Are you trying to learn about the best roofing material for homes? If yes, you should check out our guide by clicking right here.
Are you wondering what is the best roofing material? Well, that really depends on where you live, what type of home you live in, your budget, and any particular features you’re looking for in a roof.
Still, if you’re trying to choose the best roof for your specific needs, we can help with that. Below is a complete list of the pros and cons of all the different roofing materials. We explain which materials are cheaper, which are more durable, and the best climates/common problems for each material.
To learn which roofing material is best for your house, read on.
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General Guidelines for Choosing the Best Roofing Material
Before we get to the pros and cons, there are a few things you need to consider first when choosing roofing materials for your home. Most importantly, you need to be sure the roofing material meets local building/fire codes.
Aside from that, ask yourself:
- Is the material weather appropriate for your area?
- Does it also look nice on your house/in your neighborhood?
- Does it require any special maintenance?
Also, which is more important to you, short-term cost or long-term cost? Some materials may be cheaper to install right now, but will require repair/replacement more often. This ends up costing you more in the long-run.
Metal Roofing
Metal Roofing is extremely durable, long-lasting, and resistant to harsh weather elements. In fact, according to industry sources, metal roofs are even ideal for areas that are prone to natural disasters!
For these reasons, it can also be quite expensive. Bottom line: if you’re planning on staying in your house for a long time, metal roofing is a great, low-maintenance option that will last.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing material. That makes them the best short-term option.
Besides this, it functions just fine in pretty much every climate and is light enough not to need special framing. Be aware, though, that asphalt shingles need replacing more often than other roofing, especially in high-wind areas.
If getting a functional roof fast and cheap is the most important factor to you, go with asphalt shingles.
Wood Shingles/Shakes
The main reason to choose wood shingles or shakes is that you love how it looks so much that no other roof will do. Besides this, wood roofing is highly recyclable and may last years longer than asphalt.
Just know that these roofs are expensive and can be high-maintenance. You must use treated wood (which costs extra) and hire a very trustworthy contractor (also expensive) if you want your wood roof to last.
Even then, mold and stains can be a problem, especially in wet climates. Any needed repairs will be very costly, too.
Clay or Concrete Tiles
Tile roofing can give your stateside the gorgeous look of a rustic, Italian villa. It’s heavy, though, and will require a trustworthy contractor and, most likely, specially reinforced framing.
Fortunately, heavy in this case also means heavy duty. It stands as firm against the weather as a brick wall. Fiber-cement composite tiles are also a comparable choice.
Slate Tiles
Slate is an even more heavy-duty tile roofing option. And by “heavy-duty,” we mean that a slate roof can literally last for centuries. Besides that, the main differences between slate and other tile roofing options are aesthetics and pricing.
If you want an extremely dependable roof, you love the look of slate, and you’re willing to spend whatever it takes, choose slate tile roofing.
What Is the Best Roofing Material?
When you need a new roof, remember what you learned today in this guide. Use these guidelines to choose the best roofing material for your home.
Now, check out our Home and Garden blog for even more great tips.
