Are you looking to install a new roof on your house? Need help choosing a material? If so, you're in the right place.
In this blog post, we're going to discuss the many different roofing materials that are available to you, helping you make the best choice for your home. Ready? Let's go!
Asphalt Tiles
Asphalt tiles are the most popular roofing material in existence, and for good reason too. The cheapest roofing material in existence, they provide 20 to 30 years of low-maintenance use, protecting homes from rain, insects, and other potentially harmful elements.
Asphalt tiles are available in a wide variety of colors. Whether you want black, gray, green, blue, red, yellow, or otherwise, you can be accommodated. They come in a number of shapes and styles as well, from simple rectangular models to square models to asymmetrical models and more.
The one downside to asphalt tiles is their weight, which is exceedingly light. Because of this, they can be susceptible to strong winds. That said, if an asphalt shingle falls off of your roof, you can replace it both quickly and cheaply.
If you want solid quality and aesthetics at a fair price, asphalt tiles are your best option. They'll provide all of the protection necessary, all the while helping your home to blend in among the crowd.
Cedar Shakes
Another roofing option to consider is cedar shakes. These are essentially slabs of wood that are staggered on top of one another. They provide a great deal of texture and dimension to a house, helping it to stand out among the rest.
In terms of functionality, cedar shakes are a mixed bag. They do offer a good amount of durability but are also prone to water damage. As such, they need a good amount of maintenance over time.
Not to mention, cedar shakes can be expensive. As such, they're not typically a fiscally responsible choice for the average homeowner.
If you really want something different, cedar shakes are a roofing material you might consider. Otherwise, stick with something more cost-effective and less maintenance-intensive.
Metal Panels
Metal roofs have grown in popularity over the last few years, likely due to their unique aesthetic qualities. These roofs come in many different colors and undoubtedly provide an attractive sheen to the homes upon which they're installed.
They offer a good amount of functionality as well. Capable of lasting for around 50 years, they do a great job of resisting water damage and physical trauma.
There are plenty of downsides to metal panels, however. For one, they're noisy. Every time it rains, you're going to know about it immediately.
In addition, metal panels are expensive. They'll cost you money not only in the short term but in the long run as well.
If you're looking for a set-it-and-forget-it material that will last you through the majority of your life, metal panels will accommodate you. However, you'll have to pay a premium in order to get them.
Clay Tiles
Another roofing material to consider is clay tiles. These are often found on homes in the southwestern portion of the United States, in states like Arizona, New Mexico, and California. They possess a very distinct style, one that has close to no popularity here in Missouri.
That said, there are plenty of benefits to clay tiles. For one, they're ridiculously durable, capable of lasting over 100 years. In addition, they require almost no maintenance, requiring only sporadic cleanings over the years.
Even at their high price point, they're a bargain for long-term value. Of course, having to spend a bunch of money up front isn't a viable option for many homeowners. But if you have the savings (and if you want the out-of-place aesthetic), you'll reap major benefits.
Concrete Tiles
If you're looking for a less exotic form of hard tiles, you should consider concrete tiles. Unlike clay tiles, which are orange in appearance, concrete tiles are gray in color. As such, they do a much better job of blending in with their respective homes.
It's important to note, however, that, functionally speaking, concrete tiles are a shadow of clay tiles. Whereas clay tiles can last over 100 years, concrete tiles typically top out at around 50.
That's not a short amount of time, by any means, but it's quite a difference. Of course, this also means that concrete tiles are cheaper. As such, they tend to provide a decent bang for their buck.
In truth, these are a decent option. However, if you're thinking about installing them, you should know that they can be too heavy for some homes. Make sure that your roof is inspected prior to installation.
Slate
Slate roofing is essentially just strategically formed stone. This stone is shaped to take the form of shingles, which are then attached together with the use of mortar.
There are quite a few benefits that come with slate roofs. For instance, they last well over 100 years. Not to mention, they're exceedingly low-maintenance.
Unfortunately, they're also prohibitively expensive. Plus, they're far too heavy for some homes to hold.
They do offer a nice aesthetic, one that can give a home an air of luxury. However, they're just not a viable option for most homeowners. You should only consider slate roofing if you have tons of disposable income to throw at it.
Which of These Roofing Materials Is Right for You?
All of these roofing materials have their merits and can help to enhance the look and functionality of your home. When your roof needs repair or replacement, give a call to the roofing professionals here at Brian Dawson Roofing & Construction.
As the top roofing company in Wentzville, Missouri, we've installed and repaired roofs on countless homes in the St. Louis and St. Charles areas. Specializing in asphalt tiles, we'll have your home looking like new in no time.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment!