Did you know that, depending on what material you choose, a house’s roof can be expected to last anywhere between twenty and fifty years? There’s a reason your home’s roof is so important: it’s the first point of contact for all outdoor elements. Between the weather and natural falling debris, your roof should be built to withstand its surroundings as well as keep your home safe and looking good.
There exists a wide variety of roofing materials you can choose from, though not all of them are created equal. This brief guide will break down some of the best roofing materials to select for your home.
1. Asphalt
A roof made of asphalt shingles ranks among the most common types of roofs that exist on the market. Asphalt shingles are on the cheaper side, easy to install, and resistant enough to last in the short term.
One drawback is that asphalt roofs might require more maintenance in the long run. Shingles may warp, wear, or detach over time, all of which can be signs you need a new roof. See here for options in repairing or replacing a roof.
2. Clay
What immediately sets roofs with clay shingles apart from the pack is their texture and stylishness. If your home has a southwestern or warm-weather aesthetic, layered clay roofs bring a warmer and artsier look akin to nice pottery.
Nonetheless, clay shingles can be quite heavy, making them a bit expensive and cumbersome to install. However, the benefits you may gain in additional insulation may make this drawback pay off.
3. Metal: The Best Roofing Materials For the Long-Term
When it comes to sheer resistance alone, metal roofs arguably offer the best in home roofing materials.
Metal roofs are smooth, lightweight, weather-resistant, and strong. They can come in a variety of materials from aluminum to copper to stainless steel.
The only unfortunate downside is that they can be a bit on the pricier side, costing anywhere between 75 and 350 dollars per square foot. However, the long lifespan of metal roofs might make this prove a worthy investment.
4. Wood
Wood is yet another durable and reliable material that makes for a good choice in any roof installation. Wooden shingles can be hand-cut to come in many different shapes and shades of shingles. They can also offer a more earthy, cottage-adjacent look to your home.
One roadblock you may encounter before you choose a wooden roof is that your neighborhood may prohibit them. Because they are more vulnerable to fire damage, be sure you live in an area where a wooden roof doesn’t pose a vulnerability for your home.
Stay Ahead of the Home Improvement Curve
Knowing the best roofing materials to choose from is only one of many ways to keep your home in tiptop shape.
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