Roofing Options for Homeowners

Since the dawn of mankind, the most essential things humans seek are food, water and shelter. And the most important part of a shelter is the roof. It protects from storms, shelters you from sunlight and insulates the top of your house to hold the air-condition or heat in. Today’s homeowner has several choices when it comes to the style, color and material of their roof. The three most popular roofing materials used by homeowners are: shingles, metal and stone-like materials such as clay tiles or slate. Each material has its own options, advantages and disadvantages. 

Stone-like materials such as slate and clay tiles are typically the most expensive option available to a home owner. They usually cost more than double to use than other, more cost effective options like asphalt shingles or metal. Plus because of the specialized techniques needed to install these materials, the labor bill is usually higher as well. Once you own a slate or tile roof, it requires virtually no maintenance, but be careful putting up the Christmas lights! These materials break easily when stepped on. They are a beautiful and decretive enhancement to any home that ads an expensive, high-end touch. Another advantage of these materials are the fact that they are fireproof. If you can afford it, slate or ceramic tile roofs are defiantly the way to go. Their designer look, combined with their low maintenance and long life make them the ideal roofing material. 

A more affordable and almost as durable option is metal. Metal provides the greatest range of options in any single material. It typically is corrugated with ridges running lengthwise every twelve inches. But in recent years, metal roofing manufactures have branched out to metal roofing made to look like other materials like slate, tile or wood shingles. Because its painted, it offers limitless color possibilities to customize your home look, but try to pick a lighter color because they absorb less heat. The only negative is it may need to be painted every few years. Among the many advantages are its durability, longevity (usually lasts more than 50 years), and its friendliness to the environment. Metal roofing is the best compromise between affordability, style and longevity. It can be slightly expensive and tricky to install, but its well worth it for the value and peace of mind it brings you. 

By far the most popular option is asphalt shingles. Most homes use them because they are the most affordable option and easiest to install. Most homeowners don’t put a priority on their roof because they never notice it. Asphalt shingles have many options in colors, durability and manufacturers, but lack in many other areas. They are very environment unfriendly, they only last 15-30 years, they tear easily and are not very resident to mold and mildew. If asphalt shingles are the only option you can afford, go for it. But if you have the option to get a metal roof, you’ll save in the long run in maintenance and energy efficiency. 

By taking time to investigate different options, you ensure you get the best value for you hard earned money.