Top 5 Roofing Materials

Your roof is the most important part of your home: it protects and shelters your family. Replacing it can be a daunting decision and an even more intimidating task. When you’re talking to your roofer, it helps to have some idea of what you want. To this end, here are the top 5 most popular roofing materials:

1. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is incredibly popular for both commercial and residential roofing systems due to its durability and energy efficiency. Though it may be a slightly more difficult install for your roofer, the good news is you won’t be calling him back for quite a while: metal roofing systems last 30 to 40 years on average. They also reflect heat extremelely well, keeping your home cool in the summer, but holding in the warmth in the winter.

2. Asphalt

Asphalt roofing has been a common choice for homeowners for decades due to its affordability. Asphalt shingles are made of paper or some other kind of filler material on an asphalt base, held together and hardened against the elements with resin. It also comes in plenty of different colors and styles. More resources can be found at the Cherry and Clark website.

3. Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles are, in a nutshell, two or even three regular asphalt shingles stacked on top of each other and bound together with more resin. These are preferable from an aesthetic standpoint, though they are not any more durable than regular asphalt shingles. They can mimic the look of slate more accurately than any other roofing material.

4. Slate Roofing

This roofing material is very desirable, but comes with a hefty price tag. Slate is durable enough, but before you decide on a slate roof it is always advisable to speak to your roofer to determine if your home can hold the weight of a slate roof.

5. Membrane Roofing

Membrane roofing is a smart choice for flat or low-pitch roofs. There are multiple types of membrane roofing, and your roofer will be able to advise you as to which is the best for your home. Membrane roofing is applied in large sheets over the roofing foundations. This reduces the number of seams that water could possible penetrate, and after all, water is the enemy of a longstanding roof. Membrane roofing can last between 25 and 30 years when it is well-maintained.

Replacing your roof may seem like a momentous task, but it doesn’t have to be. Arming yourself with knowledge about the different types of roofing materials, and the pros and cons of each, can help you along the way.