Slate:This is a high-end option that provides an elegant and stately appearance. It is also a highly sustainable and recyclable option. On the other hand, it is costly and, like tiles, requires extra framing to support its weight.
• Wood shingles and shake:Wooden roofing provides a pleasing, rustic look and also has the advantage of being a natural material. However, it is not particularly durable compared to the other options because it is susceptible to damp, mold and rot. In addition, many city fire codes do not allow wooden roofs.
• Synthetic:There are many synthetic roofing options available, including rubber, plastic and polymer. They are designed to mimic the look of traditional materials, such as shingles, slate, wood, etc, and are extremely durable. Synthetic roofing is cheaper than many of the materials it is designed to imitate and is generally tough and durable. However, quality differs between products, so you need to be careful which brand you choose.

When choosing roofing materials, consider the following questions

As you ponder the roofing options at your disposal, consider the following factors:

• The weight of the material. Is it too heavy, and will it require extra framing to support its weight?
• Is the material available in a good range of styles and colors, and will these suit your home?
• Do the fire codes in your area allow the material of your choice?
• What special installation and maintenance requirements need to be taken into account?
• Is your preferred material appropriate for the weather conditions in your area? 
• Which of your options are most affordable and cost-effective? What are their average lifespans, and what warranties do they offer?

Bob Harvey Roofing is a professional roofing company in Layton, UT. We have been providing excellent service throughout northern Utah for the past 30 years. If you are planning a new roof and are unsure how to pick the best roofing materials, we can offer you expert advice, as well as installing your roof to high standards of materials and workmanship.