The Right Choice Of Roofing Materials Makes A Sound Roof Over Your Head!

There are many different roofing materials available, including metal, concrete, ceramic, composite tiles, slate, shingles and synthetic Rubber roofing. Each roofing material has its advantages and disadvantages, each has its own particular look, and each comes in a range of options for that particular material.

Which roofing material you will choose depends in part on the materials and the general look of the rest of the home, as well as your personal preference, which may be determined by a number of factors including appearance, the eco-credentials of the material, the range of colors and styles available, and the level of maintenance you are willing to give to the Roof.

When it comes to choosing roofing materials there are lots of options available and here is a rundown of some of the most popular ones.

· Asphalt Shingles

The most common residential roofing material used right here in the United States are asphalt shingles.Asphalt shingles are popular because they are economical and easy to install. These shingles (for durability) can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose) without changing the appearance of the shingle.

· Pros: Asphalt shingles comes in a variety of colors, easily available and is one of the least expensive materials.

· Cons: Asphalt shingles have a shorter life span than other roofing materialsand it doesn't provide the insulation other materials offer and the quality varies.

· House Styles: Asphalt shingles can work with many architectural styles according to your taste, especially traditional suburban styles.

· Cost and Life Span: Prices range from $70 to $120 a square and with proper maintenance, shingles can last 20 to 25 years.

· Clay and Concrete Tiles

Clay and concrete tiles add a unique texture and elegance to a roof. Genuine flat, ribbed or scalloped clay tiles are extremely durable but also very heavy, and must be installed by a professional. Concrete tiles are very versatile and are less expensive than genuine clay, but also have a heavy weight.

· Pros: Clay and concrete tiles are long-lasting and non-combustible, and concrete tiles are energy efficient.

· Cons: Clay and concrete tiles are expensive, heavy and usually require additional framing and deck support.

· House Styles: Clay and concrete tiles work well with Mediterranean, Mission, Southwestern and Spanish-style homes.

· Cost and Life Span: Prices start around $300 to $500 a square and, if maintained properly, tiles will last around 40 to 50 years.

· Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are very durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions. Available in two types, panels and shingles, metal roofs come in aluminum, copper, stainless steel and zinc. Metal roofs are sleek, lightweight, long-lasting and recyclable, and something to consider if you're interested in rainwater harvesting.

· Pros: Metal roofing is durable, lasts longer than asphalt or wood, and offers high solar reflectance.

· Cons: Metal roofing is expensive as compared to other roofing materials.

· House Styles: Metal looks great on bungalows, cabins, contemporary and cottage-style homes.

· Cost and Life Span: Prices usually start around $100 to $300 a square, but some styles can cost $600 to $800 a square. Metal roofing can last 40 to 75 years when properly cared.

· Slate

Slate roofing is relatively fragile and heavy and requires a professional roofer with slate installation experience to install it. If considering slate, you should find a slate supplier/installer with long-term experience. Offering lots of beauty and a distinctive elegant appearance, slate colors include shades of black, green, grey, red and purple.

· Pros: Slate roofing is very durable, fire-resistant and a sustainable roof that can be recycled as well.

· Cons: Slate roofing is relatively expensive, heavy, and requires extra framing and professional installation. The quality can vary with imported slate.

· House Styles: Slate works well with Colonial, European and French chateau homes.

· Cost and Life Span: Prices start at about $600 a square and up. Slate can last more than 50 years and sometimes 100 years or more.

· Synthetic Roofing Products

Synthetic roofing products, including rubber, plastic and polymer roofing, are developed to give your roof the color, look and texture of natural materials like slate and wood. These products are designed to be strong and easy to maintain. Some of these materials are fire-resistant as well.

· Pros: Synthetic roofing is often not as fragile, heavy or expensive as natural products.

· Cons: Some of these products can absorb water and the quality is relative to variety. Newer products aren't as time-tested as traditional materials.

· House Styles: Synthetic roofing products can work with different architectural styles.

· Cost and Life Span: Prices start at about $300 a square, and are warrantied for up to 50 years.

· Wood Shingles and Shake

Wood shingles and shake are go-to roofing choice for hundreds of years, many homeowners love the look of wood shingles and shakes and how they fit to an attractive shade of gray. Wood shakes are handmade and rougher-looking than wood shingles, which are usually cut by machine. For fire retardancy they can be treated with a fire-resistant coating as well.

· Pros: Wood shingles offer a rustic look and are a natural product usually made from cedar, redwood and southern pine.

· Cons: Fire codes in some areas prohibit use. Wood shingles can be a concern in wet climates, and can mold, split or rot.

· House Styles: Shake's rustic aesthetic pairs well with bungalow, Cape Cod, cottage, Craftsman and Tudor-style homes.

· Cost and Life Span: Prices range is around $100 to $150 a square and will last around 25 to 30 years.

EPDM Liquid Rubber is a versatile roofing material and is ideal to recoat existing roofs and add a significant number of years to the life of a roof. It can be applied to various Roof substrates without needing a primer. For detailed uses of EPDM Liquid Rubber visit https://www.epdmcoatings.com/epdm-uses.php