Relatively light, inexpensive and easy to install, asphalt shingles are the best choice for most homes. They come in sheets that are layered on a roof to give the illusion of more expensive individual tiles, such as cedar and slate, which are installed one tile at a time. Asphalt shingles, the most common residential roofing material used in the United States, are popular because they are inexpensive and easy to install. These shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose) without changing the appearance of the tile.
For more than 30 years, the Bill Ragan Roofing team has been helping homeowners find the right roofing material for their roof replacement. Now we want to do the same for you. There are many roofing materials to choose from for your new roof. However, there are 5 that we see homeowners across the country leaning toward, especially in the Nashville area.
An asphalt shingle roof is the most common type of roofing material seen in homes today. The reason for its popularity is because it is the most affordable type of roof on the market. The types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab, dimensional and luxurious. While the 3 tabs dominated the market, dimensional shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today.
While there are two types of metal roofing, a vertical seam metal roof is recommended for residential roofing. A metal roof system with vertical seam is a series of metal panels that are locked together at the seams or sewn mechanically. This allows the metal panels to expand and contract freely when the metal is heated. While not as common as asphalt, metal roofing with vertical seam is becoming increasingly popular in the roofing industry.
However, it will be two to three times more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof. The best thing about a metal roof is that it is a versatile material. While you can get it as a complete roof system, homeowners also add a vertical seam metal roof accent to their asphalt roof replacement for a covered porch, dormers, flat roof facets, and more. A cedar wrought roof is a premium roof system made from natural wood (cedar) materials and is one of the most aesthetically pleasing roofing materials on the market.
To make real shingles, cedar trees are cut into 2-foot sections and cut by hand or sawn to a conical thickness (sawn conically). Before investing in a beaten cedar roof, ask your roofing contractor how the climate in your area affects beaten cedar shingles. However, some composite shingles, such as DaVinci shingles, are made from an engineered polymer rather than recycled materials. Composite shingles are unique because they're designed to look the same as a beaten cedar roof or slate roof.
The last roofing material on this list is a slate roof. A slate roof is a premium roof system made primarily of natural slate shingles and other slate roofing materials. The slate itself is mined (mainly in Italy) and cut into square tiles. The slate shingles themselves must be installed one at a time, unlike other roofing materials that come in 3-foot wide strips or metal panels.
This makes replacing your old roof with a new slate roof a very time consuming and expensive process. Your house also needs to be built, framed or refurbished to support the weight of slate tiles because they are so heavy. A slate roof is one of the most beautiful and durable roof systems on the market, but it's also one of the (if not the most) expensive. However, if you can afford the higher price, it will be the last roof you put on your house.
Now you know the 5 main types of roofing materials. But how do you decide which one is right for you? That boils down to asking yourself the 3 questions that will help you find the type of roofing material that is right for you. You may not think about this until you meet with your local roofing contractor, but you should think about what you want your roof to look like. The 5 types of roofing materials offer something different to give your roof the exact look you want.
While three-dimensional and three-dimensional asphalt shingle roofs are the most common across the country, they don't give you an appearance that stands out in your neighborhood. If the look of your roof isn't important, I would recommend choosing any of these asphalt tile roofs. However, if you really want your roof to stand out, you should consider a luxury asphalt tile roof, a vertically stitched metal roof, a synthetic roof, a beaten cedar roof, or a slate roof. The 5 main types of roofing materials look good.
You just have to decide what you want your new roof to look like. If you're looking for the most affordable option or are on a tight budget, an asphalt shingle roof might be right for you. But if budget isn't a major deciding factor, you have more flexibility to choose metal or one of the premium roof systems. All 3 types of asphalt shingles have a lifespan of around 25 to 30 years, depending on which one you choose.
The lifespan of a cedar clapped roof is also about 30 years, but you could reach up to 50 years if you invest in quality materials and live in an area with the right conditions. If you're looking for a little more durability, a composite tile roof (40-50 years) and a vertically stitched metal roof (50 years) are the way to go. But if you're looking for the most durable roofs on the market, a slate roof is the way to go with a lifespan of 75 to 100 years. Now you know the 3 questions to ask yourself when deciding which of the different types of roofing materials is right for you.
But after reading this, are you still struggling to find the right type of roofing material for replacement? Since 1990, the Bill Ragan Roofing team has helped Nashville residents find the perfect roof for them. We provide a rare experience in the roofing industry that is based on education, customer service and high-quality workmanship. Get privileged access to our best tools and financial content At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we respect strict editorial integrity, this publication may contain references to products from our partners.
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Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial team is objective, fact-based and not influenced by our advertisers. When it comes to the roof of their house, all homeowners want the same things. They want their new roof to withstand the elements, last longer, offer the best value for money, and looking good wouldn't hurt either.
But while the goals are the same, there are many different roofing materials available, from traditional slate to new solar technology. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and depending on the size, style and location of your home, one option may be better than the others. This is a guide to the most common roofing materials and what you should consider, whether you're installing a new roof or replacing an old one. Because of their affordability, ease of installation, and effectiveness, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the U.S.
UU. They are lightweight, can be cut to fit any type of roof and require no special tools for installation. In general, asphalt tends to perform better in temperate climates and can crack in extreme temperatures. Because it's lightweight, asphalt is also more likely to be damaged and cause winds.
As a result, asphalt shingles don't last as long as other roofing materials. Clay is one of the oldest roofing materials, you can even find shingles in buildings that are thousands of years old. Clay tiles are weather resistant and require little maintenance, providing excellent insulation to regulate the temperature inside the house. But all of these advantages make clay shingles much more expensive than asphalt, and because they're heavy, certain homes may need additional frames to support the weight of a clay tile roof.
Another roof with a long lifespan is metal. Whether made of steel, aluminum or copper, metal roofs are durable, energy efficient, environmentally friendly and elegant enough to increase the home's external appeal. They're tough enough to withstand heavy rain, snow and winds, won't crack in extreme heat, and can even be installed over an existing roof. But metal roofs are not without drawbacks, since they are noisy, can dent when hit and are also several times more expensive than asphalt.
One of the most aesthetically pleasing ceilings is slate. Because of its clean lines and classic look, slate has been a popular roof option among homeowners and architects over the centuries. If you live in extreme climates plagued by strong winds, storms and hail, slate is a strong, durable roof that withstands the elements and lasts 100 years or more. It is also a natural material and therefore environmentally friendly.
The drawbacks? Slate is more expensive to manufacture and install. The slate also forms a heavy roof, with a single square weighing 800 pounds or more (100 square feet), and will place a significant burden on the structure of the house. Roofs are priced per square foot, and numbers are often quoted per square of roof. Other factors that should be included in the total cost are labor charges, the style and size of the house, location, permits and licenses, accessibility to the roof, and structural issues.
In addition to cost and lifespan, what other considerations should you consider when deciding on the best roof for your home? If the material is heavy, such as concrete or slate, the roof may require a special frame to support the weight. That can be a complicated matter if you want to replace an old roof made of lighter material with a heavier one. Aesthetics are also important, and if you want the roof to complement the rest of the house, it must be available in different colors. But you must also decide how important authenticity is to you, whether you have a historic house or one of a certain style.
And finally, there are current or future expenses. Some roofs, such as metal roofs, require specialized labor to repair them. However, often the types that require the most upfront outlay are the ones that last the longest and have the lowest maintenance costs. Solar tile roofs are a newer roofing option that draws attention.
Solar panels can also help save money on your electricity bill by absorbing solar energy that can be converted into energy. Solar panels take a long time to install and are also incredibly expensive. Nor are they an ideal choice for homes in shaded areas. In addition, they are somewhat fragile compared to other options.
Asphalt shingles are one of the classic roofing materials seen in most modern homes. They are an affordable and easy to install option that is also easy to repair and replace as needed. You can even choose from a basic asphalt shingle to a higher-end one, such as a 3-tab or architectural tile. However, because of the way they're designed, asphalt shingles aren't the most durable option.
They can last up to 30 years, depending on what they're exposed to, such as wind and sun. But unfortunately, once the granules on asphalt roofs disappear, the entire roof needs to be replaced. Metal roofing comes in many different shapes, such as metal beams and shingles, metal roofing with vertical stitching, and stone-coated steel. All are popular options because of their ability to withstand shocks, keep moisture away, and provide superior UV protection.
However, the costs may vary for metal roofing, depending on the style you choose. In addition, while metal roofs can withstand the impact of hail and things like water and fire, the damage will eventually start to show and can make your home look bad. Whether it's shingles or shingles, there's no denying the popularity of slate as one of the natural types of roofing materials for homes. It's beautiful, incredibly durable and can last a long time.
Unfortunately, slate is heavy, which means that not all homes are strong enough to support the weight. They're also expensive and slate roofs require a specialist to install them, which can be difficult to find. Repairs may also be more difficult for slate tiles and shingles. Clay shingles are another natural roofing option, made from earthy clay and molded and fired for added durability.
It's an excellent choice for homes in warm climates, making them popular in southern coastal and desert regions. They also absorb less moisture, meaning they require less maintenance. However, a major disadvantage of clay tiles is that they are expensive. While clay tiles are lighter than concrete tiles, they can add a lot of weight to the structure of the house, which can cause problems.
Although they offer a certain level of durability, clay tiles are incredibly fragile and can break when it comes to working on them. Concrete is a durable option that can imitate different types of roofing materials, such as asphalt, slate, and even wood shingles. Clay is also cheaper than other options such as clay and can last more than 50 years. One of the types of roofing materials you may not hear much about is the rolled roof.
It's popular for low-slope roofs, is faster to install than traditional shingles, and is the most economical roofing option on the market. However, with rolled ceilings, there really aren't any color options to talk about; most are black, although you can find some tan, gray, and green color options. It is also not very durable and has a lifespan of about ten years. Rolled ceilings are also not the ideal option when appearances are an issue, since they are not very attractive.
Unlike other types of roofing materials, synthetic roofs are easily accessible and come in a wide range of beautiful styles, including slate and beaten cedar. What makes synthetic ceilings the best option is that they require virtually no maintenance and are a durable option. Naturally, you should choose an option that provides the greatest possible protection without sacrificing the appearance of your home. You also don't want to spend a fortune on a roof, especially in cases where the roofing material requires a lot of maintenance and repairs.
Carefully consider each of these roofing materials before making a decision. One of the best are synthetic roofs, such as those from CeDur Roofing Shakes. Therefore, ensure that installers are familiar with the IB home warranty process and consult with IB Roof representatives to ensure that the steps required for home warranty coverage have been met. Next, you'll learn a little about the types of roofing materials before moving on to determining which one is right for you.
Tesla's solar tile roofs always seem to be “rising”, but in reality they're never made available to consumers. Arguably, the roof is also what can increase the value of your home the most, so a quality and well-maintained roof is essential. For flat and low-slope roofs, you have many great options, such as the IB Roof solar reflective PVC membrane. However, it's likely to become a discovered mistake when the roof collapses or doesn't protect your home from the elements.
The installer will use special plates and screws to mechanically fix the PVC membrane onto the insulating plates to properly secure the PVC membrane of the roof and the insulation to the roof cover. Finally, there is also a rubber shingle product, Vermont Slate Solid Core by EuroShield Roofing, which comes with replacement warranty coverage for hail impact damage, regardless of the size of the hailstones. A metal roof should last two to three times longer than asphalt, and you'll see an additional benefit of energy savings by reducing cooling costs. The best option is to request quotes from several licensed and insured roofing contractors who specialize in the type of roof you want.
For houses with flat or sloped roofs, one of the most common types of roofing materials are membrane roofs. . .
