When it comes time to re-roof your home, the variety of roofing materials available can be dizzying. How do you choose? What makes one material better or worse than another? It’s not like they covered this in school! To help you out, this blog post will compare four of the most popular roofing materials: asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, metal roofing, and slate. Take a look at the pros and cons of each material below.
Asphalt Shingles
Pros
Asphalt shingles may just be the most popular roofing material on the market today, and for good reason. They’re relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and come in a wide variety of colours. Asphalt shingles also have a relatively long lifespan – around 20-30 years.
Cons
Unfortunately, asphalt shingles are not the most durable roofing material. This means they’re not the best choice for areas with high winds or severe weather, as they can be torn off of the roof. Asphalt shingles are also not recyclable, so if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly roofing option, they’re not it.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Pros
Wood shingles and shakes are another common type of roofing material, especially in older homes. They give a home a classic look that many people find appealing. A nice thing about wood shingles and shakes is that they’re a natural insulator, so they can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Cons
Something to keep in mind about wood shingles and shake is that they’re a combustible roofing material. This means that if there’s a fire, they will burn. They’re also not as long-lasting as some other roofing materials – you can expect them to last around 15-20 years. Wood shingles and shakes also require more maintenance than other roofing materials. They need to be cleaned and treated regularly to extend their lifespan.
Metal Roofing
Pros
Metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular, as it offers a number of advantages over other roofing materials. Metal roofs are very durable – they can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance. They’re also fire resistant and eco-friendly, as they can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. Metal roofs are also very low maintenance – they don’t need to be cleaned or treated like other roofing materials.
Cons
The downside of metal roofs is that they’re one of the more expensive roofing materials, so you should consider your budget before deciding on this option. They’re also not as easy to install as some of the other materials, so it’s often best to hire a professional roofer.
Slate
Pros
Slate is a durable, eco-friendly roofing material that has been used for centuries. It’s one of the longest-lasting roofing materials – slate roofs can last up to a whopping 100 years! Slate is also fire resistant and environmentally friendly, as it can be recycled at the end of its lifespan.
Cons
Like metal, the major drawbacks of slate is that it’s one of the more expensive and difficult to install roofing materials. It’s also quite heavy, so you’ll need to make sure your home’s structure can support it.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this roofing material comparison has been helpful! As you can see, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing a roofing material for your home. The best way to make a decision is to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best meets your needs. If you have any other questions, be sure to talk to a roofing professional. They’ll be able to help you make the best decision for your home.
If you have roofing questions, you’ve come to the right place! Contact Ainger Roofing today to discuss your needs.
