Modern roofing materials are all good at protecting your house and even adding to its beauty and value, but the best roofing for you depends largely on the climate you live in, your aesthetic preferences and your budget. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of some common roofing materials.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular kind of roofing material. They’re attractive and easy for a professional roofer to install, and they’re easy to replace if one or two go missing. Finally, for someone who needs to watch their wallet, they’re inexpensive when compared to other types of roofing materials.
The cons of asphalt shingles are that they don’t last as long as some other roofing materials, even though the least expensive three-tab asphalt shingle usually lasts about 20 years. They’re also easier for a strong wind wind to blow away, and they’re more subject to cracking. Roofers also prefer to install asphalt shingles when the weather is warmer as cold weather can crack them.
Metal Roofs
Many homeowners believed metal roofs were ugly and made their homes look like industrial barns. However, new metal roofs can be as attractive as any other.
Metal roofs can be made of copper, galvanized steel, blends of zinc and aluminum or terne, an alloy of steel and tin. One great advantage of metal roofs is that they last much longer than asphalt roofs. A metal roof can last close to a century if it’s been properly installed and maintained. They’re also weather and fire-resistant and can withstand hurricane-force winds. Metal roofs are also energy efficient and sustainable.
Some drawbacks of a metal roof are that they can dent and ding. They need to be installed by a specially trained roofer, and some people find them noisy during rainstorms. There are even Home Owners Associations that forbid metal roofs in their community, so check with your HOA before you consider a metal roof. Metal roofs are also more expensive to install than asphalt roofs.
Wood Shingle and Shake Roofs
Many people consider wood roofs to be especially beautiful. They are usually made of cedar and can come as shingles or shakes, which have an old-fashioned look as if they were split by hand. Cedar shingles last about as long as asphalt shingles, though shakes can last as long as 50 years. Wood also insulates your home against winter’s cold and summer’s heat and is wind resistant.
The cons of a wood roof are, of course, they’re subject to fire unless they’re treated. They’re also subject to water damage. This in turn makes them vulnerable to pests, mold and mildew.
Call Our Roof Professionals
If you’re in the market for a new roof, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced and skilled professional roofers. For reliable roof replacement services that not only looks good but has been installed the right way, contact Joe’s Roofing in Reno, Nevada.
