The Pros and Cons of Different Roofing Materials
It has come time to replace your roof, and hiring roofing contractors in Bucks County, PA, is only the beginning. After deciding to replace your roof, you must select the type of roof that is best for your home. To help you decide which roof is best for your home, we have compiled a list of different roofing materials and the benefits and disadvantages of each one. If you are still trying to decide what type of roof to install, call us at Top Peak Roofing and one of our roofing experts will help you!
Things to Consider
Before listing the various roofing materials available, consider a few things. Knowing the answers to the following questions can help you determine the best roofing material for your home’s roof:
How long is the roofing material supposed to last?
Does this roofing material come with a guarantee?
Will the roofing material hold up to the local weather?
Will the roofing material be too heavy for my home’s structure?
Will the slope’s angle be sufficient for the roofing material?
Is the roofing material eco-friendly?
How much does the roofing material cost?
Does the roofing material meet all municipal regulations?
These are not all the questions you should ask, but they are an excellent place to start when searching for new roofing materials.
Asphalt
More than 80 percent of homes have asphalt shingles, making it the most commonly selected material for homeowners needing to replace their roofs. These shingles are fire and wind-resistant, work with all slope angles, are moderate in weight, and are relatively inexpensive. The most significant disadvantage of asphalt shingles is that they are not very durable, meaning they may have to be repaired or replaced more often than others.
Clay Tile
Clay tiles are typically found on top of stucco homes. They provide a Spanish or Italian appearance while also being very energy efficient. However, clay tiles are heavy, fragile, and a bit more expensive.
Concrete
Concrete roofs are popular in modern homes because they are less expensive, fire-resistant, and durable. However, concrete is hefty and often requires roof reinforcement, and it can also crack and break during solid storms with heavy winds.
Metal
Metal roofs are made from various metals, including steel and copper. These roofing materials are lightweight, energy-efficient, recyclable, and very stable, fitting a variety of roofing slopes. However, not many people like the look of metal roofs, and depending upon the metal material, a new roof could be expensive and may show discoloration with age.
Plastic Polymer
Plastic polymer is one of the many new roofing options available on the market. It is designed to resemble wooden shakes or slate. These are the perfect options for homeowners looking for a classic look but needing extra durability for their roof. Plastic polymer roofs are durable and require little maintenance, but this design does not work on all homes and can be expensive.
Slate
One of the most classic roofing materials is slate, commonly found on old buildings. The benefits of installing slate tiles are they are durable and very resistant to wind and fire. However, these tiles can be hefty and expensive.
Wooden Shakes
Wooden shakes are typically made from cedar, but they can be produced from other types of wood. These shingles create a natural look while adding charm to older homes, and they are very affordable. However, wooden shakes need to be specially treated to have a longer lifespan and to be fire resistant.
When you have decided it’s time to install a new roof but are still unsure of what materials to use, speaking with a roofing contractor in Montgomery County, PA, can offer you assistance and guidance. The roofing experts at Top Peak Roofing are experienced and knowledgeable in all roofing materials and are here to help. Give us a call today to learn more about your roofing replacement options.