Before seeing your roof as an investment that could last you for forty(40) to sixty(60) years, you must be sure the value of your roof is worth the investment. However, the value of your roof is largely dependent on the type of materials involved in its construction.
Although your roof should be aesthetically built as a contribution to the overall style and quality of your home, it is also important to note that materials are not randomly selected as the type of climate in the region is, most importantly, evaluated.
The materials are usually selected to ensure that it sustains the climatic changes of the home. Hence, the materials used in roof construction vary just as climatic conditions in places vary.
Nevertheless, there is quite a vast range of options available in the marketplace to pick from, here are some of the most popular ones.
- Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roof material used in the construction of residential roofs. This could be because of its economical advantage or its easy installation processes. They are usually either made from fiberglass or organic fiber paper mat. The reinforcement of this fiberglass with asphalt and mineral granules makes it excel at expanding and adjusting to the movement of the roof.
If asphalt shingle is your choice, you should opt-in for the 30-year architectural asphalt shingles (which are also cost-effective and have a longer warranty) as the 3-tab shingles would only last for 15 years.
Asphalt shingles aren't too heavy and have a fair amount of resistance to fire and wind.
It is more suitable for houses with steep-sloped roofs.
- Wood Shingles
Wood shingles would be your best bet if you are looking for a natural aesthetic look for your home. They are usually made from cedar, redwood, or southern pine which explains why it is considered very eco-friendly, unlike the asphalt shingles.
Unless a weather barrier and sheeting layer is used to counter climatic conditions, wood shingles are susceptible to rots, mold, and fire.
Depending on the type of wood used, the cost may range from being cheap to moderate while the weight may be moderate or heavy. However, they require periodic maintenance if they are to last long.
They are resistant to the wind but would be resistant to fire except if treated with a fire retardant.
- Clay Tiles
If elegance is on your list to make your house aesthetically valued, then clay tiles may be the best option for you. Although slightly expensive, it has now become a popular choice for homeowners when considering material for their roof construction. Besides, they are generally very durable since they are resistant to rain, mold, and decay; they also have strong fireproof qualities.
Clay tiles are made from fired-up natural clay which makes them eco-friendly while also contributing to their state of durability.
Clay tiles are suitable for houses with sloping roofs and should only be installed by professionals.
- Metal Roofs
Metal tiles can either be in the form of panels or shingles. Due to technological advancements, they are now available in attractive styles and quality alloys of zinc, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Metal roofs are more expensive but the cost would be worth it since they can be recycled. Besides its rustic curb appeal, its resistant ability to fire and rain alongside the ease in its installation makes it an excellent choice for roof materials.
- Concrete Tiles
Although made from a mixture of sand and cement, concrete tiles are engineered to imitate the appearance of clay and slate tiles. When installed properly, they are very durable and require a low level of maintenance but if the reverse is the case, their fragility makes it easy for them to be broken into pieces.
They are very resistant to fire but not as resistant to wind. Be sure to explore as you would enjoy the wide array of styles and colors they are available.
- Slate Tiles
Slate tiles are gotten from natural rocks and then shaped into thin rectangular slabs. They are very durable and can last for up to 100 years howbeit, very expensive.
The texture ranges from rough to smooth while the color can be black, gray, red, purple, green, and more.
They are also resistant to fire and wind.
The time, money, and effort invested in the construction of a roof is a driving factor to ensure that everything is done correctly the first time; from the selection of the right materials to the actual construction. You can't afford to go wrong since it is a particularly important aspect of any construction.