Besides setting the tone for the style of a home, a roof serves much more practical purposes. It protects our property; it keeps us dry. However, some roofs are more effective in their duties than others. From style to function, we’ll investigate the differences and advantages of the most commonly used roofing materials.
Roofing Materials Differences and Advantages
When a new home is being built, the architect usually determines the type of roof material to be used. He explains the choice to the buyer, who then signs off on the project.
Re-roofing, on the other hand, may introduce several challenges. Using a new material heavier than the one set previously can adversely affect the overall structure, requiring additional consideration and cost.
Since their weight can vary greatly, a heavier-than-allowed tile must be disregarded. This is why processing details such as these are best done initially to minimize unforeseen circumstances.
There are pros and cons associated with every tile option, but one thing is certain – a properly designed and installed roof will provide years of trouble-free protection from the elements.
Roofing materials are more or less comparable outside of some climate response issues. Given that the variety of roofing materials tends to perform the same function similarly, their design may emerge as the greater consideration.
Certain styles of homes have an inherent compatibility that goes without question. Apparently, a Spanish-style abode won‘t look right with an asphalt tile, and only the Terra Cotta tiles would be appropriate.
So stylistically, a home may have already chosen its materials. And that’s an advantage, actually, because it helps narrow the field of boundless options.
An abundance of choices can be intimidating, but by taking the time to learn, one may best identify the particular needs and their respective remedy. The most commonly used rooftop shingles are made of asphalt (or composite). It is known to be among the most affordable and is available from plenty of manufacturers in a wide variety of styles and color.
Concrete tiles are quite durable and adaptable compared to clay; they imitate the likeness of clay, slate, and shake at a lower price than one would spend on the real thing.
Actual clay roof tiles, meanwhile, are fragile and expensive. In some cases, there is no other choice; the old-world charm of certain homes is compatible only with clay tiles.
Slate roofs are considered safe because of their fire resistance. Made of metamorphic stone, the shingles are particularly dense and flame-retardant. Durable and complementary, a slate roof is an attractive asset that could last a lifetime.
Once extremely popular, sales of wood shingles and shakes have been in profound decline. Though some still appreciate the material’s prolific history and the added insulation it provides, wood shingles may soon become relics of the past.
Metal roofs are ultra-modern and compatible with today’s architectural styles. Not necessarily cost-efficient, they perform wonderfully and can even give an older home a contemporary feel.
Of course, there are alternative roof materials as well. Most are designed to be ‘Green-friendly.’ Since being environmentally aware is more relevant than ever, solar options have dramatically increased in popularity. They’ve consistently become more affordable, and eventually, they pay for themselves by minimizing reliance on utilities.
As can be seen, knowing what’s on your roof really can make a difference. Not only can it help portray romantic, modern, and rustic themes, but it can also ensure protection from the elements while benefiting—financially and otherwise—from an educated choice.
