If you are currently looking for a new roof for your home—whether you are dealing with storm damage and need a replacement or just want to spring for an upgrade—preparation is the way to go. When you are looking for the perfect roof for you, information and research can be your best friend. Before making your purchase, you will want to make sure that you have looked into all of the different roofing options out there, why they are used, and what would work best for your home. There are all kinds of roof options and styles, and you will need to decide which one will work best for your situation.
To help you start your research, we will be taking a look at two of the most common types of roofs used on residential homes: asphalt shingle roofs and metal roofs. They are both great options with their own unique strengths and weaknesses, which we will go over in detail below.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs: Versatile & Affordable
One of the most commonly used types of roofs is an asphalt shingle roof, a style that has been in use in America since the early 1900s. Roofing shingles were not always made of asphalt, but have changed over time. The first shingles were made from impromptu items like rags or wood, and eventually, fire retardant material was used. This development happened because, before the change, fires were common.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Pros
Shingles are now made from material covered in asphalt or even fiberglass. They are commonly covered with asphalt on one side only. Shingles are far and away the most commonly used roofing material due to the fact that they are so durable and affordable. They offer plenty of options in color, texture, general design, and shape. With all of these different options available, they come in all different kinds of quality, with some easily lasting 20 years, others extending for nearly 30–40 years.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Cons
Every material has its drawback. Some materials might be completely unaffected by one type of disaster, but another type of disaster might cause catastrophic damage to that same material. Asphalt shingles are no exception, and their main weaknesses are their vulnerability to severe weather and their inability to bear weight. They cannot be directly walked on without sustaining damage, and wind can ravage them in ways that are often difficult to detect without a professional inspection. They can also be affected by hail or thunderstorms, but the fact that they can be both repaired and replaced can make dealing with storm damage more affordable.
Metal Roofs: A Long-Term Payoff
One roof less common on residential homes these days, but not without benefits, are metal roofs. One of the biggest advantages of metal roofs is that, if properly cared for, they can easily last 50 years barring any huge natural disaster.
Metal Roof Pros
While metal roofs have historically seen most of their use on commercial buildings, they are becoming an increasingly common choice for residential homeowners. Metal roofing materials can be used as shingles and tiles, but their most common use is as panels and sheets such as the ones used for porch roofing. Metal roofs cost a bit more to install but ultimately will save or generate money in the long term due to the fact they will require less upkeep, last longer, and can add value to homes. They can also be very green and can come in many more styles than the generic steel they’re most commonly associated with.
Metal Roof Cons
In addition to the steep up-front cost, another common issue with metal roofs is that repairs after major damage can exceed the cost of purchasing a new roof. This means that in the case of major damage, you will most likely need to purchase a new roof. This does not mean that smaller issues cannot be fixed, though these small fixes may require welding or the use of specialized sealants to avoid patchwork.
Looking For a Roofing Contractor?
Cox Brothers Roofing offers roof repairs, replacements, and new roofs to homeowners and businesses across South Texas. Now serving: Victoria, Cuero, Yorktown, Yoakum, Goliad, Alamo Heights, Bulverde, Helotes, Steeple Brook, Stonewall Ranch and Timberwood Park.
You’re always in good hands at Cox Brothers Roofing. We take pride in always maintaining high-quality craftsmanship and materials in order to give you the best roofs and roof repairs in South Texas. Our team includes not only experienced roofers, but also insurance experts who specialize in assisting with homeowner’s insurance claims for roof repair and replacement. We strive for excellence in every step of serving our customers and ensure that your roof will last you for years to come.