Every homeowner has made a big decision to roof their home. They have to consider the costs carefully, the materials being used, installation process, warranties, and desired lifespan, just to name a few considerations! When making that significant decision on which type of residential roofing st louis system or material is right for your home, there are many issues to consider.
The most popular roofing materials used in the residential market are asphalt shingles, wood shakes, shingles, clay and concrete tiles, slate, and metal. Each of these roofing materials has its own unique benefits, drawbacks, and price points. Let’s take a look at each one in more detail:
ASPHALT SHINGLES: Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America. They are made of fiberglass or organic felt mats coated with an asphalt-based adhesive and then covered with granules for protection. Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 20-30 years and come in various colors. The main benefit of asphalt shingles is their affordability – they are the most economical type of roofing material on the market. The main drawback is that they are not as durable as other types of roofing materials and may not be suitable for areas with severe weather conditions.
WOOD SHAKES AND Shingles: Wood shakes and shingles are made from natural wood products and are therefore a renewable resource. They are also biodegradable, so when they eventually need to be replaced, the old shakes and shingles can be composted. Wood shakes have a lifespan of 15-20 years, while wood shingles have a lifespan of 30-40 years. The main benefit of wood shakes and shingles is their natural beauty – they can enhance the appearance of a home and last for decades. The main drawback is that wood shingles and shakes can be expensive, especially when compared to other roofing materials such as asphalt shingles. In addition, they may not perform well in areas with severe weather or climates.
CLAY AND CONCRETE TILES: Clay tiles are made from clay and have been used to cover homes for hundreds of years. Concrete tiles are a newer product that has many of the same benefits as clay tiles but also offer advantages such as energy efficiency and lower cost. Clay tiles come in a variety of shapes and styles, including Spanish slate styles, rounded edge tiles, traditional square tiles, and modern flat tiles that look like wood shakes or shingles. Clay tiles offer a natural aesthetic with many different colors and finishes available. They are extremely durable and fireproof as well as energy-efficient, making them ideal for hot climates. The main drawback is that they can be expensive and require regular maintenance such as an annual cleaning or possibly re-coating every ten years or so depending on exposure to the elements (sun exposure).
SLATE: Slate has been used as a roofing material since ancient times and is one of the most durable and longest-lasting types of roofing materials on the market today. It can last up to 100 years or more with very little required in terms of maintenance during its lifespan (basically just some rinsing once a year is usually sufficient).