Choosing Between Different Roofing Materials

Construction & Contractors Blog

While proper installation, preparation and roof framing are important, choosing the roofing material is the most important part. It communicates your home's feel and look. You can also use it to add value to your home. When selecting your roofing materials, it's prudent to consider the cons and pros of each type. You need to settle for materials that last through precipitation as well as exposure to U.V rays.

Here's a detailed look at the most commonly used roofing materials you can settle for:

Rubber Roofs

Rubber roofs are made from old tires. Ground up rubber from tires is usually melted and formed to resemble many other shingle designs.

Advantages

• Rubber roofs are highly durable and low maintenance. They're also available in an array of colors and styles.

Disadvantages

• Installing rubber roofs is expensive; however, they guarantee long-term net savings.
• Rubber's natural flexibility makes them susceptible to damage in extreme winds; however, it's no more so than the conventional shingles.
• For a while, they smell like tires, but the smell goes away after several weeks.

Composite Roofing Material

This roofing material is normally made from recycled asphalt and fiberglass shingles. Nonetheless, recycled material content from manufacturers remains low.

Pros

• Composite roofing material is highly resistant to inclement weather conditions, rot and insects, and it boasts a long lifespan with very little or no maintenance needed.

Cons

• The main drawback of this roofing material has to do with the fact that it takes time to install, and it is not highly recyclable.

Metal Roofs

While the rendering and extraction of metal roofing boasts high-embodied energy, it'll perhaps last you a lifetime. By the end of its usage, it is 100% recyclable. The only maintenance that's recommended would be maybe in 25 years when there might be need to replace screws. With time, rubber gaskets break down because of UV exposure.

Based on your location of entrances and pitch, it is necessary to install snow guards for safety's sake. The last thing you want is for snow to come down on you.

Pros

• Metal roofing is long lasting and also offers high solar reflectance.

Cons

• Depending on roof insulation and style, it can be somewhat noisy whenever it rains (some people love the features while others detest it).
• Metal roofing is relatively expensive compared to the rest.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular. In some states, purchasing coated asphalt shingles might earn you a rebate. Compared to architectural or laminated asphalt shingles, three-tab asphalt shingles are thinner as well as slightly expensive.

Pros

• Asphalt shingles are pocket friendly.

Cons

• Asphalt shingles deteriorate rapidly with UV rays.
• They emit solvents into the air whenever they're exposed to sunlight.
• Since they're dark in color, they contribute to the 'heat island effect' of high temperatures especially in urban areas.

From asphalt shingles and wood shake to metal and composite roofing material, there's no doubt that roofing material is an essential consideration when building or renovating your house. It contributes to both the overall style and look of your home.

5 December 2016