When it comes to roofing, there are a variety of materials that you can choose from. Which one should you pick for your home? Well, the answer to that question is dependent on many factors, including budget and location. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the pros and cons of different types of roofing material so that you know which type may be best for your needs!
1. Clay tiles
Clay tiles are a popular type of roofing material, and they have been used for centuries. They provide good insulation properties, which makes them perfect for colder climates. Another benefit to this type is that they come in many colours with an array of different shapes and sizes to choose from, so you can find the one that best suits your needs!
Pros: Inexpensive, durable roofs; provides excellent insulation, making it great for cold weather areas.
Cons: The installation may be difficult due to irregularly shaped panels; clay tiles need more maintenance than asphalt shingles or metal roofs (e.g., chalking every few years).
2. Aluminium roofing
Aluminum roofing is a great option for homeowners who want the look of slate without paying the high price. They do not rust and are very durable with an affordable installation cost. One downside to aluminium roofs is that they can be noisy in heavy winds or storms when installed improperly.
Pros: Low-cost, lasts longer than other types of roofs, does not rust as steel would.
Cons: May make noise if installing improperly, which could disturb residents below during windy weather conditions such as hurricanes and tornadoes, cannot install on steep slopes due to some limitations from manufacturers.
3. Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing material in North America. The cost is relatively low, and they provide a very tough, durable layer on your home. However, a major disadvantage to this type is that scraping ice off an asphalt roof can be difficult because it does not have good insulating properties.
Pros: Inexpensive, durable roofing material that withstands harsh climates and inclement weather.
Cons: Does not insulate well from the cold, making it difficult to remove ice accumulation on roofs in colder temperatures.
4. Steel roofing
Steel roofing is very durable and lasts a long time. It also has the added benefit of being fire-resistant which can be great for those who live in wildfire-prone areas or near major highways with frequent truck traffic. However, a disadvantage to these types of roofs is that they are cumbersome, which makes installation more difficult and expensive as it requires additional structural supports.
Pros: High durability, fire-resistant material
Cons: Expensive to install due to need for added supporting structures and difficulty handling weight loads during installations making them less desirable when considering cost savings over other materials like fibre cement shingle tiles.
5. Concrete tile roof
Concrete tile provides a great durable roofing material. It is not as common of an option in North America because it does make installation more difficult, and the cost may be higher than other types of roofs. However, concrete tiles come with high insulation properties that provide good protection from cold climates and inclement weather conditions like ice accumulation.
Pros: Inexpensive when compared to slate or metal roofs, highly insulated for coping with colder temperatures, long-lasting product due to its durability
Cons: Very labour-intensive during the installation process, which makes this type expensive when compared to asphalt shingle options.
6. Metal roofing
Metal roofing is one of the best for protecting your home from extreme weather conditions. The durability and efficiency of metal roofs are unmatched, but there are some disadvantages to them as well. One major drawback would be that they tend to rust over time, leading to leaks in the future (although this rate does slow down considerably). Another potential issue with metal roofing is that it may not provide adequate protection against fire due to how quickly it heats up on contact or if embers land on top of it.
Pros: Great at resisting corrosion, good insulation properties all year round, easy installation process without any need for tarring shingles
Cons: Will not protect against fires as efficiently because of its high heat
7. Skylight Roofing
Skylight roofing is a type of material that has a translucent surface. A major pro to this type, other than the fact that it can lighten up your home and offer great natural lighting options, is that you don’t have to use as many lights inside because they’ll be able to get all the illumination they need from outside sources. Something else worth noting is how easy these are to install!
They’re also relatively inexpensive too which makes them an excellent choice for those on budgets who want or need more natural sunlight into their homes. The downside, though? These types of roofs do not handle inclement weather well, so if you live in areas with lots of rain and snow, then this may not be right for you!
Pros: It can lighten up your home, easy to install and inexpensive.
Cons: Not suitable for inclement weather like rain or snow.
8. Slate roofing
Slate is a type of natural stone that has been used for centuries as a roofing material. The cost can be higher than other types, but it will last much longer and provide high insulation properties from the elements.
Pros: Slate provides excellent insulation against cold temperatures, lasts a long time without needing to be replaced, looks very aesthetically pleasing on homes with this type of roofing.
Cons: Expensive compared to other materials, which limits its availability to only more affluent households or businesses, difficult installation process compared to asphalt shingle roofs.
9. Wood shake
Wood shake is made up of wood shingles that are thin and flat. They have a natural look, but they do not last as long as other roofing materials. The cost to install them is fairly low–usually around RM60 per square foot. Wood shakes also need to be replaced every 30-40 years or so because the nails will eventually give out from all of the weight on top of it after 40 years!
Pros: More affordable than other types of material; it can come in different colours and textures, giving your home a unique look.
Cons: Doesn’t last very long unless you plan on replacing it regularly; needs constant maintenance for rotting boards (you’ll want someone who knows what they’re doing); has longevity issues with nails
10. Polycarbonate Roofing
Polycarbonate roofing is a versatile type of material. It’s excellent for use in commercial buildings, as it can withstand high temperatures and heavy loads (up to 100 pounds per square foot). Polycarbonate roofs are also fire resistant, especially when working with high-risk businesses like warehouses or factories. The only major downside with this material is that solar reflectance rates are lower than other metal materials. So you may have to spend more on insulation if your home has a polycarbonate roofing system.
Pros: Corrosion resistance, fire-resistant properties allow for maximum protection from the hazards of industrial settings
Cons: Lower solar reflectivity means higher costs when heating your property due to lower solar reflectance rates.
Key Takeaways
Now you know about all the different types of roofing materials available and what each one has to offer in terms of durability, cost, and more! These 10 options will help you make a better-informed decision when choosing your next roof. If you need any help from the professional roofer, check out the post below:
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