|
||||
|
Roofing Material Options & Roofing Shingle VarietiesAll roof shingles are made out of asphalt-- true or false? False. The fact is there are six distinct types of roof shingles - asphalt, wood, laminated fiberglass, metal, slate, and clay. Each has its own defining characteristics and strengths. Here’s a cook’s tour of the multiple choices at hand.Starting with one of the most common, asphalt shingles are the least expensive of all roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are not merely made of asphalt, there’s fiberglass in them too. The life span of a properly installed asphalt roof is 15 to 20 years. These thin shingles come in a variety of colors and offer relatively inexpensive but reliable protection for your roof. The rustic wood shingle is created from treated wood. Although they cost five times more than asphalt coverings, they last about the same length of time as the cheaper shingle. Many homeowners find wood shingles alluring due to their upscale look. They are especially appealing on historic homes. Although made of the same material as asphalt shingles, laminated fiberglass shingles are thicker and last about thirty years. These textured roof coverings cost approximately twice as much as their thinner asphalt counterpart. Metal, clay, and slate roofing all offer long-term defense against the elements. These three roofing elements are also much more expensive than the first three. Metal roofs last from 20 to 50 years with a cost ten times greater than asphalt. Lightweight metal roofing, which comes in various shades, can be installed easily. If you’re in it for the long run, a heavy slate roof may be the way to go. Slate, which adds tasteful elegance to a home, lasts up to 100 years. When installing a slate roof, rafters are often reinforced to hold the extra weight. This process will increase the price of putting in a slate roof. Clay tile is another pricey, heavy, and tasteful covering. Pure clay tiles are extremely heavy while newer types, which are made from synthetic materials, tend to be lighter. These coverings cost up to 30 times more than asphalt and can last 50 years or more. That’s our quick tour of roofing materials. The choice is yours. For more information on these types of shingles and coverings contact your roofing professional. Return Home |