Roof types for St Louis and surrounding cities have differing architectural styles throughout the area that make neighborhoods unique and distinctive. These differences tend to help determine the type of exterior features for that particular home. These features can include siding, window type, and roof type.
The roof is one of the most important structures of a home and should be chosen carefully. The type of roof chosen for homes in St. Louis changes with neighborhoods and household budgets. Each roof type also has advantages in terms of price, appearance, longevity, and maintenance.
Types of Roofing
Four main roof types can be found in the St. Louis area. All have their beneficial features to look over before choosing the roof that’s best for your home.
1. ASPHALT ROOFING
Asphalt shingles are used on 90 percent of new residential construction because of their affordability. Asphalt roofs are durable and come in a wide range of colors. They are also easy to install. You can find asphalt shingles on many homes in the St. Louis city and surrounding suburban areas.
Asphalt roofing benefits:
- Affordable
- Easy installation
- Variety of colors: solid and blended hues
- Lightweight
- Durable: can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years
- Can be made to have the appearance of slate, tile, or wood.
2. CEDAR SHINGLES
This type of roofing is available in shingle, shake, ridge, and hip formats. Wood shingles made from red cedar offer a natural and rustic look. When installed you get color tones of reds, golds, and browns. Cedar shingles are cut to lay flat in rows, while cedar shakes have an irregular rough-cut shape for a more natural appearance.
When properly cared for, a cedar type roof can last as long as 40 years. Applying a sealant to protect against mold helps its longevity. Cedar shakes cost less than shingles.
Cedar Roofing Benefits:
- Resistant to decay, mold, and insect damage
- Can be treated with algae-repellents and fire-retardants
- Eco-friendly
- Durable; enhances the structural strength of a roof
- Cedar is a natural insulator, allowing cooler temperatures inside in the summer months and warmth in the winter months.
- Accepts a range of finishes: oils, stains, solid coatings, and paint
- Will age to a silvery gray color over time
3. SLATE
Slate is a heavy material, mined from the earth, that has to be hand-cut. It has a natural beauty that will enhance the appearance of any home. Slate roof types come in a combination of colors. Shingle styles range from Victorian half-round to straight edge. Slate is one of the more expensive types of roofs.
Slate Roofing Benefits:
- Durable
- Aesthetic value - can be cut in multi-dimensional shapes.
- Long lifespan
- Requires little maintenance
- Low absorption rate; will not be affected by water
- Eco-friendly
- Water-resistant, fireproof, and insect-proof
4. CLAY TILE
This type of roofing is known for its S-shaped Spanish style. You can’t miss the natural terra-cotta color of a clay tile roof. It also comes in many other colors.
During the heat of the summer, clay tile helps cool a home’s interior, resulting in lower electric bills. In the spring and winter, it resists the effects of snow, ice, and rain.
Tile requires little to no upkeep and won’t need to be replaced for 80 to 100 years. When maintenance is required, the original tile may be reused. You’ll need to weigh these features against the initial high cost of clay tiles. A clay tile roof is one of the most expensive roofing systems you can get.
Clay Tile Roofing Benefits:
- Durable
- Long lifespan
- Energy Cost Savings - Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory shows that clay tiles can cut the transfer of heat by up to 70 percent compared to other roofing materials.
- Can produce roof tiles to suit any architectural style, from authentic Spanish, Mediterranean, New England Colonial, historic, or contemporary
- Requires little maintenance
- Increase home value
- Maintain their color for years
- Sustain high winds of 150 mph
- Easy to install and repair
Which Type of Roof is Best for Your Home?
Brian Dawson Roofing specializes in asphalt roofing because of its versatility, low cost and durability. However, we can and will install other roofing types, if desired.
If you need help in deciding the roof type that best fits your home, Brian Dawson Roofing can provide expert knowledge on each type of roof. Whether it’s new construction or roof replacement, our roofing professionals have years of experience to properly install the roof that you choose. Contact us today for a consultation.