There are many types of roofing materials available on the market, and choosing the right one for your home can be tricky. You want to make sure that the roofing material you choose will last for years, and also help protect your home against the weather. Here are some tips to help you pick the best roofing material.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are among the most common roof materials used in North America. There are hundreds of varieties of shingle designs to choose from. Many of these roofing shingles are waterproof and require minimal upkeep. They can last anywhere from 10 to 50 years. But, it’s important to know what to look for when choosing the best asphalt shingles for your home.
The standard three-tab shingle is usually rated to withstand winds up to 60 mph. If you live in a high-wind area, you should consider a shingle that is impact rated. You can find this information on the manufacturer’s website.
If you’re looking for the highest-quality asphalt shingles, you might consider dimensional shingles. These shingles have multiple tabs to create texture and dimension. This type of shingle is considered moderately expensive, but it can be durable and last up to 50 years.
Other types of shingles include composition and laminated. Composition shingles are made from cellulose mat or fiberglass. Mineral fillers add strength and flexibility to these shingles.
Polymer-modified shingles, also known as rubberized asphalt, perform better in extreme cold and hail. They also are resistant to cracking and tearing.
Another option is to choose a designer shingle. Some styles mimic real wood shakes or slate. Others have scalloped edges that complement Victorian-style homes.
Some shingles are algae-resistant. These shingles use a special coating to inhibit blue-green algae growth. CertainTeed recently launched the Landmark Series of affordable asphalt shingles.
IKO Roofing Systems makes commercial and residential roofing products. Their shingles have been named by Consumer Reports as one of the best roof shingles on the market.
GAF, another well-known roofing manufacturer, offers green roofing options. It is the first company to offer highly reflective shingles.
Rubber shingles
Rubber shingles are one of the best roofing options for a home. These shingles are durable, environmentally-friendly, and more affordable than traditional asphalt shingles.
They can last for 30 years or more. They are also more resistant to impact and rot than asphalt shingles. Also, they are more energy-efficient.
Rubber shingles can be purchased from various manufacturers, but the ones most commonly found are made from recycled tires or ground up rubber. Some companies even offer a lifetime warranty on their products.
Rubber roofing shingles come in rolls and sheets. Unlike other materials, these sheets can be used on both flat and sloped roofs.
While rubber roofing shingles do not have the same aesthetic appeal as slate or wood, they can be used to replicate the look of these materials. A new, budget-friendly style of shingles, rubber shake shingles, are also being produced. The shingles are made from rubber, and the design resembles that of real hand-split cedar shingles.
Rubber shingles are more resistant to fire than asphalt shingles. In fact, some of them have a Class C fire rating if they are installed with a fire-resistant underlayment. However, they are only effective in some parts of the country.
The durability of rubber shingles is especially helpful in areas where hail and rain are a common problem. They can withstand impacts and are also able to keep out snow and water. This is an important feature for a roof.
Rubber shingles also require less maintenance than other materials. There are no special cleaning agents to use, and the shingle will only need a paint job after ten years.
CertainTeed, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, is a manufacturer of roofing solutions that are designed to be environmentally friendly. Their rubber shingles are the same materials they make other products from, and they’re also environmentally-approved.
Clay shingles
Clay shingles are one of the more popular options for roofing. They are resistant to fire, insect damage, and high winds. Their natural thermal resistance reduces energy bills and helps regulate home temperatures.
There are four main types of clay shingles. The most reflective type is unglazed red terra cotta. Other types include architectural shingles, mission style tiles, and Spanish tile clay roofs.
Architectural shingles are thicker and more weather resistant. They are made of ceramic-coated mineral granules. These types of shingles provide a larger surface area than 3-tab shingles and come with a longer warranty.
Another good choice is asphalt shingles. Asphalt is a cheap material that comes in a variety of colors. It is easy to install and has a relatively long lifespan. With proper maintenance, an asphalt shingle roof should last up to 20 years.
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly option, look no further than cool roofs. This category of roofing materials is a combination of various insulating technologies to reduce heat transfer to the roof. Cool roofs are able to keep the temperature down to about 80 degrees.
Clay roofing tiles are heavy and require structural support. Installing a clay roof may also qualify for tax credits. Typically, it takes about a week to install a clay tile roof.
While it is not as durable as its cousins, a clay tile roof will last a lifetime. Depending on the material used, it can be up to a hundred years.
Although tile shingles are not ideal for severe slopes, they are still a good choice. In fact, they are considered an energy efficient option. Not only does the material lower your energy bill, but it also enhances airflow.
Slate shingles
Slate is a durable roofing material that can last a long time. It is also relatively inexpensive. There are several different types of slate that you can choose from, including natural and synthetic varieties.
The best slate shingles for roofing offer a natural finish. This will provide the most pleasing aesthetic appearance, while still being highly functional. They are made to last for many years, and are resistant to mildew and mold.
Synthetic slate shingles are cheaper than their authentic counterparts, and have the added benefit of a longer life span. They are also easier to install, and more lightweight than other types of shingles. These shingles are often certified by Underwriters Laboratories for Class 4 impact resistance.
Synthetic slate roofing is a great way to give your home a boost in curb appeal. These shingles have impact modifiers built into the tiles to make them resilient to storm damage. Most are also Class A fire-rated.
Choosing the best slate for your home will depend on your individual needs. Your choice should also take into account the initial costs. For example, if you have an old slated house, re-roofing is a great way to save money.
Depending on the climate, a slate roof can last for 100 years or more. You should ask your roofing company about the warranty that they offer. If you are planning to sell your home in the future, the longevity of your roof may be of interest to you.
Slate shingles have been used for roofing since Victorian times. Slate is one of the few roofing materials that is truly natural. But, because they are brittle, they can be difficult to repair.
Metal shingles
If you are thinking about replacing your roof, you might be wondering which is the best roofing material. Metal shingles and asphalt shingles are both popular roofing options. They come in a variety of styles and colors, but there are a few things you should consider before choosing one.
Asphalt shingles are the most common choice for residential roofing. They are made from asphalt and can be shaped into a tile or slate look. However, these shingles are prone to mold growth and high winds. Fortunately, metal shingles offer superior protection.
Metal shingles are lightweight and do not put unnecessary pressure on the structure. This makes them easier to install and preserves the integrity of the building. Additionally, they are more environmentally friendly. Their materials are recycled or contain 25 to 95 percent recycled content.
Metal shingles are available in many profiles and colors. Some, such as Country Manor Shake, are hand-split cedar shakes with deep groves. Others, such as Oxford Metal Shingle, are architectural asphalt shingles. All of them offer a distinctive, versatile aesthetic.
While metal shingles are more expensive than asphalt shingles, they can last for decades. You may only have to replace them two to three times. The average lifespan of metal shingles is 80 years.
Metal shingles can help you save on energy costs. They absorb solar heat and reflect it away from the house, keeping interiors cooler. In addition, they are recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
Aluminum roof shingles are recommended for coastal areas. These shingles are corrosion resistant. Copper roof shingles can last more than 100 years.
While both shingle and metal roofs are durable, they have different advantages and disadvantages. When choosing between these two types of roofing, you should take into consideration your climate and the time frame in which you plan on staying in the home.
