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Roof Types
William Lee
There are many different types of roofing materials. Costs and aesthetics are usually the driving forces behind choosing a roofing design. A new roof needs to blend in with the design of the home. For example, a Cape Code style house would look a bit odd with a copper roof. Let us take a look at some of the most frequently used roof types.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are easily the number one roofing material used. There are comparatively inexpensive, readily available and usually last around fifteen years. They come in a variety of colors that will compliment almost any home. They are the easiest to install and can sometimes be placed over top of an existing roof. They require little maintenance, but can be blown or torn in high winds.
Metal
Many homeowners love the sound of rain on a metal roof. However, others do not like the appearance of the roof. Today’s metal is a lot different than the old tin roofs of yesteryear. Standing-seam roofing creates stylish, trendy looks popular with historical homes. Metal can be made to resemble clay tiles, wood shakes and shingles. Metal blocks heat and reduces energy consumption. They are essentially maintenance free.
Wood
Wood has a refined yet rustic look. Each shingle is cut differently. The variations in thickness and width give a shaker roof its unique look. Wood shingles can help insulate the attic area. There are also small holes that allow air to circulate and the house to breathe. On the downside, these roofs require a lot of maintenance as the shakes frequently come loose. Other issues can be insects, rot and mold growth.
Clay
This is the definitive roof for a southwestern or Italian look. Some modern homes will also take well to the clay tile. The tiles last a long time, usually 50 years. The tile will not be bothered by insects, molds, heat or other common problems. The biggest issue is the weight of the roof. The substructure has to be super heavy duty to hold the weight of the tiles. In addition, the tiles are easily damaged if stepped on when doing routine housing repairs or during storms.
These are just a few of the roof types on the market today. Consult a roofing specialist for ideas and information on which materials to choose. They will have the latest information on which roof types hold up best in which climates.
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