World Construction Symposium

4 Different Roofing Materials - Which Is Best For Your Home?

19 October 2015 by Wallace Simmons

Choosing a roofing material isn't an easy decision. There is a huge variety of options available to consumers, and unless you've otherwise budgeted for it, the choice you make is the one you're stuck with for decades to come. So take a look below at four of the most popular roofing materials on the market today to help you decide which is best for your home.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are perhaps the single most popular roofing material for residential properties. Its popularity is no mystery either: it is inexpensive, extremely easy to repair and is available in a variety of colors and types to suit virtually any residence. Though many homeowners will spring for asphalt shingles without so much as a second thought, there are some downsides to consider; for example, asphalt shingles don't last nearly as long as other materials such as wood and tile.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are more expensive than asphalt ones, but you get what you pay for; wood shingles can last several decades if treated properly. It's also very easy to repair and, unlike asphalt shingles, offers a bit of insulation as well. Homeowners with historic homes usually opt for wood shingles, as do those in more rural areas that prefer their roofing material to blend in to the surrounding area. 

Metal 

Metal roofing isn't as popular as wood and asphalt shingles in residential areas, but it's just as versatile and lasts even longer. Whether you choose to install roofing made of copper, tin or steel, you can rest assured that your roof will be extremely durable in all types of weather, and yet require virtually no maintenance. Perhaps best of all, metal roofing can be installed over existing wood or asphalt shingles. That said, it can be expensive and usually needs to be installed by professional roofers.

Tile

Tile is usually seen on homes designed in a Mediterranean style, and many contemporary homes besides. Like metal roofing, it is extremely durable and requires almost no maintenance, and unlike wood shingles, it is fireproof. It is also available in a vast array of colors and styles that are sure to suit any home. However, tile roofs can be quite expensive, and necessary repairs are far trickier than those done with basic shingle roofs. Trying to fix one tile may result in the accidental damaging of several others, as tiles tend to be more fragile than shingles.

For more information, talk to a roofer.

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