What are the Different Types of Roofing Materials?

Advanced solar collectors are seamlessly integrated into existing shingles and generate 13 to 63 watts of energy per tile. There are many types of roofing materials to choose from, such as composite asphalt shingles, metal shingles, wood slats, and clay shingles. And instead of just going for the option you had before, you might want to consider a more durable or more modern roofing material. Choosing the right type of roof requires weighing appearance, longevity, roofing material prices, and structural issues.

For more than 30 years, the Bill Ragan Roofing team has helped homeowners find the right roofing material for their roof replacement. Now we want to do the same for you. An asphalt shingle roof is the most common type of roofing material seen in homes today. The reason for its popularity is because it is the most affordable type of roof on the market.

The types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab, dimensional and luxury. While 3-tab shingles used to dominate the market, dimensional shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today. While there are two types of metal roofs, a metal roof with vertical stitching is recommended for residential roofs. A metal roof system with vertical stitching is a series of metal panels that are joined together at the seams or sewn mechanically.

This allows the metal panels to expand and contract freely when the metal is heated. While not as common as asphalt, metal roofs with vertical stitching are becoming increasingly popular in the roofing industry. However, it will be two to three times more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof. The best thing about a metal roof is that it's a versatile material.

While you can get it as a complete roof system, homeowners also add a metal roof detail with vertical seams to their asphalt roof replacement for a covered porch, dormers, flat roof facets and more. A cedar-shaped roof is a premium quality roofing system made of natural wood (cedar) materials and is one of the most aesthetically pleasing roofing materials on the market. To make the real shingles, the cedars are cut into 2-foot sections and split by hand or sawn to a conical thickness (conical sawn). Before investing in a pitched cedar roof, ask your roofing contractor about how the climate in your area affects cedar shingles.

However, some composite shingles, such as DaVinci shingles, are made from an engineered polymer rather than recycled materials. Composite shingles are unique because they are designed to look exactly the same as a cedar roof or a slate roof. The slate itself is mined (mainly in Italy) and cut into square tiles. Slate shingles themselves must be installed one at a time, unlike other roofing materials that come in 3-foot-wide strips or metal panels.

Now you know the 5 main types of roofing materials. But how do you decide which one is right for you? It all comes down to asking yourself the 3 questions that will help you find the right type of roofing material for you. While three-dimensional and three-dimensional asphalt shingle roofs are the most common across the country, they don't give you a look that stands out in your neighborhood. If the look of your roof isn't important, I would recommend using any of these asphalt shingle roofs.

However, if you really want your roof to stand out, you should consider a luxury asphalt shingle, a metal roof with vertical stitching, a synthetic roof, a cedar roof, or a slate roof. If you're looking for the most affordable option or are on a tight budget, an asphalt shingle roof might be right for you. But if budget isn't a major deciding factor, you have more flexibility to choose metal or one of the premium roof systems. All 3 types of asphalt shingles have a lifespan of around 25 to 30 years, depending on which one you choose.

The lifespan of a cedar roof is also about 30 years, but you can reach up to 50 years if you invest in quality materials and live in an area with the right conditions. If you're looking for a little more durability, a composite tile roof (40-50 years) and a metal roof with vertical stitching (50 years) are the way to go. But if you're looking for the most durable roofs on the market, a slate roof is the way to go with a lifespan of 75 to 100 years. Now you know the 3 questions to ask yourself when deciding which of the different types of roofing materials is right for you.

But after reading this, are you still struggling to find the right type of roofing material for replacement? Since 1990, the Bill Ragan Roofing team has been helping Nashville residents find the perfect roof. We provide a rare experience in the roofing industry that is based on education, customer service and high-quality workmanship. Asphalt shingles, one of the most commonly used roofing materials, are cost-effective, durable and can provide protection in almost any climate. They come in a variety of colors which may fade over time.

Asphalt shingles may need to be updated every 20 years or so depending on sunlight and temperature conditions. When buying asphalt shingles, you may have to decide between 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles. Let's take a look at the differences. Metal roofs require little maintenance; they are environmentally friendly and lightweight; they can be manufactured to look like shingles or roof panels made of wood; slate or asphalt; wood; one of the most expensive types of roofs; works best in dry climates where there are no fires or high humidity; wood roofs show great curb appeal and work well in cottage; Craftsman and Tudor style homes; this form of metal roofing uses flat panels with vertical ribs at each end; these panels are fastened together and to ceilings below vertical ribs; this popular metal roofing option for homeowners after roofs with vertical joints; this is an interlocking roofing system.