Choosing Roofing Materials

There are many different types of roofing material on the market. This is especially true when you consider the many types of asphalt that can be used for residential and commercial construction purposes. There are many advantages to using asphalt as a roofing material however there are some disadvantages too. In this article we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using asphalt for your roof.

Asphalt Roofing materials

Asphalt has been used for decades and is still one of the more popular roofing materials available. These come in various colors and textures and also go well with just about any sort of exterior. One of the benefits to using these materials is that they are very durable and are also good at resisting and breaking damage from both natural elements and human-caused damage. Asphalt shingles are especially good at resisting heat damage. Asphalt shingles are also fairly easy to maintain, which is another reason why they are very popular.

Asphalt shingles, while great at being durable, do have some disadvantages. They do wear out over time and do become weaker in areas of heavy rainfall or snowfall. Also they do need to be replaced from time to time due to algae growth and moisture leaching. Asphalt shingles do cost more than other types of roofing materials such as wood shingles and clay tiles. Wood shingles tend to shed their leaves and start looking more like sticks and this can be unsightly and hard to cover up.

Metal Roofing materials

Metal roofing materials such as corrugated metal roofs are a good choice for people who want an eco-friendly home. They offer a great look but do come with some disadvantages. Corrugated metal is known for creating excess pressure in high winds. This can cause a bent gutter system and can create additional wear and tear on your roof.

Standing seam metal roofs

Standing-seam metal roofs are a great choice if you want a temporary fix for a particular issue. They are relatively low maintenance and can be installed quickly. They do not have the strong support that fiberglass has and are susceptible to water intrusion. Standing-seam metal roofs are typically constructed with aluminum and steel which are the strongest roofing materials you can purchase.

Slate tiles

Slate tiles are another popular choice for a new roof. They have long-lasting characteristics which make them very attractive. You have the option of going with the regular slate tiles or you can opt for something more unique by using slag and clay tiles. Slate tiles are great because they are incredibly resilient and durable, making them a great material for high-traffic areas. Plus, they require little maintenance and are available in many different colors.

Rubber roofing

Finally, you can choose to install one of many types of recycled rubber roofing. Rubber roofing is made from recycled resins, which are then recycled and sold as roofing material. This type of roofing is very easy to maintain and requires little ongoing care. However, rubber roofing is not well-suited for all climates and areas of your home. Make sure you do an inspection first to make sure you are buying a resilient product that will stand up to the weather in your area.

These are just a few of the many options available for your new roof. Explore your options thoroughly so you will be able to choose the best design and material for your needs. Remember, though, that the roofing materials you choose should be able to withstand a wide range of climate. Also, if you choose to have tile roofing installed, remember that these tiles are heavier than asphalt shingles, so be prepared for them to be harder to handle at first. If you have any questions about the roof types mentioned here or others you’ve read about, consult with professional roofing installation specialists.