When it comes to home repair, most people don’t give their roofing any consideration until something goes wrong. This is unfortunate because there are different types of roofing materials that excel at different things. Choosing the right roofing material is a great way to not only protect your home, but to also improve its value. Let’s take a look at some of the popular types of roofing materials that everyone should be familiar with.
1. Metal Roofing
If you want the strongest and most weather resistant roofing around, then metal roofing is the way to go. Not only are they ultra durable, they’re also great for those who are interested in rain water harvesting as well. Other benefits include the fact that it has high solar reflection, and lasts longer than wood or asphalt roofing, sometimes lasting up to 75 years. And of course, it’s also recyclable as well so nothing goes to waste. If there is a downside to metal roofing, it would have to be that it costs a bit more than other styles of roofing. That said, it is very much worth it for the value you get.
2. Wood Shingle or Shakes
Wood roofing can also be pricey, but it makes up for it with the fact that it simply looks amazing. If you’re going for pure aesthetics, wood roofing is one of the best choices around by far. That said, their main drawback is the fact that they are relatively short lived, especially in areas that have a lot of moisture. They also aren’t particularly good choice in areas prone to wildfires either. Even so, if you want your house to look amazing, wood shingles are a great choice.
3. Slate Shingles
Many in the South Texas roofing business consider slate to be the finest roofing material around. This is because it’s made from pure stone, and can last literally for hundreds of years in some cases. The point is, if you install a slate roof, it will likely be the last roof you ever need to install. Of course, you must also consider that slate roofing is a very specialized skill so finding an installer may be difficult. It is also extremely expensive, but given how long it will last, it may just save you money in the long run.
4. Synthetic Slate
If real slate isn’t for you, then another option would be synthetic slate. This roofing alternative shares many of the same properties with true slate, but without the massive price tag. And while synthetic may not last as long, it does usually come with a pretty good warranty, making it a minor issue. Another great thing about synthetic slate is the fact it is very lightweight, making it great for buildings that can’t support the weight of real slate. On top of that, synthetic slate usually looks nearly identical to the real thing, so you aren’t sacrificing style either.
5. Asphalt Shingles
One of the most popular South Texas roofing types is asphalt shingles. They come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors, allowing you to pick something that looks good on your home. There are many of them that also meet energy standards, allowing you to save money when it comes to your energy bill. The few drawbacks include the fact that rapid changes in temperature can damage them, and the fact that they can only be used on a roof with a steep slope.
More Tips from Your South Texas Roofing Experts
Selecting the right material is a great first step towards keeping a well-maintained roof. If you’re interested in more tips to help prevent costly repair jobs to your home down the road, follow this link to browse our full list of roofing articles put together by our Victoria TX roofing team.