April 25, 2013 Roofing Installation Find a Trusted Contractor to Help

Popular Roofing Options

Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out why something becomes so popular. This conundrum applies to fashion (parachute pants), dances (Harlem Shake), Internet memes (double rainbow!), and TV programs (Jersey Shore). However, when it comes to roofing materials, determining the most popular options is actually pretty easy. Usually, the materials which perform and/or look the best over long periods of time become the choices of most homeowners. Here some of the roofing options that are the most popular today. For those of you who want to be different, each entry will have a similar option which will help you stand out from the crowd.

Material: Asphalt shingles.

Why it’s popular: Asphalt offers the most durability for the least amount of money. It provides a clean look without necessitating a great deal of maintenance. Plus, asphalt can be installed over an existing layer of shingles (which makes it a favorite among do-it-yourselfers). Today’s asphalt products are made with quite a bit of recycled material. You could also try…: Corrugated asphalt shingles for extra toughness or asphalt products that are rated for high winds or heavy rainfall.

Material: Metal roofing.

Why it’s popular: This isn’t the same metal roof that you’ve seen on your grandfather’s tool shed. According to contractors like mckinney roofing, manufacturers have come up with metal roofing products that are also aesthetically pleasing. The main advantage of metal is that it stands up to humidity and thunderstorms without cracking, rotting, or rusting, while also reflecting heat, adding to home insulation. You could also try…: Composite shingles, which are sturdy and won’t fade in extreme sun.

Material: Clay tiles.

Why it’s popular: They do an excellent job of keeping out severe heat, which is why homeowners in warmer climates love them. They can also provide insulation from the cold because layers of clay naturally creates cushions of air to permit more circulation. Clay tiles last a long time, resist fire, and cannot be harmed or destroyed by bugs or insects. You could also try…: Cool roofs, which are tiles made of white glue and white gravel that reflect heat even better than clay tiles.

Material: Wood shakes.

Why it’s popular: Homeowners of days gone by appreciated the classic, refined look that wood shakes provide. Their insulative qualities help keep Old Man Winter from invading living spaces, and the material itself is completely recyclable. Today, homeowners prefer the natural look of wood that is available in numerous styles and colors. You could also try…: Clay tiles (see above). NEXT STEP: Find a contractor to install or replace wood shakes to your roof today.

Material: Slate tiles.

Why it’s popular: You want sturdy? Slate tiles are so durable that they often comes with 100-year warranties, making them popular in snowy climes. They also provide a natural-yet-sophisticated look while remaining fireproof and hail-resistant. Homeowners don’t mind the added weight of slate tiles if they don’t have to worry about replacing them for decades. You should definitely consult a licensed, reptuable contractor to make sure that your house can support the heavy material. You could also try…: Synthetic slate, which has many of the positive qualities of regular slate without necessitating additional roof reinforcement.

Material: Concrete roofing.

Why it’s popular: It’s long been a preferred choice for commercial buildings because of its easy installation, resistance to insects, low maintenance, and lengthy lifespan. With modern concrete products being made to resemble other roofing styles like wood shakes and clay tiles, concrete is making a comeback in the residential market. Like slate tiles, concrete roofing can get quite heavy, and structures designed to support clay or wood roofs may not be able support a concrete roof. Call a contractor for an assessment. You could also try…: Slate tiles (see above). End