The best residential roofing for your home depends on your climate, architectural style, and maintenance preferences. Some popular options include asphalt shingles, metal, and tile roofing.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials for a home. They offer an excellent combination of style, durability, and cost. They are available in many shapes and colors and can be customized to match the aesthetic of your home.
Most modern shingles are made of fiberglass that is covered by a layer of asphalt and then decorative granules. They are also called composition or asphalt shingles. The basic design options include the standard three-tab strip shingle and the more textural architectural shingles.
The protective quality of asphalt shingles comes from the long-chain hydrocarbons impregnated in the paper. As the shingles age and are exposed to sunlight they gradually lose these heavy oils. This wear is most pronounced along the eaves and rooflines where water may be channeled. As the shingles loosen the granules are broken off and washed away by rain. Specialty shingles now exist that fight algae growth and provide enhanced resistance to damaging hail. Some even reflect heat from the sun, helping to keep homes cooler and lowering the cost of air conditioning.
Metal
Metal roofs can increase a home’s value and help reduce energy costs by reflecting the sun’s heat. They also come in a wide range of color options. A hot-dip galvanization process adds an extra layer of protection from rust and corrosion on steel, aluminum, zinc or copper roofing panels.
Two main types of metal roofing are available, corrugated or standing seam panels. The latter are made of preformed, interlocking panels in a vertical seam and are a great option for older roofs that need a facelift. They can be painted in a wide range of colors and are available with the look of shingles, slate, tile or shakes. They are a little more expensive than asphalt shingle roofing but are considered to be one of the most cost-effective roofing materials on the market.
Tile
When it comes to roof coverings, shingles are the first thing that most people think of, but there is also tile. Tiles can add a very unique look to a home and provide more design options compared to shingles. Tile is also much more durable and can last a lot longer than shingle roofing material. Clay, concrete and slate tiles are known to last hundreds of years if they are properly maintained.
Unlike shingles, which have a specific style and pattern and are typically installed in an S-shaped pattern that overlaps, roofing tiles come in a variety of different shapes, colors and textures to match the style of a particular house or business. Tiles are also great for absorbing heat in colder weather and keeping the house insulated.
A qualified roofing contractor is needed to install a tile roof as they require special handling and installation practices that are far different than traditional asphalt shingle roofs. Having an experienced roofing contractor can help avoid leaks and other major issues.
Wood Shakes
Wood shakes are a rustic and natural roofing option that looks great on homes with wood siding, brick, or stone. Because they’re hand-split, they have a rugged texture and more distinctive look than shingles.
Shakes are also a good choice for homes in or near wildfire-prone areas, as they help to resist rot and fire damage. However, they require more maintenance than shingle roofs and may need to be protected with coatings against fungus, algae, and mold.
