The wide array of roofing materials today can make it a challenge for homeowners to select the best roofing material. From natural roofing materials like slates to manmade materials like sheet metal and asphalt, it is increasingly becoming a daunting task to choose the best. Each of the materials has its pros and cons and each can add a distinctive element to your roof.
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a roofing material. They include durability, ability to survive natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, the type and strength of the roofing frame, the style of your house, slope (whether flat roof construction or steep sloping), eco-friendliness, cost and state regulations on the material you plan to use. Though you may be good at selecting the roofing materials, it is important to consult a construction professional just to be sure your choices are right.
Below is a rundown of popular roofing materials:
Asphalt
Asphalt is made from fibreglass or paper fibre mat impregnated with asphalt and mineral granules as coating. It is not very durable but algae resistant shingles have been developed to halt staining in humid areas. The petroleum products in it makes it not to be eco-friendly. However, it can be recycled. It can be used on steep to fairly low roofs.
Metal
Metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt. However, they are more resistant to environmental conditions and they last longer. They may be of steel, aluminium, zinc alloy or copper. They can be used for flat roof construction or steep construction. They are available in both sheets and shingles and their cost depends on the material.
Plastic Polymer
Plastic polymers are durable and resemble slates or wood shakes. Plastic polymers are developed from high tech plastic polymers. They are easy to maintain and they can be recycled. They are mostly used on moderate to steep slope roofs.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are great in fire resistance and durability. However, they are heavy and brittle and requires care during construction. They are made from the natural clay which is fire resistant and eco-friendly. Clay tiles are expensive. They can be used on moderate to steeper roof slopes.
Concrete Tiles
They are a result of sand and Portland cement. They are less expensive compared to clay tiles. They are fire resistant, durable and eco-friendly. Mostly, they are used on moderate to steeper roof slopes.
Slates
Made from slate rock, slates are the most dated forms of roofing material. Slates are brittle, eco-friendly, very expensive and very durable. They are good in resisting fire and wind. They are used on steep roof slopes. Besides, they require special training to fix.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Most wooden roof materials are made from cedar. However, others are made from other rot-resistant woods like redwood. Unless treated, wood shingles and shakes are not fire resistant. Though wood is eco-friendly, it requires regular maintenance and has a short lifespan. The cost of wood is moderate and it is good in wind resistant.
When buying roofing materials either for flat roof construction or steep slope construction, you should always consider warranties. Warranties are of two types; one covering material defects usually offered by manufacturers and another covering improper installation offered by the roofing contractor.