If you just start to shop for a new roof, you may be surprised to find a wide range of choices available. Some of the more popular choices today are asphalt shingles, wood shakes, a wide variety of masonry shingles, metal or 10 as well as other composite hybrids. The manufacturers of roofing materials have taken a lot of time and money into developing more durable, eco-friendly and intuitive products. Products such as clay and concrete tiles, fibrous cement shakes and slate tiles, metal tiles coded with granulated stone, copper surfaced asphalt shingles, zinc-finished ribbed steel panels and would fire retardant shingles. More and more roofing manufacturers are creating eco-friendly roofing products made from recycled materials as well.
Now the big question, “how do you choose which materials to use for your home?” Most people decide strictly from the appearance they like and cost they can afford. Besides appearance and budget, there are several other things you need to consider when selecting your new roof. Weight of materials, durability, fire rating of the materials, what climate you live in, and the degree of slope of your roof to name a few.
Asphalt-based shingles --these are without question the most popular type of roofing material in the US. Asphalt shingles come in organic or fiberglass versions look very similar. These shingles are economical, widely available, easy to install, fire resistant and lightweight. These shingles normally lasts longer than a homeowner will own their home, typically 15 to 25 years.
Wood shingles and shakes -- these are probably the most pleasing to the eye roofing material on the market. They are made from natural materials such as cedar, redwood, pine and oak trees. Wood shingles require more maintenance than asphalt shingles and do not last as long. Wood shingles can be a fire hazard, especially if not treated yearly.
Clay and concrete tiles -- these materials offer long-term durability and are easily the heaviest roofing material on the market. Roofing tiles are expensive and more difficult to install but offer a bold look and great accent to any home. Slate or concrete tiles come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Masonry tiles are more popular in the southern United States, areas such as Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and Arizona. It is import to remember not all roofing systems are capable of holding the weight of clay or concrete tiles. Check with the local roofing company to make sure your roof can withstand the weight of a tile roof.
Metal or Tin -- these materials are more popular and the commercial roofing industry, however more and more homeowners are using metal to roof their home. Metal roofing materials come in more shapes and sizes than just the standard long sheets you may be thinking about. There are many metal shingles intended to look like other roofing materials such as wood shakes and clay tiles. Steel and aluminum are the main types of metal roofs; tin is also another option as well. Metal roofing materials come in both single shingle type and large sheet metal pieces. The single pieces are usually textured to look like another type of material and the panels interlock in large sheets usually 4 feet wide. Metal roofs usually require little maintenance and have a long life.
Our Houston roofing company would be happy to show you the different types of roofing materials available. We can bring out roofing samples and show your other roofing jobs we've done in the past to help you select the right roof for your home.