Many consider slate roofing to be the crown jewel of their exterior home remodeling project.
For some, a roof is nothing more than a structure of function, useful only for keeping the rain out and the warmth in. However, others view their home’s roof as vital part of its overall substance and style. If you’re planning an exterior home remodeling project and roof replacement is part of the project, you need to know the pros and cons of each type of roofing style.
What Types of Roofing Are Available?
Many types of roofing are available to homeowners including slate, composition asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, concrete or clay tiling, and certain varieties of metal including, steel, aluminum, copper and tin. Each ranges in quality and price.
Who Needs New Roofing?
Obviously, any home with a damaged or sagging roof will require replacement or repair. However, some homeowners seek to upgrade their home’s status and style by replacing their old roofing material with something new.
What Are The Benefits Of Each Type Of Roofing Material?
Asphalt Shingles
By far the most commonly used type of roofing, asphalt singles offer a variety of colors and styles at a relatively low price. This type of roofing material is ideal for those who want a fresh, modern-looking roof, but don’t have a lot of money available to invest. Asphalt singles are generally suitable for most any style of roof. Composite asphalt is fire resistant and relatively easy to restore, making light damage repair a little less daunting.
Wooden Shingles
Wooden shingles or shakes represent a logical choice for those who want to create a bungalow, cottage or ranch look for their home. The natural wood blends in great with natural surroundings and damaged shakes are quite easy to pluck out and replace. Raw wooden shingles can be installed and left to weather into an attractive antique gray color or they can be stained in a variety of tints and tones. Wooden shingles also help insulate a home in cold weather and their high durability allows them to last as long as half a century.
Clay Tile Roofs
Clay tile roofing is a step above your basic roofing material. Available in an assortment of styles including, Italian, French Eclectic, Mediterranean, Mission, Prairie, Spanish Eclectic and Beaux Arts, clay tiles are fireproof, easy to maintain and extremely durable.
Slate Roofs
Many consider slate roofing to be the crown jewel of their exterior home remodeling project. The incredible, distinct look of slate roofing can set a home apart from others in the neighborhood. Slate roofing is available in a variety of styles including, Colonial, Beaux Arts, French, Exotic Revivals, Italianate and Chateauesque. Its long life, low maintenance and fire resistance make it a top-notch choice for homeowners who can afford it.
What Are The Negatives Of Each Type Of Roofing Material?
Asphalt Shingles
Just like most things in life, when it comes to roofing, you generally get what you pay for. Although, asphalt singles are inexpensive when compared to other types of roofing, they don’t last as long. Composite asphalt rooftops often require replacement every couple of decades. Their malleable surface also leaves them susceptible to scarring especially during warm summer months. Asphalt shingles are also environmentally unfriendly. So if you prefer a green home, they probably aren’t the choice for you.
A roof is the covering on the uppermost part of a building. A roof protects the building and its contents from the effects of weather. Structures that require roofs range from a letter box to a cathedral or stadium, dwellings being the most numerous. In most countries a roof protects primarily against rain. Depending upon the nature of the building, the roof may also protect against heat, against sunlight, against cold and against wind. Other types of structure, for example, a garden conservatory, might use roofing that protects against cold, wind and rain but admits light. A verandah may be roofed with material that protects against sunlight but admits the other elements.
Evangeline Parker – August 22, 2009 , 6:25 AM
Good article. Another element to consider, which is burgeoning even for residential roofing, is cool roofing because of the energy savings involved. Mainly consumers are becoming interested due to how much money they can save long-term. See http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/11…
Keith Jajko – August 27, 2009 , 8:44 PM