- Wood shingles and shakes have been used on houses for over a century for their natural appearance. Mostly made from cedar, these shingles are treated with a protective sealant to maximize their lifespan. The low cost of wood shingles appeals to homeowners; however, this type of roofing material tends to have a short lifespan compared to other roofing options. The use of wood shingles has been banned in certain parts of the country, as they are susceptible to fire damage.
- Asphalt shingles have grown to be a cost-effective and safe alternative to wood shingles. These are made either from organic materials or fiberglass, both of which are coated with asphalt, rendering them waterproof. A more costly version of the asphalt shingle is the architectural shingle. This type uses two layers bonded together with an asphalt sealer, creating a contoured visual or three-dimensional effect.
- Roof tiles are made from clay or concrete, with concrete being the cheaper option. These tiles are used in all types of architectural styles, but predominantly appear in Spanish or mission-style homes. Clay or concrete both offer strong fire protection and have a notably long lifespan. The clay tile can be made in several shapes, but mostly comes in the barrel shape that has been used since ancient Greece.
- Slate roofing is an attractive, yet expensive roof option. These tiles are thinly cut from natural slate, and have been known to last for over a century with little maintenance. Similar to tile roofing, slate is fireproof and durable. Before slate can be considered a viable roofing option, the structure of the roof itself must be properly supported, as slate is possibly the heaviest roofing material.
- Metal roofing has been growing in popularity over the years because if its cheap cost and various styles. Most brands offer an average of a 50-year warranty and need little to no maintenance. Metal roofs come in almost any combination of colors and profiles, and offer energy efficiency. These are typically made from steel or aluminum, but can also be found in copper at a much higher price.
- Asphalt roll roofing is a cost-effective option used most commonly for commercial structures, in part because of its lack of aesthetic value. This type of roofing is very similar to regular asphalt shingles, only this type is made in 36-inch by 30-foot rolls and applied horizontally across a flat roof surface. This is a very basic form of roof material, and is not used on slopes greater than two inches per foot.
- Spray-foam roofing is made from a rigid polyurethane material, and is primarily used in flat-roof applications where a parapet wall is in place. Because this material is a sprayed application, it is naturally seamless and completely waterproof, energy efficient, lightweight, permanent, durable and cost effective. Virtually no maintenance is needed for this type of roofing material and is usually offered with 5- or 10-year warranties.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -