Choosing a roofing material for your home is a difficult and important decision. This guide will help you determine which type of roofing material is appropriate for your home based on the benefits and potential drawbacks of each one of the most popular roofing materials. While each popular option is effective, you may also have a personal preference for one type, especially if you are on a restricted budget and want the most cost-effective solution possible, while still fulfilling the other goals you have for your roof installation, replacement or renovation.
The Importance Of A Quality Roof
There are many benefits to keeping a quality roof and replacing your roof when it becomes outdated. Not only does a quality roof add curb appeal and appraised value to your home, but it also can save you money on energy costs each month, protect the exterior of your home from bad weather and keep water and moisture out of the interior of your home, which could otherwise cause serious water damage that is expensive to fix. However, having a quality roof involves choosing the right roofing materials, based on your specific home preferences and requirements.
Choosing The Right Roofing Materials
The best way to determine which roofing material is right for you is to discuss all options with a roofing professional. The most popular and highly recommended types of roofing materials include asphalt shingles, slate roofs, clay and concrete tiles, metal roofs and green roofs.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for residential homes in the United States. This is due in large part to the combination of affordability, ease of installation and attractive appearance they provide. They also come in a variety of color options, so you can personalize your roof. Asphalt shingles are particularly popular among suburban-style homes, although they work with a range of house styles.
While they may not last as long as other material options, you can still expect your asphalt shingles to remain in optimal condition for 25 years or more.
Slate Roofs
Slate roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their elegant appearance and excellent durability. They are also durable and fire-resistant, helping to ensure you and your family remain safe from bad weather conditions. However, slate roofs have not overcome asphalt shingles as the most popular roofing material for one important reason — price. The slate itself is expensive and the cost of labor is likely to be higher. Also, installing it is more of a challenge. However, the return on the initial investment is usually worth it long-term as slate roofs can last for 75 years or more. Nevertheless, slate roofs look fantastic and work well with a range of home types, especially colonial or European style homes.
Clay & Concrete Tiles
Clay and concrete tiles are a unique alternative to the classic asphalt shingle. What many homeowners love about clay and concrete tile roofs is their unique appearance, and they can easily be customized to any color the homeowner or construction manager prefers. They can also be in the form of a flat, ribbed or scalloped appearance as well, offering superior design flexibility that asphalt shingles do not provide. Clay and concrete tiles do require an increased cost for installation, although the investment is often worth it long-term due to improved longevity and lower monthly payments for energy costs.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are interested due to their fantastic durability during bad weather. They also allow for effective drainage of rainwater as water slides right off the metal roof. Many also have a preference for their appearance as well, although some still prefer the more traditional asphalt shingle appearance. They offer excellent durability that matches or improves upon asphalt shingles, slate roofs and clay and concrete tiles. While they are somewhat affordable, they do cost substantially more than asphalt shingles.
Green Roofs
Green roofs are often very expensive and require ideal circumstances to implement. Nevertheless, they are worth mentioning as the trend towards green roofs is likely to continue growing. Green roofs are an environmentally friendly option to roofing materials that use a layer of vegetation over a waterproofing underlying system. This is certainly a more modern approach to roofing materials that are not yet considered “popular.” As we become more conscious of the effects construction choices have on the environment around us, however, you may see a rise in green roofs, especially if the innovation behind the idea continues to develop.
Speak To Experienced Northern VA Roofing Contractors
Speak with a professional Northern Virginia roofing contractor at Adelphia Exteriors by calling (703) 386-7357 or by messaging us to learn more about the pros and cons of each type of roofing material. We have years of experience in the roofing industry, and we take pride in helping those within our local community.