How to choose the right roofing materials

Category Roofing Contractors

How to Choose the Right Roofing Materials for Your Home

If you're replacing the roof on your house, or building a new home, you may be wondering what the best roofing material is to keep your house dry, safe, and warm—or cool depending on the season. There is no one hard-and-fast answer to that question. Durability, maintenance requirements, climate suitability, budget, and the style of your house are all factors to take into account. Doing some research into the most common materials for steep slope roofs will help you make an informed decision when you're ready to begin the roofing process.

Asphalt Shingles

According to Consumer Reports, asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material. Asphalt is water-repellent by nature and it's available in a wide range of colors, so that you can blend it with the style and color of your house and with others in your neighborhood. The ceramic granules that give asphalt shingles their color also help protect them from the sun's UV rays and prolong their life. Some manufacturers offer shingles whose composition includes copper coated granules, which help retard the growth of algae and moss. Ask if the copper-granulated shingles carry a warranty against algae growth, and if so for how many years. Always check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. According to the Consumer Reports 2012 roof buying guide, the CR testers found "wide differences in overall quality." Make sure to purchase shingles from a reputable manufacturer—low-price shingles may turn out to be a bad bargain in the long run. In general, the better and more expensive brands last longer than the budget ones.

Wood

Wood shake shingles are a roofing material that's natural looking and full of character. And unlike other materials they will look better as they age and the wood weathers. Wood shakes are durable and provide natural insulation for a house's attic, helping to keep it warm. However, wood can be significantly more expensive than asphalt shingles. Rotting wood can attract pests, so a wooden roof needs to be inspected regularly for soundness. And before you decide on wood shakes, it's a good idea to check with your municipal authorities and find out if your neighborhood is rated as a fire hazard zone. The California Building Code rates roofing materials as Class A, Class B or Class C—for instance, a slate roof is a Class A roofing material, the most resistant to fire. If you live in a very high Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ), you are required to have a Class A roof covering, Class B if you live in a high FHSZ, and Class C in a moderate FHSZ. If you are buying wood shakes, ask your vendor if the shakes have been treated with fire-retardant, and if so, about the rating of the wood. Before being sold in California, fire-retardant shakes must have undergone a natural weathering process and the shakes must pass ASTM E108 fire tests. A local roofing contractor will be able to advise you on the suitability of a wood shake roof for your home and neighborhood.

Tile

Tile roofing materials can vary, but usually they're made of ceramic, cement, concrete or clay and are available in a wide variety of colors, finishes and styles. Tiles are fire-resistant and durable, and they won't curl up the way asphalt shingles may over time. A study at the University of Southern California found that clay or concrete tile roofs exceeded seismic load requirements for building materials, when properly installed. However, tile roofs are more expensive than asphalt, and the tiles can be heavy. Because of the potential weight of the tiles, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends that a clay or concrete tile roof be installed over closely spaced or continuous wood decking. The NRCA also recommends that you should be cautious if the roof deck is made from preservative-treated wood, fire-retardant-treated wood panels, or oriented strand board. A qualified roofing contractor will be able to advise you on installing tile roofing properly.

Slate

Slate as a roofing material has several advantages. Slate not only looks beautiful and is available in several colors, but it is extremely durable, in fact a slate roof may outlast the house. It is naturally fire resistant, very low maintenance and stands up well to storms. However, slate is not cheap, and the same cautions apply when you're installing slate over wood decking as when you're installing clay or concrete tile roofing.

Metal

Much like slate, a metal roof has several benefits. It requires very little maintenance and will do a great job of protecting your home from the elements. The unusual and striking style of metal roofs suits a variety of building styles, making it a popular choice with architects and designers. And because a metal roof reflects light, it will help to reduce the build-up of heat in a home's attic and rooms, putting some extra dollars in your pocket by cutting down on your energy bills in summer.
If you've decided to go ahead with your roofing project, use our Services Directory to find top roofing contractors. And use our specially designed system of reviews to evaluate the work of your contractors once the project is complete.

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