Have you ever wonder how many different types of roofing material are there? Knowing the type of roofing material you have in your home is very important especially when it comes down to choosing and maintaining your roof.
To get familiar with the types of roofing materials there is, here’s a list of the most common roofing material along with their Pros and Cons.
Asphalt Composition Shingles
Asphalt shingles are also known as and composition shingles (or composite shingles). These are general terms for the same thing. The term “composition” is used because the shingles are a composite product made from either a fiberglass or cellulose mat, asphalt, and mineral granules. This differs from wood shake shingles or clay tiles which are made from a single material.
Pros |
Relatively light, inexpensive, and easy to install Class A fire rating for fiberglass-backed asphalt shingles Premium grades have a longer life span than budget “3-tab” asphalt shingles Plenty of product choices for various styles, color selections and budgets Premium shingles have a longer warranty than basic shingles Some U.S. states have asphalt shingle recycling programs |
Cons |
Asphalt shingles degrade over time due to exposure to sun and the environment |
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are thin, tapered pieces of wood primarily used to cover roofs and walls of buildings to protect them from the weather. Historically shingles were split from straight grained, knot free bolts of wood. Today shingles are mostly made by being cut which distinguishes them from shakes which are made by being split out of a bolt.
Pros |
Visually appealing roof style Resistant to severe storms Energy Efficiency Durability
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Cons |
Cost Regular Maintenance Required
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Metal Roofing Shingles / Sheeting
Metal roofing is available in several materials including steel, aluminum and copper. It also comes in several forms: sheeting (which includes the predominant type known as “standing seam” roofing) and tiles. If you don’t like the smooth look you can buy stone coated steel roofing which has the texture of asphalt roofing.
Standing seam metal roofs are made from panels with a small vertical flange at the joint where the panels meet similar to what’s shown in the photo above. Metal roof tiles are installed in a similar fashion to other roofing tiles and shingles. Metal makes for a durable roof but requires careful consideration from a style perspective, particularly the standing seam variety. You’ll need to consider how it will look relative to your home’s design and the architectural style of the homes in your neighborhood.
Pros |
Enough variety to find a color and style that complements any home Products available that imitate other materials for a non-mental appearance
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Cons |
Strikes an “agricultural” tone and can look “out of place” in suburban areas Needs good corrosion protection (both steel and aluminum) Steel (unprotected) will rust and even painted steel is not a good choice in corrosive environments such as coastal locations Denting is a risk with falling tree limbs, large hail and similar debris |
Clay or Concrete Roofing Tile
Tile roofs not made from metal or a composite material are typically clay-based or made from concrete. Tile roofs are another durable and long-lasting roof but they are heavy and your underlying roof structure needs to be designed to take the load. Clay or concrete tiles are available in a variety of styles. Some products are even made to mimic other types of roofing like wood shake. In those cases, you get the textured wood-look with a durable and fireproof roof covering. Tile roofs can be expensive however with clay-based tiles usually costing more than concrete tiles.
Pros |
Durable, long lasting and relatively maintenance-free Fireproof Offers a range of architectural styles Can be used to mimic other types of shingles like wood or slate Good energy efficiency possible with tiles that have higher reflectance (reflecting the sun’s energy) Good insulating value due to the air gap between the tiles and the roof decking More color options are available |
Cons |
Fragile when walking on, tiles can break rather easily Underlayment material won’t last as long, and so that underlayment needs to be replaced even while the roofing tiles will be fine One of the more expensive roofing materials
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Slate Roofing
Slate is real stone and is one of the most durable and long-lasting types of roofing material you can choose. Slate roofs can be beautiful and there are several shades of slate you can choose from. A slate roof is also heavy however and your roof framing needs to be engineered to support this style of roofing. Along with the beauty and durability however comes a fairly high price tag — slate is one of the most expensive roofs you can choose.
Pros |
Aesthetically PleasingLong lasting – 20 to 30 years before needing to be replaced Fireproof Low Maintenance Increase Home Value |
Cons |
Requires professional installation with contractors that have experience with this type of roofing Underlying roof structure may need reinforcement / must be built to withstand the heavier weight of slate which adds to the home’s framing costs One of the most expensive types of roofs available |