Compare roofing materials

Posted by AxelPrice on October 17th, 2013

There are many roofing systems out there. Some use shingles or shakes, others use thatch, some are made from slate, others from ceramic tiles, some from asphalt, others from metal, and so on. The list of commercially available roofing material is very long and it depends on the preferences and budget of those who plan to construct or repair a roof.

Before selecting a certain roofing system, you have to pay attention to the design of your house. As an example, you cannot use asphalt shingles in combination with a modern house that begs for metal or fiberglass shingles, just as you cannot use thatching to cover a mountain house. Also, take into account the shingles’ longevity when you compare roofing materials.

The most common types of shingles are wood shakes, asphalt, metal, slate and fiberglass. The traditional way of covering a house is by using wood shakes; this type of roofing can last up to 20 years. Although it is a pretty modern material, fiberglass is not that resistant as part of a roof, providing the same longevity as wood.

Asphalt shingles can withstand the test of time for about 20 years as well. Metal shingles, on the other hand, are far much better, having a longevity of up to 70 years. Better than shingles are ceramic tiles that provide a life expectancy of around 100 years. However, the best roofing material in terms of longevity is slate that can be used for up to 200 years.

When you compare roofing materials, it is important to consider their costs as well, not only their longevity. Hearing that metal shingles can last for 70 years, or that slate can endure 200 years is definitely an advantage for these roofing systems, but you may not want to benefit from such roofing materials.

If your house is already 30 years old, mounting a highly modern and fairly expensive roof is not a wise decision. If, however, you plan to build a new house, slate roofing could be an option. Still, you cannot be sure that your children and then grandchildren would not sell the house, along with its expensive roof.

So it all comes down to the question if this is worth it. If you have money to spend and want to invest in the safety of your family, purchase slate shingles. If you are on a tight budget, yet safety is very important to you, consider metal shingles. If you do not want to spend that much on your roofing, asphalt shingles, fiberglass shingles or wood shakes are the best option.

Wood shakes are recommended to those who look for a rustic look. Although they are cheap when you buy them, wood shakes come with a high maintenance cost. This happens with asphalt shingles and fiberglass shingles as well. The only ones that do not require maintenance are metal and slate shingles. The problem with these roofing materials is that they are expensive and installing them requires only the best specialists.

Searching for reliable roofing systems? Compare roofing materials, set a budget for constructing or reconstructing your roof, and choose your roofers. We are proud to say that we manufacture and install many reliable roof systems, while taking care that the system you have chosen to match the design of your house, improve its overall appearance and increase its value. For more information on our products and services, please visit our website.