5 Common Roof Types and How to Pick One for Your Home
Your roof is your home’s first and last defense against rain and water intrusion.
As a roofing and remodeling business, we may be a little biased, but your roof really is the most important part of your home.
There are many material options available, and they differ in performance, features, aesthetics and other qualities that you should consider when you are choosing a new roof.
In today’s blog post, we take a look at five common roof types and how you can start to pick out the one that is best for you.
1. Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingle roofing is the most popular roof type for homes and for any building with a pitched roof.
They perform very well but also don’t cost as much as the more niche materials on this list. You can find shingle roofs with high wind and fire-resistance ratings. You can also find shingles in a range of styles and colors.
2. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is a newer option than shingle roofing and has somewhat limited styles available in comparison.
However, it does offer dramatic colors and a very smooth look that could make your home stand out. Metal roofing also lasts an exceptionally long time which is a benefit for homeowners who don’t want to worry about a roof replacement for decades. However, metal roofs are a significant investment compared to asphalt shingles.
3. Wood Shakes
The classic wood shake look imparts character to a home’s exterior that you just can’t get from anything else.
Wood shakes are an older roofing material, of course, but modern wood shakes do perform relatively well. It can be hard to find a roofer who can install wood shakes, and you may also need them for frequent maintenance of the wood shakes.
While this type of roof is a little bit more work than other kinds, it can look exceptionally beautiful and, with wood’s great insulative properties, make your home more energy efficient.
4. Tile & Slate Roofing
You can get a tile roof made out of older, more traditional materials like clay or newer materials such as concrete.
Either way, tile roofing has a distinctly southern look as it is more popular in southern areas. Tile roofs have a very distinct look, and they also perform well under most conditions, especially when repelling heavy rains. However, they can also be brittle under some circumstances.
Slate roofing is one of the oldest types of roofing on this list. Modern slate does not differ much from historical slate roofing systems.
You can still get real slate tiles installed on your roof, which is good news for those who own historical houses which had slate tiles on them. However, if you love the look of slate but you’d like a material that performs a bit better than slate in some aspects and is less expensive, there are asphalt shingles which mimic the look of slate available from most manufacturers.
5. Composite Roofing Shingles
Composite roofing shingles are a popular choice for homeowners and builders because of their durability, affordability, and ease of installation.
These shingles mimic shake and slate and are typically made from a mixture of materials, such as fiberglass, asphalt, and mineral granules, which are bonded together to create a durable and long-lasting roofing material.
Composite shingles come in a wide variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find a design that matches the look and feel of your home. Additionally, composite shingles are resistant to fire and moisture, which makes them a safe and practical choice for any climate.
If you’re a regular reader of our blog, this is the part where we sound like a broken record, but we do for a good reason: always consult with a highly-recommended contractor when it’s time for you to improve your roof.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
