Roofs on houses are made from different materials. They can be asphalt shingles, wood, shake, tile, slate or metal. These different materials offer different benefits and styles. For most homeowners, choosing a new roof is done based on the type of material that the current roof is made up of.
If your roof is made of asphalt shingle, for instance, you would likely replace it with another roof of the same material. It can make the process easier and more affordable. What is the difference between all of these materials?
Asphalt shingles are made from a combination of materials. They are the most popular type of roof used on houses because they are affordable and they last for over a decade. In addition to this, they are relatively easy to repair and maintain.
Today, there are also composite shingles available. They are made much the same way asphalt products are but they contain other materials like recycled items.
Wood or shake roofs are made with cedar. These are more expensive than asphalt but they also tend to last for more than 30 years. They are not recommended for areas where fires are common because of the fact that they can ignite even if they are treated.
Tile is a material that is common in places like the southwestern US. Tile roofs are much more expensive than either wood or asphalt. They can break or crack and are expensive to fix but they are fireproof.
Finally, slate roofs are made with slate rock. They are about the longest lasting product available for a home roof. Some of them can last over 100 years. This makes them expensive to repair or replace, but for the money spent on them they do last a long time and they are also fireproof.
Metal is another material found on roofs. Today’s metal roofing products can come in a variety of colors and are made in a way that can make them appear to be a lot like slate or shingled roofs. There are some metal roofs for outdoor buildings and garages which look like one would think metal would look on a roof but for home use, many of today’s metal roofs look attractive and stylish. They are highly durable and are economical.
Roofs for homes are available in a wide array of materials. Choosing a new one or a replacement is largely a matter of taste, practicality, and budget.