Choosing Types Of Roofs
An abundance of riches. When it comes to types of roofs for today’s homeowners, that’s an accurate and descriptive phrase. Slate. Wood. Asphalt Shingle roofs. Sheet metal. Plastic polymer and many more. They all have their advantages, each are long-lasting and do a great job of protection. Each has the potential to create a distinct flair to your house. Of course, such a wide variety of kinds of roofing for residential areaspresents you with a tough decision. Which one will work best for you? And how are you going to choose?
Much will depend on where you live and the construction and design of your own particular roof when choosing which kinds of roofing will be most suitable. The roof’s slope, how strong the framing is, whether your area is susceptible to wildfires or tropical storms are just some of the things you need to take into consideration. To help you with your research, Beyond Custom in the Chicago area offers this breakdown of the types of roofs available today and what to look for in each kinds of roofing.
Types Of Roofs And What To Look For
- Asphalt shingles. These are overwhelmingly the most popular types of roofs when it comes to residential houses. They’re composed of either organic paper fiber or fiberglass. Organic paper fiber is favored in areas of the U.S. that experience a lot of cold weather. These types of roofs are also wind resistant, making them ideal where high-wind storms are an issue. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is more fire and rain or snow resistant. They’re coated with asphalt and embedded with mineral granules.
If weight is an issue for your roof’s frame, asphalt shingles are a good choice in kinds of roofing. They are as home on steep-sloped roofs as low slopes. When you add in that asphalt shingling is one of the most economical of materials in types of roofs, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular option.
- Metal. As types of roofs go, metal roofs may be more expensive than asphalt kinds of roofs but they are also longer lasting and have higher fire and wind resistance. They are generally made of either steel, aluminum, copper or a zinc alloy. The durability of metal roofs varies according to the type of metal they’re made from. They range from good to highly resilient. Metal can be a good choice in types of roofs in areas where high sun exposure affects energy costs, since they soak up about a third less heat than asphalt. Their light weight makes them good candidates where roof frame strength is an issue, and can used on virtually any degree of slope.
- Plastic Polymer. These types of roofs are designed to mimic the look of wood shake or slate roofs for far less cost. Made from high-tech plastic polymer, many homeowners choose them for doing double duty as both attractive and low maintenance. They are another option where roof weight might be an issue and can be used on moderate to steep roof slopes. Plastic polymer kinds of roofing have good fire and wind resistance and are in the median price range of roofing.
- Clay Tile. The types of roofs you may have seen that resemble an Italian or Spanish style are likely made of kiln fired natural clay. Though the material carries a risk of brittleness that can lead to breaking, these kinds of roofing are valued for their long lifespan and low maintenance. They are also highly fire resistant. So they are ideal for areas of the U.S. prone to wildfires and with low likelihood of the types of high wind storms that cause flying debris or hail.
They do, however, need roof framing that is well reinforced, as clay tile is a heavy as types of roofs go. That being said, this clay tile kind of roofing has no trouble with roof slopes from moderate to steep. Clay tile types of roofs are higher end when it comes to price, but many homeowners feel the stylishness, low maintenance, durability, fire resistance and long life make them good investments.
- Concrete Tile. More economical than clay tile, concrete tile types of roofs are also long-lasting and highly resistant to fire. This kind of roofing is composed of Portland cement and sand. Like plastic polymer roofs, concrete tile roofs are mimics. In this case, they can be made to imitate clay tiles as well as shake or shale roofs. Like clay tile types of roofs, they work best in areas where high wind or hail storm are less likely but –also like clay tiles- concrete tile roofs have good to excellent fire resistance.
Less expensive than clay tiles, concrete roof tiles are also heavy but can last a long time and are very fire resistant. Roof weight must be taken into consideration with concrete tile roofs, but they are equally at home on slopes that are moderate to steep.
- Slate. Slate is among the oldest kind of roofing materials. In spite of a tendency toward brittleness, its beauty, durability and high resistance to wind and fire continue to keep slate high in popularity with homeowners. Just as the name suggests, types of roofs of this kind are made of natural slate rock. Slate’s classic, dark gray color (although there are also lighter colors) and fashionably irregular appearance keep it in high regard. It should also be kept in mind that slate is among the more expensive kind of roofing and is a heavy material that should be used on steep slopes only.
- Wooden Shingling and Shakes. Wood shingles and shakes are generally constructed from rot-resistant cedar or redwood. Over time, the tawny to red hues of these types of roofs weather to a silvery gray prized by many homeowners. Wood shingling and shake is a true fashion statement for those who don’t mind that this kind of roofing doesn’t quite have the longevity of other types of roofs and may need a little more upkeep. Nevertheless, wood shingles and shakes are not overly heavy, so can be used on slopes that are medium to steep with good, solid framing that needs no extra weight reinforcement. Wooden shingling is so eye-catching, many people believe it’s an expensive material. In fact, it falls more into the moderately priced range. Wood roofs are good when it comes to resisting wind, though homeowners in high fire risk areas may well want to choose a different material or make sure this shingling is treated with a fire retardant.
What To Look For In A Roof Warranty
All types of roofs are covered by warranties in one form or another. Essentially, you should require two: 1.) a warranty by the manufacturer to cover the material of your kinds of roofing and 2.) a contractors’ warranty from the contractor who install your roof.
The manufacturer’s warranty will cover any defect in the roof shingling materials. The contractor’s warranty will address any problem that might arise from faulty installations. It’s crucial that you read your kinds of roofing warranties thoroughly so you know what the coverage is and if there are any exclusions. Keep in mind, too, that some warranties do not transfer to the next owner of your house when you sell it. Those that do usually have conditions attached like limits on materials cost or pro-rating over time.
Keep in mind that the quality of any warranty depends on the quality of the manufacturer or contractor standing behind it. That’ why it’s so very important do your homework and select a roofing contractor will a solid reputation. Starting with a trusted contractor like Beyond Custom will bring you not only peace of mind, but also expert guidance and advice on choosing the best material and roofing manufacturer for you.
The owner of Beyond Custom is known for saying, “The bitterness of poor workmanship remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” A house’s roof is the Number 1, most critical aspect in protecting you home against the elements. Although you want excellent value, you never want to skimp on getting the job done right.
Beyond Custom offers affordable, time-tested roofing service that never skimps on quality. Our welcoming staff is happy offer free estimates. Just pick up the phone and call Beyond Custom at (630) 806-1690 or use our Contact Page.
