How To Compare The Best Residential Roofing Materials

Roofing may not be among the most fun and exciting home remodeling projects on your list. However, when your roof begins to spring leaks, your attitude may take a sharp turn. There are many types of residential roofing materials to choose from when getting a new roof. You need to have the right knowledge to choose the best material based on aesthetics, longevity, structural issues, and price. Here are the common types of roofing materials to consider for your Central Ohio home.

More than 75 percent of single-family houses in the US are roofed with asphalt shingles. They are affordable and come in a variety of attractive colors. They also do a great job of protecting homes from nature’s elements. Whether organic or fiberglass, this versatile roofing material offers good fire protection and lasts for up to 30 years.

Standard architectural shingles offer wind resistance of 110 MPH while 3-tab shingles offer up to 60-70 MPH wind uplift. The only notable downside of asphalt shingles is they don’t offer as long a lifespan as other roofing materials.

Wood delivers natural beauty to any roof. Redwood, cedar, cypress, and pressure-treated pine shakes or shingles adorn roofs with a special style. While wood shingles are machine-cut and come with cleaner edges and smooth surfaces, wood shakes are hand-cut from large blocks of wood, giving a more rustic appearance. Wood shakes and shingles offer a myriad of advantages, including:

On the other side of the coin, non-treated wood materials have a Class C fire rating, making them susceptible to fires. Wood roofing also requires high maintenance to keep it in top-notch condition. You’ll need to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold or algae.

Metal roofs are known to last as long as 100 years. Due to durability and eco-friendliness, they have continued to gain popularity across the country. You can also find metal roofs in a variety of styles and colors to match the architectural design of your home. Moreover, metal roofing materials can be manufactured to mimic tiles, shakes, or shingles. The most popular metals used are steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper.

Metal roofs also reflect solar radiant heat, keeping your home cooler and energy-efficient in hot climates as compared to asphalt shingles. They shed rain and snow better than other roofing materials, which helps to prevent ice dams in cold seasons. However, metal roofs, especially copper, are more expensive than asphalt shingles, but this is often offset by the durability. Without a proper substrate or adequate attic space, metal roofs can be noisier than other roofing materials when it rains; your roofer can go over options to eliminate the extra noise.

This ancient roofing system has been thoroughly modernized with stronger, great looking materials. Today’s tile products can be clay, concrete, or fiberglass. The finished tile can be glazed and coated to make it waterproof (although the glaze does wear off). Many homeowners choose tile roofs due to aesthetics and durability (offering a lifespan of 50+ years). Tile also resists fire and insects. Light-colored tile products reflect sunlight, reducing heating and cooling requirements.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to tile roofs. First, tile is heavier than many roofing materials and often requires extra framing support. The overall initial cost of tile is also higher than other materials. Tiles may break if walked on, so only certified, trained roofers should work on your roof.

Some homes have centuries-old slate roofs. Both genuine and synthetic slate look great and come in a variety of options to suit various architectures. Overall, slate roofs offer a luxurious look and lifetime durability. Slate also requires minimal maintenance and can be reused or recycled, making it a green roofing solution. The only downside is genuine slate is heavy, weighing about 1,500 lbs per 100 square feet, and requires extra framing support. Slate requires extra care when handling and walking across the roof.

Ultimately, the best roofing material for your home depends on the style of your home, climate, and budget. To know what’s best for your Central Ohio home, talk to Allstate Exteriors & Restoration. We have several years of experience working with different types of roofing systems and we can help you choose the best option for your home. Contact us today to learn more about roofing materials for residential homes.