We don’t often think about the roof that covers our homes until something goes wrong. That’s why you might be surprised at the wide variety of different roofing materials available to homeowners today. Whether you’re looking to repair or completely replace your house’s roof, it’s always good to know a little bit more about the surface over your head.
Here are some of the the most common roofing materials and their defining characteristics:
– Asphalt roofing: Asphalt shingles are the norm for most houses across America — in fact, more than 75% of homes across the country have asphalt roofs. In addition to being the most affordable of the roofing materials, it’s also suitable to virtually every architectural style and structure. The average lifespan of asphalt shingles varies between 15 and 30 years, depending on how well they are cared for. Roofing repairs with the right roofing supplies and roofing tools can often be performed by oneself, as well.
– Wood shingles and shakes: These roofing materials come in a variety of different woods, including pine, redwood and cedar, the latter being the most expensive. While wood shingles and shakes last longer than asphalt shingles, they are more costly, less adaptable to different architectural styles and more prone to fire and rot.
– Clay tiles: Clay tiles are most commonly seen on Mediterranean, Italian-styled homes. They give a distinct and beautiful appearance to any house and have the advantage of being both long-lasting (upwards of 50 years) and eco-friendly. However, the benefits of clay roofing materials have their cost — on average, you can expect to pay $300 to $600 per square foot for clay tiles.
– Metal roofs: Steel, aluminum and copper are all used as metal roofing materials, which are becoming a popular choice for newly-built homes. Metal roofing materials are fantastic at keeping out the heat during summer months. Metal roofs can last more than 50 years, are highly energy-efficient and can withstand severe weather conditions. Read this for more.
