People have had roofs in some kind of capacity ever since they started building homes.
But did you know that the roof types and materials that we use today have only been around for about 100 years? Some have only been in use for as few as about 60 years.
Since then, there has been an explosion of roofing materials. But which one is for you?
Let’s get right to it and walk through some roofing basics with roofing materials.
Common Roof Types and Materials
Asphalt shingles: These are by far the most common, available, and versatile roofing material in the world right now. It has some of the lowest costs and is usually long-lasting. However, each shingle has the chance of failing, increasing the likelihood of problems like leaks.
Typically, asphalt shingles last about 20 years and come in innumerable colors and even patterns. Even though these roofs have a shorter life, their economic front-end costs make paying for re-roofing affordable. Further, these roofs are many times cheaper than other alternatives.
Asphalt shingle roofs are our specialty. Ask us your questions and see what we can do for you.
Build-up or rolled materials roofs: The principle behind these roof types are similar. A tar-like petroleum derivative of some kind is applied with another material to make a cheap but versatile roofing material. Build-up roofs use several layers of heated roofing material-imbued fabric. On top of that, hot tar-like substance goes into finely crushed aggregate to finish the product. Rolled materials have it all in one large layer of material that is either melted or nailed onto a roof.
Uncommon Roof Types
Wood tiles: Natural materials are a beautiful way to make a house stand out. They help tie in a connected-to-nature aesthetic for your home. But natural materials are prone to rot if not installed or maintained correctly.
Also, since they are a rarer material, fewer roofers invest in this service. As such, on average, these roofs cost about seven-times as much as an asphalt shingle roof without seven times the life span. These last about 20 to 35 years.
Metal roofing: This is one of the more expensive and high-end materials. But it’s wickedly durable and lasts for decades with little maintenance. Some roofing materials have life-long guarantees, but the problem is the cost. They can run between four and five times that of an asphalt shingle roof.
Clay and concrete tiles: Clay and concrete tiles can endure the elements for up to 100 years in certain environments, but they are heavy and not a good option for all roof structures. They can be cost-prohibitive too, a sold seven times more than asphalt shingles.
Let Us Help You Figure It out
Now that you know about common roof types, do you know what kind of roof you need? Whether you know or are still unsure, you need a pro to walk you through the process of getting a new roof. Contact us today to get that journey started.