8 Common Roofing Materials for Your Home

By Kris | December 13, 2021

Does your roof have curled or missing shingles? If so, it’s time you update your roof. Updating your roof will save you costly repairs in the future and shade your loved ones from harsh weather conditions.

Besides, replacing your roof enhances your home’s curb appeal. Whether updating your roof or installing a new one, you have to choose the right roofing material. Not any roofing material out there will suit your home.

The type of roofing material you choose will depend on your house’s architectural design, budget, and location. Besides, the material you choose will determine the maintenance cost and how often you have to replace the roof.

To get it right when choosing a roofing material, you have to understand the various types available out there, their pros and cons.

So, the big question is, do you know the types of roofing materials that will offer the best value for your money?

Here are the 8 common types of roofing materials for your home that you need to know about.

1. Asphalt Shingles

These are the most common roofing materials used in most homesteads in the United States. They are preferred for their easy installation process and economical maintenance.

You can use fiberglass material to reinforce them without altering their appearance.
They are also available in various colors and are easy to find in your local retails.

Whether the architectural design of your house is a traditional suburban or a modern style, this kind of material suits both. However, Asphalt shingles have a shorter life span and don’t offer the type of insulation other materials offer.

The quality of the material also varies with your budget. But this does not mean this material is not suitable for you. If you want a less expensive and easy-to-install residential roofing material go for asphalt shingles.

2. Clay and Concrete Tiles Is One of the Roofing Materials

If you want a material that will add elegance to your roof, this material is what you need. The clay and concrete tiles are heavy and extremely durable, with 40 to 50 years of life span.

If your house style is Mediterranean, Southwestern, or Spanish, this roofing material is the best. Besides being long-lasting, the material is also non-combustible and energy-efficient.

However, professionals must install the material to serve its purpose. The material might also need extra framing to hold it in place. It’s also quite expensive compared to asphalt shingles.

But if you want an energy-efficient material that will improve your home’s curb appeal, clay and concrete tiles is the right one for you.

3. Metal Roofing

This type of roofing material is preferred for its high resistance to extreme weather conditions. Metal roofing is available in two types- panels and shingles. These two types also come in copper, steel, zinc, or aluminum form.

If you want a sleek and lightweight roofing material, metal roofing is the best. Besides, the material is recyclable and can last 40 to 75 years.

If you are building a cabin, bungalow, or cottage homes style, this material is what you need.

4. Slate

The life span of this roofing material is about 50 to 100 years. It comes in different shades from black, green, grey, red, to purple. The different shades are meant to add a distinctive, elegant appearance to your roof.

The material is also fire and mold-growth resistant. However, it’s expensive, heavy, and easily breaks when stepped on. Thus, if you live in areas that experience hail, this might not be the suitable material.

But if you want a durable material that will offer lots of beauty, slate roofing is what you need.

5. Wooden Shake or Shingles

This roofing material can last for about 25 to 30 years if properly maintained. The material is mainly treated to make it fire and decay-resistant. Wood shakes are rougher than shingles since they are handmade while machines cut the latter.

If you are searching for a residential roofing material made of natural products that will offer a rustic look, the wood shake or shingle is what you need. Wood shingles are made from natural products such as cedar and southern pine, which are durable.

However, the preparation of wooden shakes and shingles is labor-intensive, making them expensive. Besides, these materials can mold or rot if you live in wet areas.

But if your dream is to build a cottage, Craftsman, and Tudor- style home, the wooden shakes or shingles are the best home roofing options.

6. Synthetic Slate Shingles

This material can be a convincing stand-in for the natural slate. Synthetic slate is made from engineered polymers combined with recycled rubber or plastic.

From a distance, it’s hard to distinguish this material from the natural slate. If your house cannot support the weight of the natural slate, this type of material is the best alternative. It’s lightweight and can last up to 50 years.

Although the material does not last like the natural slate, it’s what you need to enhance your home’s curb appeal.

7. Green Roofs

If you are searching for eco-friendly roofing material, the green roof is what you need. The growth of moss on your roof normally is usually a concern. But if properly planned, the growth of moss and other plants can be a source of effective roofing material.

A green roof offers thermal insulation, absorbs water, and improves air quality. The estimated lifespan of this material is about 35 years.

But before setting the green roof, you have to install a waterproof membrane layer and provide adequate drainage.

8. Built-up Roofing

This roofing comprises layers of asphalt or tar topped with an aggregate. It’s only suitable for houses with flat roofs.

This roofing material can last for about 20 to 25 years. If you want an impenetrable roof, built-up roofing is the best option.

But if you are not sure which roofing material is the best fit for your budget and location, contact a roof replacement company near you.

You Now Know the Common Types of Roofing Materials

Choosing roofing materials that fits your architectural design and budget is not easy. But with the right tips and knowledge, choosing a material that will offer the best value for your money becomes easy.

Are you looking for roof replacement services in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas? At Fortress Roofing, we got you covered.

We offer our customers roof repair, replacement, and inspection services in Utah and surrounding areas. Our trained and experienced technicians are ready to respond to your needs.

Posted in Roofing