Replacing the roof of your home is one of the best investments you can make to increase its value and boost the selling potential. Even if you’re not looking to sell your home, a new roof will bring you a lot of peace, especially in the middle of a storm. There won’t be the worry of a leak creeping in and causing expensive damage around your house.
But getting a new roof certainly isn’t a decision to come too lightly. There are so many types of roof materials to choose from, it can be overwhelming to try to decide and make sure the decision is one you’ll be happy with for close to a decade, if not more.
You’ll need to consider the budget, longevity, local weather, and overall look. In order to best help you decide the best fit for your house, we’ve created the ultimate guide to roofing materials!
Asphalt Shingles
The most common type of roofing material is asphalt shingles. If you’ve ever driven through a neighborhood, you’ve definitely seen them.
These shingles are a composite of asphalt, fiberglass, and ceramic which makes them extremely durable with the ability to hold up to any weather condition. Asphalt roofs can last up to twenty years and require very little maintenance even in harsh conditions. They also come in a wide variety of colors to match any house and style.
Metal Options
When you’re looking for a more modern option, metal roofs are going to be one of the top contenders. They provide a clean, sleek look that matches so well with a contemporary exterior.
Homeowners can choose between copper, aluminum, steel, or a mixture to find the right coloring and look to fit their style.
The interesting thing about metal roofs is they can be laid in a variety of ways beyond the traditional shingle layout. You can have one large piece or more of a tile look. Metal roofs lend themselves to more customization than some other materials.
Wood Shaker
On the complete other side of the spectrum, wood shaker shingles give a much more traditional feel to any house. Wood tones add the perfect homey, rustic touch to any cozy space.
The key to making a wood roof work is taking the time to do preventative maintenance and touch-ups as needed. Simple protective coatings will keep the wood in pristine condition and help you avoid needing to replace it quicker than you’d like.
Concrete Tile
A less common and truly unique option for buying a roof is to add concrete tile shingles. This is one of the most durable options on the market, with very little wear and tear happening over several years. That’s true even with very little maintenance.
Concrete tiles won’t be the right fit for the look of every house but they can be a show-stopper with the right design elements!
Flat Membrane
For more commercial spaces, flat membrane roofs are a popular option. These materials work best on a flat or very low-pitch roof, which is why they’re mainly reserved for larger warehouse-style buildings.
A membrane roof is made up of several layers of alternating materials (there are several combinations to choose from) and creates a solid barrier for your building. They don’t add or take away from the design and are purely a functional element of the property.
Slate Tile
Slate tile roofing has been around for hundreds of years, mainly because of how durable and long-lasting the materials are. You’ll see this type of roofing on historical buildings all over the world because it’s withstood the test of time.
This option only comes in a few natural colors like gray, green, or sometimes black so they won’t be the right fit for every house. But if those colors work, it’s a great way to add personality to an often forgotten part of a home.
Rubber Shingles
Many homeowners like the look of a unique roof but don’t want to pay the cost for the materials. That’s why rubber shingles are such a great option.
They’re made up of a composite of rubber and plastic, which are often recycled. This composite is extremely hardy and can withstand even the fiercest storms, extending the lifespan of your roof. It’s environmentally friendly and cost-effective but still a great-looking option for any home and style.
Clay Tile
Possibly the most unique roofing style is the clay tile roofs so often associated with a Spanish-style home. These tiles are created in a barrel shape and are most often found in the natural reddish-brown of the clay.
These aren’t as commonly used because they require very specific accommodations, mainly because they are so heavy and can break with extreme weather. But when used with the right house make for a stunning centerpiece to the exterior of a home.
Solar Panels
Adding solar panels to your roof is becoming a more and more popular option for many homeowners. These additions can often bring in energy savings each month and, in some cases, eventually pay for themselves.
In some cases, the solar panels can be integrated right into the roofing materials for a seamless look. Though most often they are added after the fact and are very visible on top of any roof. The functionality of a solar panel is often very worth it for homeowners to sacrifice a little bit of the style of their roof.
Types of Roof Materials for Your Home
Getting a new roof can completely change the look and functionality of your home. Even though we don’t see it as often as other elements of the home, it makes a big difference in our day-to-day life.
All of the types of roof materials offer many benefits and each can look beautiful. It all comes down to what will fit your house, budget, and style the best. But just getting a new roof is a good decision regardless of which material you end up going with, especially if you leave the installation to the professionals for the best finished product.
If you’re in need of a new roof and would like to know more about the options available to you, contact us today!
