What Is The Best Roofing Material For My Home?

If you are considering a new roof for your home, you want to make sure you are getting the right material and product for your needs. Since there are so many materials available today through Napa roofing contractors, you will want to know the advantages and shortcoming of each before making a choice.

When you are looking for a roofing system, you want to consider a few different factors:

● What is the lifespan?
● How does it hold up to natural elements?
● Will it work with the existing framing?
● Does it have enough slope?
● Will it be consistent with the style of the house?
● Is it allowed by local codes?
● What is the cost?

Asphalt and fiberglass shingles — A shingle roofing system is made from either organic or fiberglass shingles which are coated in granules. Fiberglass shingles are very tough, less prone to breaking in high winds, and fire resistant. They are available in a wide variety of colors and styles and are moderate in weight. They are inexpensive to moderate in price and the most used roofing system on homes today. They have a lifespan of 15 to 30 years depending on the type of shingle.

Metal — metal roofing systems can be made of a variety of materials sush as steel;, aluminum, copper, or a zinc alloy. A steel roof will come with a coating or painted finish. A copper roof will be unfinished and allowed to acquire its own protective green patina. Metal roofing systems can come in both sheets and shingles. Their durability is mostly dependent on the material they are made of. Metal roofs are fairly lightweight. Although more expensive than asphalt shingles, metal is longer lasting with a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, and very wind and fire resistant.

Concrete tiles — these tiles are made from a mixture of cement and sand and can resemble other materials such as clay tiles, slate, or even wood shakes. They are long lasting and very low maintenance, but are also subject to breaking. As they are somewhat heavier, they may require a reinforced framing for support. They have excellent wind and fire resistance and are moderately priced. A concrete tile roof has over a 50 year lifespan.

Clay tile — these tiles are made from natural clay which can have a more traditional Mediterranean look. They are long lasting and low maintenance but are subject to breakage. Since they are heavier, they may require a reinforced framing. They are extremely fire resistant but have a lower wind resistance. A clay tile roof can be more expensive and has over a 50 year lifespan

Slate — as one of the oldest roofing materials available, it is made from natural slate rock. Slate is heavy so most often needs a reinforced structure. Although slate can be expensive, it is extremely durable and wind and fire resistant. A slate roof has over a 75 year lifespan.

Wood Shingles Or Shakes — these are made from woods that are rot resistant, most commonly from cedar. They offer a natural look and are moderate in weight. They have a shorter lifespan of 15 to 25 years and offer good wind resistance. There are now Class-A fire resistant wood shingles and shakes available.

When you are researching a new roof, call your local Napa roofing contractors at Modern Method Roofing for more information about roofing materials