Do you need a new roof but aren’t sure where to start? Roofs are often expensive. It can be confusing and stressful to select a roofing company. The best place to start is by thinking about what type of roof you want. This article can help you narrow down the roofing types to pick.
Asphalt Shingles
There are many different roofing types to pick from when it comes to roof replacements. You may not even know all the options available to you. Asphalt shingles are a common and popular roofing material option. These could be the shingles that are currently on your roof. Even if they are on your roof now, you don’t have to select them again. However, they are one of the roofing types to pick from for your roof.
Asphalt shingles are an affordable roof material. They may be the most affordable option you can choose. These shingles are easy to install and come in many colors and styles. Asphalt shingles are made from organic or fiberglass mats. That mat is then covered with asphalt and granules. The asphalt on the shingles makes it waterproof. The granules protect the shingle from UV radiation. They also give color to the shingle. Asphalt shingles are durable. You can expect them to last between 20 to 30 years.
Many factors contribute to the longevity of shingles. The quality of the work when they were installed impacts how long they last. The climate can wear down asphalt shingles. These shingles can match the design of any roof because they are easy to cut. There are other roof materials that are more durable than asphalt. However, they don’t hold up well in extreme weather conditions. Strong winds and hail can damage the shingles. They absorb the heat from the sun, which can cause your home to be hotter in the summer.
Metal
Other roofing types to pick for your house include metal shingles. These shingles are made from many different metals. You could select from aluminum, steel, copper, and other metal alloys. Metal roofing is lightweight, fire-resistant, and durable. When you need roof replacement services, consider metal shingles because they are resistant to extreme weather. Metal roofs last for a long time, as long as 50 to 75 years.
Metal roofs are becoming more popular because they have so many benefits. They can be installed in whole sheets or shingles. They also come in three different styles. You can select from a standing-seam roof, a panel roof, or a look-alike roof. A standing-seam roof needs soldering or crimping to connect the large ribs together. Panel roofing looks similar to standing seam, but it’s screwed down. If you select a screwed-down panel roof, your contractor must have specialized training to install it.
Metal roofs offer insulation to help reduce heating and cooling bills. You should be aware that if you have a homeowners association, they may not allow you to have a metal roof. Some bylaws have strict requirements for metal roofs.
Another consideration about metal roofs is they can be noisy, especially during a heavy rain storm. You may enjoy the sound of rain hitting a metal roof, but not everyone does. Therefore, you should ensure that you enjoy that sound before you commit to a metal roof for your house.
Wood
Another one of the top roofing types to pick is wood. You can pick from wood shakes or wood shingles. This is another popular option. When you are thinking about wood as your roof replacement material, you should know that wood roofing material only comes from a small number of trees. Typically, you’ll find wood roofs made from western red cedar, Atlantic white cedar, pine, spruce, cypress, or redwood trees.
You will notice that your wood roof is light at first. It will begin to darken over time as it ages. You should expect your wood shingles to become silver-gray or dark brown. Wood shingles are made by a machine to create smooth, uniform, thin, tapered strips. Wood shakes are a little different from shingles because they are cut by hand. This cutting style gives them a unique look. Many people select wood shakes because they are rustic and textured. They are both beautiful and durable options for your home.
Wood shingles aren’t going to be the most affordable roofing material option; they will last a long time. These shingles require regular maintenance and may need repairs. Wood shingles and shakes are more susceptible to fire, insects, and rot damage. They must be sealed to be more resistant to insects and damage they may cause. They are easy to install, which makes them comparable to asphalt shingles.
They are typically faster to install than asphalt shingles because they are smaller. In addition, you can easily replace any damaged shingles or shakes. However, it’s important to remember that replaced wood will not match the existing wood because it discolors over time. In addition, wood is a natural insulator that keeps your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This also helps to decrease your utility bills.
Clay
When you are considering all the roofing types to pick, don’t be so quick to rule out clay for your roof. You should think about the benefits of a clay roof. Clay roofs are durable and can hold up to harsh elements. This is important for residential roofing materials. In addition, a clay roof can resist pests, rot, and fire.
Clay roofs are a natural material that can maintain their integrity. It doesn’t break down when there are extreme fluctuations in the weather and temperature. Clay tiles are created from natural clay that is fired and shaped in a kiln.
Concrete tiles are made from a mixture of sand, water, and cement. Once the ingredients are mixed, they are molded into shape. You must have a strong foundation for a clay roof because the tiles are heavy. You shouldn’t attempt to install a clay roof yourself. Instead, you must contact professional roofing services. You should be prepared for a clay roof to be expensive. However, keep in mind that you can rely on the durability of a clay roof.
This type of roof does require maintenance. Clay tiles are not flexible and can break or crack as the house settles. When they are damaged, clay tiles are not easy to repair or fix. They will, however, give your house a unique and stylish look. In addition, clay material can reflect the heat of the sun to keep your house cooler in the summer, which makes them more energy efficient and reduces your utility bills.
Tile
Are you looking for a beautiful and distinct roof material that is also sustainable? If so, you may want to consider tile as one of the roofing types to pick. Tile has been used for thousands of years and is still popular today in some areas. In addition, tile is durable and retains its color, so you don’t have to worry about it fading over time.
Before you make your decision and call local roofers, you should know that tile roofs are expensive. Any professional roofing service will also tell you that they are heavy and may not be the best roof for your home. A strong foundation is a requirement for the weight of this type of roof.
Originally, tile roofs were made from fired clay, terracotta, or slate. However, today they are made from tinted and molded concrete. Tile roofs can be molded into shapes with interlocking, curved, fluted, or flat patterns. If you live in a hot climate with salty air, a tile roof is ideal for your home. However, a tile roof is best suited for a dry climate that doesn’t get a significant amount of rain.
A tile roof can last as long as 100 years, and tile roof could be easy to repair. It is simple to replace the damaged tile by lifting it out and replacing it with an unbroken tile. It’s important to note that large amounts of rain can drain quickly off a tile roof. In addition, it is important that moisture doesn’t get into the roof. This means you should have a proper amount of sound drainage with this kind of roof. Finally, it is critical that a professional install your tile roof because the measurements must be accurate.
Solar
When considering the roofing types to pick, you want to think about the possibility of a solar roof for your home. Any roofing contractor can explain how solar roofs are the most energy-efficient option. However, you do have the option of solar panels or a solar roof. Many roofing companies in Delaware can explain the differences between panels and roofs.
There are other names for solar panels, but photovoltaic (PV) modules is a common name. These panels are a group of cells that create energy from the sun. They are considered semiconductors. Solar panels are mounted together in a frame, which is often called a panel. These panels are then installed on the roof.
A solar roof is just how it sounds. It is part of your roof instead of installed on top of your roof. The roof itself has material in it that can directly absorb sunlight. Even when you have a solar roof, it doesn’t have to be the entire roof. It could be just a section of it.
Regardless if you have solar panels or a solar roof, the energy it creates becomes an electrical current that powers your house. The current produced by the solar panels on your roof is considered a renewable and clean source of energy. Therefore, they are able to help you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
While this is a fire-resistant and durable option, it’s also an expensive one. You will find that solar roofs are typically less affordable than other roof materials. However, you can save money on your utility bills and receive tax credits after it’s installed. In addition, you may be able to pay for the roof with the money you save.
Green
When you are thinking about roofing types to pick, you may not immediately think of a green roof. A green roof is an environmentally friendly roofing installation option that adds life to your roof. It’s considered a living roof because it is completely covered in vegetation. These roofs are made from plants, including grasses, shrubs, and trees.
Roofing companies in Delaware can help you understand your options and the benefits. A green roof reduces your house’s environmental impact and makes it more sustainable. This roof improves the quality of the air, reduces the amount of water from stormwater runoff, and provides insulation. In addition, a green roof can help regulate the temperature inside your house.
If you are considering a green roof, there are limits to where you can place this type of roof. It’s essential that you have a flat roof to install a green roof. You should also consider your climate because it determines if this roof is ideal for your home. A green roof is an invitation for wildlife to come on your roof. This means you could have a lot more animals on your roof. If you love greenery and gardens, it improves the look of the house.
A green roof can help improve the drainage system for your roof. Your home needs sustainable drainage to help prevent flooding when there is a significant amount of rain. A major downside is these roofs are expensive to install and maintain. Just like you have to maintain your landscaping, you also have to maintain a green roof.
When thinking about the roofing types to pick, there are many options. Some may not be the right choice for you. This guide can help you understand all of the different options and narrow down which ones could work for you.
