While there are a variety of different types of roofs you can choose from for your home, how do you make the right choice? Well, you look at the facts. While some roofs are more expensive, you have to look at what you are getting for your money.
Below are two of the most common roofing options that you can choose from. While they both have their pros and cons, they differ vastly in their features and effectiveness. While one of the major differences between the two selected roofs that we compare pros and cons for is price,. You will find that their performance differs just as much. Their lifespans differ greatly as well, which is something you need to consider since most people who look to improve their homes are working on a budget.
Asphalt Shingles
This is one of the most common types of roofing. The reason why so many North Americans choose to use asphalt shingles is because of their low cost and simplicity of installation. It is generally used as wall and roof shingles and is coated in asphalt for waterproofing.
Pros
- Affordable: One of the reasons why asphalt shingles are so popular is the affordable price tag attached to them. They will last only about 12–17 years; however, the low cost outweighs the long-term protection.
- Effective: Though this type of shingle may not last as long as others, it still provides more than adequate protection.
- Style Variety: You can choose from two different types of shingles. Organic or fiberglass. Both types are coated in asphalt for water protection. The fiberglass shingle has an interior made of glass fiber in a thin mat. Whereas organic shingles utilize mats of wood. Normally, wastepaper. They each come in different styles.
- Installation Difficulty: You will find that, though a proper skill level is required, the difficulty of installation is much simpler than with other shingles and roofing, and the time frame of installation can be done in as little as a day to two days. This is dependent on the size of the job.
Cons
- Poor Protection in Extreme Heat
- Extreme Temperatures Cause Cracking and Warping
- If Installed in Cold temperatures, They Tend to Crack
Metal Roofing
This roofing system is made up of primarily zinc, steel alloys, and copper. It is made from metal tiles or pieces, and it is known commonly for its high resistance, longevity, and solidity.
Pros
- Long-Lasting: Lasting up to 70 years, it outlasts many different roofing options. The more traditional asphalt roofing lasts for roughly 20 years.
- Durable: While a portion of metal roofs can stand up to 140 mph gusts of wind, that’s not their defining feature of durability. It will not crack or corrode and can be very impact-resistant. While regular inspection is suggested, generally, metal roofing doesn’t require any high cost or periodic maintenance.
- Safe: If there is a wildfire, or maybe lightning strikes your house, metal roofs do not ignite or spark.
- Energy Efficient: You are able to reduce your cooling costs by up to 25%. The reason is that solar radiant heat is reflected off the metal roof.
- Friendly for the Environment: Made of mostly recyclable metals, depending on the material, this type of roofing can be recycled again in the future. It doesn’t add to the building related waste that weighs out to be about 20 billion pounds a year.
Cons
- High Cost
- Noisy
- Expands and Contacts
- Color Inconsistency
- Performance
Synthetic Slate
While authentic shingles made of slate have been a centuries-old roofing choice in the United States and Europe, you will find a higher price tag and more complications than you would think. However, in an attempt to lessen the issues found in authentic slate, synthetic slate roofing was developed. It is made of a combination of rubber and plastic, but it still upholds the beauty you get from authentic slate. You will not find a high price tag or difficult installation, and it will hold up longer as well.
Pros
- Pricing: As stated before, you will find that the price of synthetic slate is less than that of authentic slate. You not only save money on the purchase of the slate, but on the installation as well (compared to authentic slate).
- Environmentally Friendly: authentic slate is pulled from the ground, which makes it irreplaceable as a recourse. However, synthetic slate is made up of recycled material. This makes a positive impact on our environment.
- Aesthetically Satisfying: You can imagine that, as an imitation of authentic slate, you will likely not see the difference in looks.
- Installation: The installation required to install this type of slate is much simpler than that of authentic slate. While you may find it difficult to find someone who works with it, it is a relatively simple job for an experienced roofer.
Cons
- Durability: Not to say it doesn’t last; the lifespan of this particular roof has yet to be determined. Though it can stand strong against wear and tear, it will not last as long as an authentic slate.
- House Value: While real slate is a great investment for your house value, synthetic doesn’t add any value to your house at all.
While there are still many types of roofing to choose from, you will find that they all vary in price and style. Some of the ones we didn’t compare are solar tiles, authentic slate, stone-coated steel, clay tiles, and concrete tiles. You shouldn’t have problems finding the right roofing material for your house, whether it is to increase value or become more energy efficient. There are environmentally friendly roofing options for those who wish to do their part to keep the planet alive.
The different styles and colors you are able to choose from is a lot greater in numbers than it was only decades ago. You can customize your home, or bring new life to a home with a new roof. It is important to consider all your options. Don’t delay, get in touch with by clicking the button below! Let’s inspect your roof for possible damage plus adequate solution!
