Roofing materials come in a wide variety. There are many different types of these, such as metal roofing, ceramic tile roofing, wood shakes, slate tiles, metal tiles, and clay tiles. Each one of these provides a different look that many homeowners will prefer over the other. The most popular choice for homeowners is probably metal roofs. However, not everyone likes this choice because it can be expensive.
The metal roofs that many people like are asphalt shingles. The problem with these types of roofing materials is that they can get very dirty and grimy. Asphalt shingles are susceptible to algae growth, mold, fungus, and animal hair. If this happens on your metal roofing, then the whole thing could be ruined. The good news is that you can easily take care of this problem by using organic moss or cork tiles.
Flat roofs are another option, homeowners have. Unfortunately, they do not last as long as some of the other roofing materials. The flat roofs usually wear out after only thirty years. This is primarily because the materials do not hold up well to hail, snow, and sun.
Another problem with shingle roofs typically cost more than clay tiles or other types of flat roofs. The reason is because shingle roofs cost more because they require a liner. Clay tiles and other types of flat roofing materials do not need a liner. They are actually better in that respect because they do not absorb moisture.
Roofing materials also depend on the amount of maintenance a homeowner wants to do. Some homeowners will want to do nothing but keep their roof clean. Others will want to replace roofing materials every few years. Yet others will want to get their roofs repaired at least once every five years. Homeowners who opt to repair their roofs may end up spending more than homeowners who simply want to replace them.
One thing that many homeowners forget about when choosing materials is the climate of their home. Many people live in areas that receive little rain and therefore have problems with ice and snow buildup. These kinds of problems often show up after heavy snow fall. In these cases, metal roofs are often used. In addition, metal roofs are excellent at resisting hail.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing materials used today. These types of shingles are easy to install and are relatively inexpensive. Yet asphalt shingles are also the most flexible. They can easily be designed to fit any space, which makes them a great choice for many homes. However, they are not as strong as other materials and thus can become damaged more easily.
Rolled Roofing Material – Another very common type of roofing material is the roll roofing material. This is typically made out of cement and is fairly inexpensive. The roll is more flexible than asphalt shingles and therefore requires more precision when placing it on the roof. Unfortunately, if something were to happen to the roll, it would be much more likely to break. In order to prevent this problem, most people choose to use a different material altogether.
Tiles – There are two main types of tiles used for roofs: wood and synthetic fibers. Both of these are durable and long lasting. Wood tiles are not as flexible as shingles and therefore are not often used to replace asphalt shingles on residential roofs. They are also often seen on garages and commercial buildings.
Flat Roofing Material – Flat roofs are usually made from asphalt and gravel. These are very inexpensive but not as flexible. Flat roofs are also not often used to replace the existing roof on a home because of the possibility of water damage due to heavy foot traffic. For this reason, this is not often used to replace roofing that gets damaged in heavy storms.
If you live in an area that receives lots of rain or snow, you should definitely consider installing a flat roof instead of a traditional one. Flat roofs are also very practical and many homeowners like them. However, they are not always the most popular choice among homeowners because they are more expensive than other types of roofing systems. Flat roofs can be installed on virtually any surface, although they tend to look the best when they are installed on top of concrete. If you are considering a flat roof, it is important to talk to a roofer to learn more about this common type of roofing system.