The roof of your house is crucial for several reasons. It gives you protection from extreme weather, insulates the home, increases curb appeal, and so much more. Hence, roofing should be a part of your yearly maintenance list. But you can get rid of this annual maintenance requirement by selecting the suitable roofing material for your house.
Each roofing material has a different set of durability based on the location of your house and exposure. For instance, if you live in an area exposed to frequent extreme weather conditions, a stone-coated roof is the right choice. Here’s a list of different roofing materials and the most suitable houses for them.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are available in different forms: shakes, shingles, standing seam, etc. They are trendy in extreme weather conditions due to their ability to withstand beatings. Moreover, metal roofs are completely fireproof. Hence, if you stay in an area prone to wildfires or hailstorms, metal roofs are the right choice.
Metal roofs come in aluminum, copper, and a few other materials, each with different color textures and styles. Hence, you get plenty of options to find something that blends with the color and style of your house. They usually look great on bungalows or cottage-style homes.
The biggest benefit of metal roofs is their durability, as they can last for around half a century. But they cost around $4 to $10 per square foot. Although metal roofs are not very costly, they are not a cost-effective option if that’s what you are looking for. Also, they are corrosive, so if your house is exposed to frequent precipitation, metals aren’t a good option. However, you can overcome this challenge with coatings.
You can use paints to coat metal roofs and prevent corrosion. You can also use metal primers for better results before applying the paint. Using this combination will reduce the chances of corrosion and enhance your metal roofs’ look.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is the traditional and most widely used roof material in the USA. Its popularity is primarily because of its cost-effective and easy-to-install nature. Asphalt shingles have endless color and style options. Hence, if you are looking for a cost-effective option that can enhance the vibrant color scheme for your house, these are the perfect choice for you.
The cons of installing asphalt shingles are that they have a shorter lifespan than other materials. Additionally, they don’t provide any insulation benefits. The quality of asphalt shingles can vary vastly. You need to pay $60 to $120 per square for installing asphalt shingles, which can last for 15 to 20 years.
Slates
If you are looking for only the elegance factor, slates are probably the best choice for your house. These are thin and beautiful-looking stone slates preferred by homeowners who want the best look for their roofs. You can get slates in several neutral shades.
Slates are waterproof and fireproof. Hence, if you live in a location with these issues, slate roofs can be beneficial. However, they are bad for places with heavy hailstorms since slates are breakable.
Slate roofs are also great if you want durability, as they can last over 75 years. So, if you are in an area where hailstorms are not an issue, but wildfire and precipitation are, slates are the best options. They go well with colonial houses and cost from $8 to $15 per square foot, making them an expensive option.
Wood Shingles or Shakes
Wooden roofs are very energy efficient as they can quickly insulate the in-house temperature. It has been a go-to option for many homeowners for several years. Also, different patterns and styles of precisely shaped wood can provide elegance to your house. Hence, if you are looking for a natural product giving a rustic look to your home, wooden roofs are a great option.
The problem with wooden roofs is that some states and locations do not allow them due to the risks of catching fire. Also, wooden ceilings are highly damageable, adding to the maintenance hassle and costs. Hence, you can select wooden roofs only if ready for annual maintenance. If you have purchased a house for investment and do not visit the property often, wooden ceilings won’t be suitable.
Wooden roofs can go well with bungalows, cottages, and craftsman-styled homes. With a lifespan of around 25 to 30 years, wooden tops are cost-effective and cost only about $1 to $2 per square foot.
Conclusion
Those were some best roofing materials you can choose from. However, you also have other solar tiles, green roofs, clay, concrete, etc. The best one for you ultimately depends on the climate, maintenance, and budget. You can select a material that fits well in all these criteria and enhance the look of your house. If you are confused about something, ask questions to your contractor for better understanding before you make a choice.