As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to keep a roof over your family’s heads—literally! Over time, the shingles on your roof begin to warp and wear, resulting in the need to replace it. Before you call a roofing contractor for a new roof installation, it’s important to understand the different types of shingle materials.
Asphalt Composition Shingles
Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular choice of roofing materials. In fact, over 80% of homes have roofs made up of asphalt composition shingles. This material is one of the most inexpensive choices that is on the market. Available in the traditional 3-tab shingle or a thicker laminated shingle, it’s constructed of an organic paper mat, fiberglass, and asphalt. Then, it’s coated in mineral granules. While asphalt shingles are fairly wind and fire resistant, they aren’t as durable as other types of materials are.
Clay Tile
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty roofing material, clay roofing tiles are the way to go. While costly, clay tiles last a much longer than asphalt shingles. While traditionally crafted in a natural red color, they can also be designed in a variety of different ways. From a traditional Italian or Spanish look to wood shakes and slate, you can design your clay roof to match the exterior of your home no matter what your style is. They are extremely fire resistant but don’t stand up to wind very well. Because they are made of natural clay, they are extremely brittle. In the event that they are blown off of your roof, they can break very easily.
Concrete Tile
For another durable option, consider concrete tiles. Concrete roof tiles are less expensive than clay tiles but equally as resilient. Made of a combination of cement and sand, these tiles can be designed to look like wood, slate, and traditional clay. Different colors can also be added to the cement to match the exterior of your home. While they are made from natural materials, concrete tiles are extremely fire resistant. Because they are quite heavy, your roof will need to be reinforced to support the weight. If you live in a windy climate, it’s possible that these tiles could break or become damaged.
When it comes to deciding which type of roofing material is right for you, first establish what type of materials your roof can tolerate. Different types of materials are better suited for different elevations and slants. Then, evaluate your needs and budget. Different materials will cost more both to manufacture and install. However, if you need a more durable material, you may need to shell out a little bit more to get the resiliency that you’re looking for. Keep in mind the climate that you live in. Tiles won’t fare as well as asphalt shingles in windy climates.
Once you’ve decided on the right type of materials for your new roof, meet with your contractor and get to work. The sooner that you schedule your new roof installation, the less you have to worry about leaks and other complications. Keep the roof over your head safe and secure by choosing the right materials and installation for your next project.
