Residential Roofing

 

Types of Roofing

There are five common types of residential roofing that you should consider when mulling a new roof or retro-fit.

Asphalt Shingles

The most common residential roofing material used in the United States are asphalt shingles, and for a good reason. These shingles have been around since 1903 have stood the test of time as one of the most reliable types of roofing material. Relatively inexpensive up-front cost and is relatively simple to install. Asphalt shingles usually last up to 20 years or more on an average home. They are particularly useful in an area like AustinTX, where weather isn’t as radical as somewhere like Houston. They consist of two different types of base materials – organic and fiberglass. This unique design helps them reflect sunlight away from home, helping reduce air conditioning costs during the hot summer months. They are also resistant to wind and hail damage while providing additional waterproofing support for your home.  In addition to their cost-effective nature and durability, asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of colors and styles. 

Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are a sophisticated and upscale type of roofing material. They are made from concrete, providing your home with resistance to rot and fire. They are incredibly easy to maintain and have a life expectancy of 100 years. Read this Article. While these are incredibly durable and give off a natural appearance, they come with their own unique set of disadvantages, too. The weight of slate shingles and the cost associated with them means they require a high degree of expertise for installation. Slate shingles are also susceptible to damage when you walk on them, making maintenance and gutter cleaning a pain. Because of these drawbacks, slate shingles aren’t widespread in the Midwest. Instead, they see far more usage on the East Coast (although they do make appearances in states like Arkansas and Kentucky). 

Wood Shakes

Cedar shake roofs use wood shingles made from split logs. Since they are mostly wood, and because every shingle is of slightly varying size, they have a very distinct and natural look to them. These roofing materials have been around since the colonial era for a lot of reasons. For one, they can withstand harsh weather conditions, keeping UV rays out of the home, which reduces air conditioning costs. This energy efficiency makes them highly effective in areas with lots of sunlight. Additionally, wood shakes are incredibly eco-friendly materials. The insulation they provide will help cut down on energy costs. Not only are they made from wooded material, but they also produce a minimal impact on the quality of water runoff. While fire-resistance is a concern, many manufacturers apply a fire-resistant coating to them for extra safety. There are many advantages to wood shakes, but they also require expertise to install. As such, they are a bit more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof, but its durability and energy efficiency are enough for many homeowners to pull the trigger.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has been a growing trend recently. The market share for metal roofs quadrupled over the past decade. Metal shingles are low maintenance, lightweight, and environmentally friendly, giving them a ton of upside. They’ve also proven to be quite durable. The average life of a metal shingle roof is 50+ years, meaning your investment in them will last a long time relative to other roofing types. While there is some benefit, the installation can be tricky, so it’s essential to partner with a roofing contractor who understands metal shingles very well. 

Clay Tiles

Roofing material manufacturers produce clay tiles by baking molded clay. They can change the amount of time and temperature they heat the clay at to create a range of thickness and textures. In addition to coming in a variety of sizes and shapes, clay tiles are typically available from shades of white, yellow, orange, and brown. These ceramic roof tiles are generally durable. They’re resistant to fading and are fireproofed, plus quality tiles should last anywhere between 50 to 70 years. These tiles are more commonly found in the Southwest because they fit in with homes that borrow elements of Spanish architecture. The tiles hang in parallel rows, overlapping to keep out rainwater. While they are visually appealing, clay tiles are not suitable for climates with fluctuating weather because they tend to erode. High winds also tend to take their toll on clay tiles over the years, making them somewhat impractical in the greater Houston area.