Most Common Types Of Residential Roofing

3 November 2020
Categories: , Blog

Whether you're looking to install a roof for your brand new home, or simply replacing one that has been damaged, choosing the right type of roofing material for your home is vital to ensuring that you protect your investment for years to come.

But with so many options on the market today, how do you know which one is best? Below are some of the most common types of residential roofing materials that are available. If you have questions about any of them, contact a roofing company today to set up an appointment.

Asphalt

By a long shot, the most popular form of roofing material for residential homes in the United States is asphalt. Nearly 80% of homes have asphalt covering their roofs, precisely because it's so inexpensive to install, easy to maintain, and offers a relatively long lifespan. With regular maintenance and repairs, an asphalt roof should last nearly 15 to 20 years, although the shingles can deteriorate before that, so make sure you have a roofing company do an inspection every couple of years to ensure it's in proper working order.

Wood

If you're looking for a more natural aesthetic to your home, you should strongly consider having wood shingles (or wood composite) installed on your roof. Although not nearly as popular as it used to be, wood shingles can be fire tested to prevent sparks from igniting your home, and they can even be weather and wind-resistant. They might be more expensive to install than asphalt, but there's no doubt that they'll create a very distinct appearance in your neighborhood.

Metal

Although metal is normally reserved for commercial applications, technology has advanced to a point where metal roofing can be applied with any different texture or color to suit just about any type of style imaginable. Metal residential roofing is both durable and easy to install, and it can last 40 years or more if maintained properly.

Slate

For those who truly want a roof that can stand the test of time, almost nothing beats slate. Even soft slate — called that because of the number of impurities inside the rock itself — can last 75 years, while hard slate can last nearly 200. Since slate is literally pulled straight from the ground and then installed on your roof, it requires very little maintenance. Unfortunately, slate roofs are also one of the most expensive types of residential roofing materials to install. Still, if you can want a roof that your grandchildren's grandchildren won't have to replace, slate is your best bet.

About Me

When was the last time you got a good look at your roof? If you're like most homeowners, it was a long time ago. Maybe you can't even see your roof from the ground, and you have no idea what it looks like. Thankfully, you can hire a roofer to inspect your roof and let you know how it is doing. They can recommend repairs and maintenance as needed. If your roof is in really bad shape, they may recommend a replacement. Whether or not you can see your roof, it's important to learn more about it. We created this website for anyone who wants to know more about roofing and roofers.