When it comes to deciding on a new roof for your house — whether you're upgrading to a newer material or replacing one after storm damage — it can be difficult to decide which materials right for you. Each type has its own significant advantages, but also comes with other considerations, such as cost and whether or not it blends in with your neighborhood.
Below are a few different roofing materials to think about. If you need help, don't hesitate to call a company that has residential roofers employed so they can help you make the right decision for your home.
Asphalt
By far, the most common roofing material on the market today are asphalt shingles. They're cheap, easy to install, and can last upwards of 20 years with regular maintenance. The downside is you need to do regular inspections to ensure that there is no warping or cracking on any of the shingles. Also, if you have gutters, standing water is a consideration as the water can eat through the shingles and eventually into your home.
Metal
You would think that having a metal roof on your house would just be asking for constant noise anytime there is inclement weather, but if you're planning on saving water, it's actually one of the best materials that you can use. It allows for easy runoff, which is perfect for rainwater harvesting and also provides supreme protection against virtually any kind of precipitation. Unfortunately, it's also relatively expensive, so you should use it either on smaller structures or ones you plan on living in for a long time.
Wood
The roofing material of choice for hundreds of years is the one that's most readily available: wood. It's lightweight, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive. Unless you get the fire-rated wood, however, it's also combustible and not nearly as sturdy as other roofing materials. Residential roofers love it for its flexibility in a variety of projects, but you could find yourself repairing and replacing it more often.
Slate
There are two types of slate: soft and hard. Both are mined from the earth, but soft slate has other materials inside of it that make it not as impervious to decay and deterioration. Hard slate is virtually indestructible, heavy, and lasts an obscene amount of time. Hard slate will last you close to 200 years, while soft slate should "only" last around 100.
For additional information, reach out to a residential roofer near you.
