Planning Perfect Roofs With Proper Roofing Materials

Perfect Roofing Solutions

Roofing is expensive, so it is important to choose the right material. There are several considerations to take into account when it comes to roofing, such as durability, price and aesthetics. Most homes in the U.S. are roofed with asphalt shingles, but metal, tile, wood and other materials are also used in some cases.

Durability

The various options in roofing materials are more or less durable, depending on the exposure they will receive. The best roofing material for a cold, icy region might not be the best option for a warm, wet area. Certain types of roofing materials are prone to holding moisture, for example, while others are brittle and might crack under wind or hail.

Aesthetics

The architecture of a home can be an important consideration when choosing a roof. Homes made in the modern style make a statement with a bold metal roof, while those modeled on Italian villas look perfect with clay tiles for roofing. Replacing a roof isn’t just about utility, it is also about choosing the right look to fit in with the rest of the structure.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are durable and can handle most weather. They are a bit more expensive than asphalt shingles, but not significantly so. Metal roofs can be installed as sheets, which may or may not be patterned, or as tiles, which resemble the shingles made from other materials.

Metal is extremely wind-resistant and fire-resistant. It is lightweight, which means that it can generally be installed on any house. It is a moderately long-lasting material, being more durable than asphalt shingles but less so than tile.

Some people think that a metal roof would be unappealing, but this definitely does not have to be the case. Metal roofs come in a variety of colors and styles and can be quite aesthetically pleasing. Some metal roofs make a bold statement, while others quietly mimic more traditional roofing materials but retain all the benefits of metal.

Tile Roofs

Both clay and concrete tiles can be used as roofing materials. Clay tiles are a traditional part of Italian or Spanish-style architecture, but can also be fashioned to resemble other materials. Clay tiles are brittle and heavy, as well as expensive. They are extremely fire resistant, but only moderately wind resistant, thanks to their brittle nature.

Concrete tiles are cheaper than clay tiles, and are made to resemble either these, slate, or wood shingles. Other than being cheaper, they share many of the same pros and cons with clay tiles. They are heavy, extremely fire-resistant but poorly able to stand up to wind and storms.

Tiles are only considered suitable for moderately- to steeply-sloped roofs. They are extremely attractive, but they cannot be installed on just any home. The weight of tile means that the home must be capable of supporting this type of roof in order to have tile installed.

Other Options

Aside from asphalt shingles, polymer and wood shingles are also available. Wood shingles and shakes– the latter being made of hand-split wood rather than sawed– are extremely attractive but not very durable. Polymer shingles are lightweight, attractive and have good fire and wind resistance.

Slate is one of the most durable roofing materials and many old homes in some areas of the country are still roofed in the original slate. However, it is extremely expensive and very heavy. Several faux-slate options exist for these reasons, including polymer and concrete tiles.

Guest Blog By:

John Anthony Drafting and Design – John Anthony
17237 N. 29th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85053
Office: 602-686-0386
Website: http://jadrafting.com