It’s important to keep in mind that not every roofing solution will suit your needs; something you should consider the next time you decide to get a new roof due to damage or just renovations.
There are several different types of roofs available in the market nowadays, made of a variety of materials, each serving a purpose of its own. And of course, each type of roof has its own pros and cons. The type of roof that may be best for your home depends on a number of factors, such as, the climate you live in, how old your home is, the type of home you have, and of course, your budget.
Asphalt Shingles
One of the most common types of roofs used for homes all over the country, a composition roof is a simple assembly constructed by overlapping squares of asphalt shingles. Being versatile and able to withstand harsh conditions, this type of roof can be used on almost any type of home from a contemporary residence with simple requirements, to a well-preserved architectural marvel.
A composition roof is easy to install and maintain, and is widely available in an extensive array of colors, making it one of the best options if you’re on a strict budget. Additionally, since a composition roof is constructed with asphalt, which itself is fire-resistant, it provides your home with an added layer of protection.
Even with all the benefits that a composition roof offers, there are certain downsides to it. The materials used to construct composition roofs are not permanent and do not have a lifespan that could rival other options available in the market today. While being quite popular across the US, homes in the Northeast in particular, homeowners need to get their composition roofs repaired regularly and shingles replaced every 15 to 20 years. This is because asphalt shingles can be easily damaged by heat, dew, moisture, and moss.
Wood Shingles
As the demand for more durable and aesthetically pleasing home renovation materials has increased in recent times, the use of wood shingles as an alternative to asphalt shingles has also risen. Even though wood shingles have been used for quite some time now, they were taken over by their asphalt counterparts due to their high installation and maintenance costs.
Roofs with wood shingles are usually seen on historic buildings, bungalows, ranches, and cottages near the beach or desert areas, due to their ability to withstand harsh natural elements. Another reason why wood shingles are preferable is because with time, the wood turns into a soft gray color, giving the building a distinct look of class of sophistication.
Metal Shingles
Since getting a new roof is quite time consuming and costly, a large majority of people choose to have metal shingles installed over an existing roof that serves no purpose on its own. While they are quite unattractive, they are the most durable of roofing materials, lasting about 50 years. For most homeowners, metal shingles are the perfect investment of both time and money.
However, before making your final choice, make sure you take into consideration all the factors, including your budget and the value of your home. Analyzing the best option for your home today and how it will affect its value in the future will help you make the right choice.
