Choosing a new roof involves selecting the best material to keep your home protected from the elements while also improving its curb appeal. You’ll find several roofing materials to choose from, but which is the right one for your home? Keep the following in mind when comparing roofing materials.
Shingle Roofs
Shingles are one of the more common types of roofing materials homeowners choose. Roof shingles provide a cost-effective roofing material compared to other types. They also come in a wide range of colors and styles, including three-tab and architectural styles, which can boost curb appeal on any home.
Shingles have an easy installation process, which can help keep costs down due to less time and labor. Individual shingles can also be replaced overtime if needed. This allows for simple repairs to be made over the years rather than needing to have your entire roof replaced.
Keep in mind shingles aren’t as durable as other roofing materials, so a shingle roof might not last as long. These roofs can be more vulnerable to damage from high winds, especially if they are not correctly installed. They can also crack when exposed to extreme temperatures since this causes them to expand and contract.
Shingles don’t offer as much energy efficiency as other materials. Instead, they tend to absorb heat, which can lead to higher cooling bills in summer.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are becoming more common among homeowners due to the advantages they offer. These roofs are highly durable, which allows them to last for decades after installation. Metal roofs provide resistance to fire and wind, which can help keep your home well-protected.
Metal roofs offer good energy efficiency due to their design. These roofs can reflect heat from the sun instead of absorbing it, which can reduce your cooling bills when it’s hot out. While installation costs tend to be higher for metal roofs, you can offset this with reduced energy bills over the years.
Metal roofs have a lightweight design, which makes them easy to install. When these roofs are correctly installed, they can withstand a lot of adverse weather without being damaged.
While metal roofs provide significant advantages, they can become corroded or rusted. This can shorten their lifespan and affect your home’s curb appeal. However, there are options available that help lower the risk of rust and corrosion.
Slate Roofs
Slate roofs provide one of the most aesthetically pleasing choices for a new roof. These roofs, which are made from natural stone, have distinctive color variations. Slate roofs can improve your home’s curb appeal.
This type of roof offers high durability due to its resistance to several kinds of damage. Slate roofs are fire-resistant and wind-resistant, which can provide you with greater peace of mind. These roofs can also handle other adverse weather conditions.
When properly installed, slate roofs can last for 100 years or more, making them a good investment for homeowners. They also require low maintenance over the years and can provide some energy efficiency for lower energy bills.
The main drawbacks of slate roofs include their cost and weight. Slate roofs tend to cost considerably more than other roofing materials, although their durability helps make up for this. Since they are also heavy, you might need more support added to your roof before installation.
Cedar Shake Roofs
Cedar shakes offer a rustic appearance, which can help boost your home’s curb appeal. These roofs are made up of thick, irregular pieces of split logs, giving them a natural and aesthetically appealing look.
Cedar shakes are resistant to wind and other kinds of adverse weather due to their durability. However, they do need to be maintained to prevent water damage from heavy or frequent downpours. They also need to be kept clean and maintained to lower the risk of mildew growth.
Cedar shakes can help keep your home more comfortable and well-insulated, which can reduce your energy bills. These roofs can keep the sun’s heat out during summer and prevent cold air from seeping in during winter.
Although cedar shakes provide notable benefits, they do come at a cost. Cedar shake roofs typically cost more than other roofing materials. Keep in mind they last for years and provide energy efficiency for reduced energy bills, which can help offset the higher initial costs. If you need a new roof for your home, please get in touch with Pinnacle Roofing today. We provide high-quality residential roofing installation and other roofing services for homeowners in the Capital Region of New York and Southern Vermont. Our expert roofing contractors can help you choose the ideal roofing material for your home.
