Choices for Roofing Materials

Every building and every home has a roof, and every owner of those structures will likely be faced with re-roofing at some point during his ownership. Knowing the options of materials and their pros and cons will help you make a sound decision.

Various materials for roofing exist as well as various reasons for choosing specific types. Before embarking on choosing a material and hiring a professional, there are a few basic things to know. Prices are quoted for materials and installation together per square. A square is a ten by ten section. You should also look to hire professional laborers/companies so that work can be guaranteed and so that your insurance policy will cover damage.

Damage could be blamed on poor installation otherwise. The most widely used and seen product is the asphalt shingle. It is inexpensive in cost comparison to other materials, used across the country, and comes in varying colors. It, however, is susceptible to the elements. Most homeowners choose this type as per their homeowner association code, for the competitive cost of the material, or for the ability to choose a color that accents the house.

Wooden shingles, usually made of rot and decay resistant cedar, are more expensive that asphalt but still moderately priced in cost comparisons. Certain climates may be more of a threat to wooden shingles, and some steer away from them for fear of bug, spider, or termite issues, though proper treatment should head off those problems.

Clay tile roofing materials are mold, insect, and fire resistant. It is not the most expensive choice, but considering that roofs are replaced every 20 to 30 years, the cost of maintenance and replacement poses an issue. These are often seen in wet climates on coasts.The most initially expensive option is slate. It has been quoted in the thousands of dollars per square of installation. There are often seen in New England homes as well as in older colonial or historic homes, as slate can last up to one-hundred years. Consider the most common choice, asphalt. It may be less than half the cost per square of installation, but it will need to be replaced possible three or four times in the life of a homeowner. Slate is a one time, lifetime install.

Though it is an uncommon choice for a home, many businesses use the very least expensive material, metal. It is price, in the range of one dollar to two dollars per square. It is noisy in the elements, but holds up against the threat of long standing snow, very wet climates, and hurricane prone areas.
In choosing a material, be sure to stick to professional businesses. The National Roofing Contractors Association can vogue for its members, and a reputable company should have good standing membership with the organization. A company can also help you make a decision regarding the best material for your structure, your expectation, and your price range.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR