Need to choose the right type of roof for your home? It can be a very difficult decision since there are so many choices trying to decide which one is just right for you and your home. One of the most common choices is the Asphalt shingle and generally it is the least expensive roofing material. Residential roofs can also be made of ceramic tile, slate, wood, and metal.
Here is some information about the five most common types of roofing:
Asphalt shingles
Homeowners and roofers agree that the asphalt shingles are the most popular, as they are durable and relatively inexpensive. Some other benefits include ease of installation, a wide variety of colors and styles, and suitability for a wide range of temperatures. Asphalt shingles also provide reliable waterproofing.
HGTV states that “the most common residential roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles are popular because they are economical and easy to install”.
In Florida, with the intense sunlight and temperature extremes, asphalt shingle roofs last 15 to 20 years. Algae can cause black marks on a roof or you can look for an algae-resistant shingle which contains copper granules that can help prevent new growth. Dark asphalt shingles tend to exhibit inconsistencies in color and are prone to fading.
Wood shakes and cedar shingles
A cedar roof is a great choice if you are looking to cut down your energy expenses. Cedar is a natural insulator and can reduce your heating and cooling costs. Cedar roofs are difficult to install, so make sure to hire a roofing company with related experience. A cedar roof is more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof, but its durability and energy efficiency make it worth the cost.
“Cedar shake roofs have many benefits,” states Angies list. Wood shakes and cedar shingles are reliable in any climate, but they’re ideal for hot and sunny areas because they resist UV damage. They’re great for people who live in areas that experience strong thunderstorms or hurricanes so they can withstand harsh weather conditions. Several manufacturers of cedar shingles apply a fire-resistant coating for extra safety”.
Wood shakes have been listed as a preferred environmental choice because these materials produce minimal impact on the quality of water runoff and are stable with a useful life of around 30 years or more, making them a solid investment in environmental responsibility for many homeowners. Wood shake shingles are a green-friendly roofing choice which is especially true if they are constructed from recycled wood or harvested in an environmentally sound way.
Slate roof shingles
Slate may be the answer if you want a more a sophisticated roofing material for an upscale home. A natural appearance, fire resistance, invulnerability to rot, ease of maintenance and an expected life of 100 years are some of the advantages. Slate comes available in a variety of colors and styles. The disadvantage to slate tiles is the high degree of expertise needed for installation due to their weight and cost. Slate tiles are easily broken underfoot, complicating gutter cleaning and rooftop maintenance.
Ceramic roofing tiles
Tile roofs are most commonly seen on homes that borrow elements from Spanish architecture. The tiles hang in parallel rows, overlapping to keep out rainwater. Disadvantages to ceramic roofing tiles include their unsuitability for climates with fluctuating weather. Under these conditions, ceramic tiles are prone to erosion. While the tiles are durable, they are also fragile. High winds can damage them, as will walking on the tiles. Quality tiles should last 50 to 70 years. If you are looking for a lot of character in your home, ceramic roof tiles might be the way to go. Tiles are resistant to fading and are fireproof.
Metal roofing
A low maintenance, lightweight and more environmentally friendly choice is metal shingles. Installing a metal roof requires a contractor with experience since installation can be tricky. As long as the roof’s structural integrity is in good shape, repainting is an option as it starts to lose its shine. It usually costs less to repaint a metal roof than to replace it.
No. 1 Home Roofing is proud to be a GAF Certified Weather Stopper Roofing Contractor in Florida! No. 1 Home Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company conveniently located on US Highway 19 in Palm Harbor, Florida. We are dedicated to providing top quality workmanship and materials to ensure that your new roof is done right. We specialize in shingle, tile, and flat roof installation, repairs, and maintenance. Contact us for an appointment and/or estimate at 727-781-7663.