The 5 Most Popular Roof Materials

The 5 Most Popular Roof Materials

Whether you're choosing roofing materials for looks, cost, or durability, it's a good idea to look at all your options. Selecting the right contractor that is an expert in roofing will ensure you get the best roofing system possible. Doing some research on the 5 main types of roofing materials will help you understand which product can benefit you and your home for years to come.

Asphalt Shingles 

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular type of roofing material used in roofing today. The most common type are Architectural shingles, which provide homeowners with an added dimension that extenuates your home's curb appeal. This type of shingle comes in many styles, colors, and weights by all leading roofing manufacturers (such as GAF, Certainteed, Ownens Corning, and more.) Architectural shingles also provide other benefits than just looks. All of the leading manufacturers provide a limited lifetime warranty, as well as a 130 MPH wind warranty for the homeowners in coastal communities. Due to Contract Exteriors strict installation standards, we have been chosen to be a GAF Master Elite, Certainteed Select Shingle Master, and Owens Corning Preferred contractor – we are one of the very few contractors in the country that holds all 3 of these certifications.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has many different options for consumers like its asphalt counterpart. When thinking about durability, a quality metal roof will last you a very long time- an average of 40-70 years (with proper installation and quality materials). Metal roofing systems can sustain wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, can avoid corrosion and cracking, and may be impact-resistant (depending on the type of metal). You won’t have to maintain the roof as often as other products, which is an added benefit to homeowners.

Wood Shake Roofing

Depending on the style you choose, cedar roofing offers a rustic or tailored look for your home’s exterior. Able to maintain its original dimensions in humid conditions, cedar wood is a low density material that offers minimal shrinkage. Since it lies flat, stays straight, and holds fastenings tightly, it makes for lasting installations. With natural preservatives that make it resistant to moisture, UV rays, and insect damage, cedar roofing is also wind resistant. Adaptable to tough and varied climatic conditions, cedar is less susceptible to moss growth compared to many other roofing materials. It can be factory treated to be fire-resistant, fungus-resistant, and can be supplemented to be even more moss and insect resistant as well.

Tile Roofing

Tile roofs offer a unique 3D look to your home that screams curb appeal. The manufacturing of these products offer color ranges from light shades to dark/multi-colored tones to help you compliment any exterior home color. Tile roofs have one of the lowest cycle costs out of any roofing material today. In addition to lower costs over the life of the roof, tiles are designed and tested to pass Florida’s strict 150 MPH wind codes. If you live in a high hail environment, then concrete and clay tiles may be your best option – some of these products can resist damage from hailstones reaching as large as 2”!

Composite Shingles

Composite shingles are a newer roofing category that is starting to grow in favor with consumers. These products typically mimic the natural beauty of slate or wood shake tiles. A huge advantage is the cost savings. Since these products weigh only a fraction of what traditional slate or wood shake weigh, a consumer can save on product and installation costs. In addition, a lot of composite products are made of recycled materials, which helps homeowners increase their green footprints while selecting a roofing system that looks great and will perform for up to 50 years.

Choosing a roof doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. By partnering with Contract Exteriors, our project consultants will walk you through the entire process so you and your family receive the best roof possible – while providing a return on your investment! Call us today or visit us at www.contractexteriors.com for more details.

~Your True Exterior Source

William McCourt