Choosing the Right Roofing
It wasn’t that long ago that roofing choices were more limited than they are now. Your options mostly consisted of clay or concrete tiles, slate tiles, asphalt shingles, and wood. Now, with the advancements in roofing technology and the desire for alternative roofing materials, there are several different options to choose from for your home.
Updating your roof can add value to your home and even completely change the look and feel, but it can also be a significant investment. When you do decide to update your roof, it’s essential to hire a trusted roofing contractor that knows what they are doing so you don’t end up spending more money than you need to.
When it comes to picking the right roofing materials, you not only should consider budget but also if the style will work with your home and what the maintenance and upkeep will entail.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt roofing is the most common type of roofing material in America. It is easy to install, holds up well in all weather conditions, and is economically easy on the budget. However, the quality of asphalt shingles can vary, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when considering this material.
Pros: Comes in an array of colors and options and is one of the most budget-friendly options.
Cons: Asphalt shingles don’t last as long and don’t provide as much insulation as other types of roofing.
Life Span: 20 to 25 years, but can vary depending on the quality.
Clay & Concrete Tile Roofing
Clay and concrete tiles are very durable and create a beautifully textured look to a home. They are great for warm and dry climates because of their ability to withstand the heat.
Pros: Long-lasting, very durable, and energy-efficient.
Cons: Expensive and heavy. If your home is not built for this type of roofing, it will need additional support added to be able to bear the weight.
Life Span: With proper care and maintenance, clay, and concrete tiles can last 50 to 100 years.
Slate Roofing
Slate is a very thin but also a very heavy roofing material. It provides a sleek and elegant look and holds up well against rain.
Pros: Lasts a long time, holds up well to heat and rain and is mold resistant.
Cons: Costly and heavy. Like clay and concrete, slate roofing also requires additional support for the roof.
Life Span: 50 to 150 years with proper care.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are great because they hold up well in extreme weather conditions and are long-lasting. They are also much lighter in weight than most other roofing materials, making them an excellent option for homes that don’t have a lot of support.
Pros: Lightweight, very durable and weather resistant, and lasts a long time.
Cons: Costly, though not as expensive as clay and slate tiles.
Life Span: Around 40 to 80 years.
Wood Roofing
There are two types of wood roofing: wood shingles and wood shake. Both are attractive and more natural options for your home and become more aesthetically pleasing as they weather and age.
Wood Shake
Wood shake roofing is typically made from cedar and has a more handmade, rustic look to it. Because of its handcrafted quality, it is also a little more expensive than regular wood shingles.
Wood Shingles
The only difference between wood shingles versus shake is that the shingles have more precise cuts made using a machine, and are thus less expensive.
Pros: Offer a beautiful, more natural look and can last a little longer than asphalt shingles with proper upkeep.
Cons: Are not the best option for wet climates, expensive, and not environmentally sustainable.
Life Span: 20 to 30 years with proper care and maintenance.
Rubber Roofing
Rubber roofing tiles actually look quite natural and similar to asphalt shingles. They are also great for helping you save on your energy bill.
Pros: Easy to install, little maintenance required, and energy-efficient.
Cons: Though not as costly as other roofing options, rubber tiles are more expensive than asphalt shingles, and don’t last as long.
Life Span: 15 to 25 years.
Solar Roofing Tiles
Solar roofing is one of the more modern options available today. However, they aren’t typically used to cover the entire roof, so you will likely have to choose a secondary roofing material. The most significant benefit of using solar tiles is their use for generating power.
Pros: Offer a sleek modern look, and you save a lot of money on your energy bill.
Cons: Very expensive to purchase and install.
Life Span: 20 to 25 years.
Green Roofing
Green roofing, or living roofs, is when you cover all or some of the roof with plants. It is a great eco-friendly option that not only helps to insulate homes but also helps purify the air and provide a rainwater buffer. It is a higher upfront cost to install a green roof, but in return, it will save you money on your energy bill.
Pros: Great for the environment and saves you money on your energy bill by providing extra insulation.
Cons: Can be an expensive upfront cost and requires additional structural support.
Life Span: There aren’t exact statistics, but it is estimated to last around 40 years.
What Kind of Roofing Should You Choose?
With the variety of options out there, it might seem overwhelming to decide which material is the best option. Asphalt shingles are the standard go-to and are still a great option as they are inexpensive and hold up well. However, if you want to break the mold and try something different, do your research. While it might be tempting to pick a material that simply looks beautiful, there are a lot of other factors to consider.
How Can Precision Roofing & Gutters Help?
At Precision Roofing & Gutters, we provide exceptional workmanship and excellent service for all of your roofing needs in Beaverton, Oregon. We value the source of our product and care about sustaining both our local economy and the American industry. Our products are environmentally friendly and sourced locally. Give us a call today to get your next project started!