Generally, homeowners are not too interested in the type of roofing materials on their house. They far rather spending money on other home improvement projects like a kitchen or bathroom renovation, putting in a pool, or even painting the interior of their home. But having a roof that is in good condition can protect the investment in your home and reduce the stress caused by an inadequately maintained roof.
When your aging roof needs to be replaced you will need to choose which roofing material you wish to use. While many homeowners will choose to replace their existing roof with the same material, others sometimes choose a different route. In this article we feature eleven popular roofing materials. Some of these roof types are commonly used in the Austin and surrounding areas while others are applied more frequently in other climates and regions.
You will want to take into consideration the long terms costs of a roof as you browse the different types of roofing materials and options. In the long run, choosing the cheapest roofing materials tends to not be the most cost effective.
Asphalt Shingles
Texas’s most common roofing material is asphalt shingles, making up more than % of the residential roofing market. Typically, the are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and if properly maintained have a life span of approximately 25 years. They are readily available in most locations and offered in a variety of colors and patterns.
The two biggest reasons we use asphalt shingles in Central Texas is their ability to absorb impact and protect against the wind. This is especially important during Texas storms and hail season.
Although despite their name, asphalt shingles are made with other materials than just asphalt. They commonly consist of a base of fiberglass or felt paper that is coated and sealed in a layer of a waterproof asphalt, then covered with ceramic granules. The fiberglass base present quite a benefit for a number of reasons. It is lighter weight, less costly, and offers significant strength and fire resistance.
There are three common grades or types of asphalt shingles to decide from. These are:
- 3 Tab Shingles
3-Tab Shingles are the most popular shingles on the market today. These are basic shingles that are constructed of 3 tabs and have been a staple of the roofing industry for decades.
- Dimensional Shingles
Dimensional shingles, commonly known as architectural shingles (although architectural shingles are a subcategory of dimensional shingles), are an upgrade in quality from 3-tab shingles. The quality does come with a higher price but may be worth it if you are inclined to have an aesthetic roof as a feature of your home.
- Luxury Shingles
Luxury shingles are comprised in a way to make them more visually appealing. They also offer more protection against storms, hail, and strong winds. They are heavier than tab and dimensional shingles which will add weight to the structure of your home and makes them more difficult to install.
Metal Roofing Materials
Metal roofs provide a lightweight option that is relatively easy to install, making them a good option for homes that can’t withstand heavier roof materials. Metal roofing has multiple advantages to wood shingles and shakes, such as being fireproof and resistant to being corroded in areas where there is moisture or snowfall. We see a lot of metal roofing and siding on Barndominiums.
There are numerous types of metal roofs, but the most frequent type of metal roof is a standing seam roof. The steel or aluminum panels interlock to keep out the weather elements. Metal roofing is one of the most durable roofing options and can usually last up to 50-75 years or the lifetime of the home. They are also environmentally friendly and recyclable.
For those who want a different appearance than a standing seal metal roof, there is steel or aluminum shingles or shakes as another great option. Metal shingles can imitate the appearance of asphalt shingles, slate or clay tiles, or even wood shakes. For homeowners who are sold on the durability of the metal roofing, this gives a variety of options and aesthetics to choose from. Whether you are going for a modern or more traditional style home, there are countless options in this segment.
Wood Shingles and Wood Shakes
Wood shingles and wood shakes are made from natural wood – typically cedar or redwood. Wood shingles are made differently by sawing wood into thin, wedge-shaped pieces. Shakes, however, are made by splitting wood, producing thicker pieces of wood with a course and natural texture.
Shakes are more durable than shingles and are also more attractive in appearance. These attributes make wood shakes the more expensive option. There are also different grades of wood shingles and wood shakes that are based on the number of imperfections in the wood. These imperfections can include things such as decay and knots, resin pockets, and other flaws in appearance.
The three types of shake roof options are heavy split and resawn, medium split and resawn, and tapersawn. The most popular option is tapersawn since it fits into almost any style of home.
If you live in an area that frequently experiences wildfires, wood shingles and wood shakes would typically not be a suggested option. However, there are fire-rated roofing products that are treated in fire-resistant coating. Because of their flammable nature, some communities have banned wood shingles and shakes. These types of shingles and shakes do not hold up well in areas with heavy amounts of moisture or precipitation. If exposed to prolonged moisture, the wood can mold, rot or split.
Slate Shingles
Slate roofs are one of the most elegant roofing materials used today. It has a distinctive natural beauty that is unrivaled in style and elegance.
A slate roof is one of the most beautiful roofing materials available. It has a natural beauty that is unmatched in its elegance. The stone material is installed as shingles which provides a very durable roof. It is a heavy material that requires extra framing and should be professionally installed. Many roofing contractors are unsure how to correctly install slate roofs and a poorly installed slate roof can become a stress for homeowners.
While slate shingles are usually durable and last for a long time, if slates are damaged, replacing the broken tiles can be challenging. Slate comes in lots making it very difficult to find replacement tiles that match exactly. This, in addition to the initial cost, causes many people to choose other roofing options.
Slate is fire-resistant with the slate tiles being completely fireproof. It is an eco-friendly option that can be recycled. Slate provides a good alternative to asphalt shingles that are not as environmentally friendly.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are a tough, long lasting roofing material. This durability makes them resistant to fire and insects, but also means that the tile is very heavy. The heavyweight helps this type of roof stand up well against gusting winds. Clay tiles work well in warmer climates and are often used in the desert and coastal areas.
Spanish and Mediterranean designs have influenced this style of roof. Clay tiles are often unglazed and carry an orange-reddish color and their appearance complements a variety of home sidings, especially brick or stone sidings.
Clay tiles require less maintenance in comparison to other roofing materials. This can decrease the total cost of home ownership over their lifetime.
Concrete Tile
Concrete tiles are similar to clay tiles and are installed in much the same way. Concrete tiles are a heavy tile option that can withstand strong winds and hold up to hailstorms. The concrete tiles are energy efficient and are more adaptable and less expensive than clay tiles.
Concrete tiles are created from standard concrete mix and are available in a number of colors. Concrete tiles can be used for both residential and commercial roofs due to their versatility. Similar to clay tiles, concrete tiles require little upkeep but are much easier to repair if the tiles are damaged or break.
There are several disadvantages of concrete tile. These disadvantages include the weight of the tiles and difficulty of installation, and the fact that concrete tiles are porous and can absorb water. Lastly, concrete tiles can fade over time.
Membrane Roofing
Membrane roofing materials are applied for lower pitch or flat roofs. There are several different types of membranes. Some of the common types of membranes include:
– Neoprene (polychloroprene)
-Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
– Chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated polyethylene sheets
– Polymer-modified bitumens
– Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). EPDM is also referred to as rubber roofing.
EPDM, in particular, is a common roof coating used in commercial buildings and is comprised of water-resistant thermoplastic. It is easy and quick to install since it comes in rolls and can easily cover large areas. EPDM does well in warmer climates due to its light weight and reflectiveness. This prevent the heat from being absorbed into the building. It also protects well against rain and moisture since it essentially seamless.
Rolled Roofing Materials
Rolled roofing is quite inexpensive and easy to install. It is not typically used in residential or occupied buildings but may be used for sheds, garages, or other unoccupied structures. It is not a very durable material and other roofing materials will have a much longer lifespan.
Another reason rolled roofing is not widely applied in residential structures is that there are few color and style options with rolled roofing. It is mostly used in buildings where appearance is not an important factor.
Synthetic roofing materials
A number of synthetic types of roofing materials are now made to have a similar look to slate and wood. Whether it is rubber, plastic or polymer there is a wide array of choices related to the look, texture, and color of the materials. Additionally, they are usually a fire resistant options.
One of the benefits of synthetic slate shingles is that they are more durable and less expensive than authentic slate. Various synthetic roofing options have a variety of options that make them adaptable to various styles of houses. You will want to do your own research in order to make sure of the quality of the materials.
Solar Roof Shingles
Solar panels have been around for a while now, but the look of the panels themselves are usually not very pleasing. But homeowners now have the option of solar shingles. While they are not as efficient as solar panels, they are designed to mimic the look of asphalt shingles, giving it a more pleasant look. Solar shingles are lightweight and easy to install. They are durable and do well in wind, rain, and hail.
An additional benefit of solar shingles is that, if you move, they can be detached and installed in your new home. While solar shingles can last 20-30 years at maximum energy output, they will begin to deteriorate over time.
The current leading brands of solar shingles include Tesla solar shingles, Dow solar shingles, CertainTeed solar shingles, SunTegra solar shingles, and Luma solar shingles. Some of the key things you will want to think about when choosing solar roof shingles is the longevity, cost, size, design, the number of solar panel roof shingles required, ease of installation, and the type of materials.
As you consider the various roofing options for your home, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the cost for the new roof and what is your budget?
- Will your insurance company cover your roof?
- What roofing material is best for my environment?
- What type of aesthetic will the roofing provide?
- Are the materials available in the color and style you desire?
- Do the materials meet the codes or requirements in your local area?
- Does the roofing materials require any type of special maintenance or installation?
- What is the life expectancy of the roof?
- What is the warranty for the product?
- Is your roofing company experienced in installing the type of roof you require?
The team at Modern Blu Austin has decades of roofing experience and are available to help you with any roof replacement or roof repair needs you may have. Give us a call if you are in the Leander, Cedar Park, or Lago Vista areas!