3 of the Best Roofing Materials – Learn the Facts About Residential Roofing Materials

Common residential roofing materials are asphalt shingles, tile made of several different materials, and varieties of metal. Each group has choices of material, color, and style, and each kind of roofing will vary in cost, length of service, and the amount of regular maintenance required. This article will give you some information on the three best all around residential roofing materials.
Residential Asphalt Roofing Material
Asphalt is used to make both paper and fiberglass shingles weatherproof and durable. Asphalt shingles are coated with ceramic granules to make them more resistant to the effects of sunlight and in some cases to retard the growth of algae on the roof. These granules also make a choice of color possible. With an asphalt roof, proper installation and sealing is very important; if there are any leaks in the nail holes or the flashing, the roof will not last as long as it should.
Tile Roofing Material
Another popular roofing type is tile, and the material may be clay, concrete, or slate. These roofs are very classy, are often found on older homes, and are used on upscale new construction. The styles include traditional red Spanish tiles, slightly more rugged and often multicolored Mission tiles, elegant French and European tiling, and slate tiles which resemble shingles but are usually more irregular in shape.
Tile is another familiar type of roof, especially in dry, southwestern areas of the United States and the Mediterranean area of Europe. Many fine European city houses have elegant tile roofs, as well. Clay is used for the traditional red Spanish tiles and the rougher and often Box Profile Sheet Dimensions multi-colored Mission style tiles. Concrete tiles are also very traditional, as is slate. Many historic restorations and upscale new homes have tile for the elegant look it gives to a building. Tile is good for hot areas, since it does not disintegrate under UV rays.
Metal Roofing Material
The next category is metal roofing, which costs about the same as cedar shakes or tile, but has almost no maintenance costs over its very long life span. Thirty to fifty year warranties are given on many types of metal roofs. The traditional ridged or ribbed Sustainable Flat Roof Materials metal roofs are still fashionable, but today a metal roof can look like any other popular material. The facsimiles of shingles, shakes, tiles, or slates come in every imaginable color and have factory-baked paint that will never need to be replaced.
Metal roofs are very durable, especially when made with the new, factory-painted materials used in even the most elegant houses. Copper, of course, is still used by those who want a non-corroding roof and do not have to worry about the cost. But other metals are now finished to last for fifty years and more, without ever needing to be repainted.
When assessing common roofing materials, think of both the short and long term investment picture, as well as the effect of the finished roof on the beauty of your home. I’m sure you have more questions about green roofing, roll roofing and how to select a contractor. Check out the links below for additional helpful free resources.