The Best Types of Roofs for Your Home
Your roof is essential for the structure of your house. It not only protects you from snow and rain, but it also can have a significant impact on your utility bills. Even though roofs serve as insulators and prevent cooling and heating units from having to work unnecessarily hard, it is still important to have proper ventilation in your attic through the use of an attic fan.
Even so, when you don’t have a solid roof, warm or cool air may begin to leak out through your attic and cause your unit to work harder to cool or heat your home resulting in using more energy. This is why it’s essential to choose the right roof for your budget and home.
Best Types of Roofs
There are pros and cons to just about any type of roof, but the below each have some distinctive advantages that might make them right for your home.
Asphalt Shingle
The Asphalt shingle is used most commonly for roofs, most likely because it’s easier to install and less expensive. It is made of a fiberglass component with asphalt added, finished with a sand-like granule surface. It also is available in a number of different colors. Asphalt roofs also are fairly good at resisting fire, but may not last as long as other roof types.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
These are constructed with natural materials, typically cedar or redwood. Many homeowners prefer wood shingles as they look natural and rustic and they are eco-friendly. But, they are not resistant to fire, which is why some homeowners are reluctant to go with this type of roof. This type of roof can, however, last up to 40 years when properly maintained and cared for.
Metal
This type of roofing comes in aluminum, steel, alloy strips and copper (tends to be expensive) as well as in different textures and shapes. Its surface, over time, begins to take on a greenish patina that is attractive to many people. Metal roofs are simple to install and are light in weight. Metal roofs are fire resistant too, since metal doesn’t burn, but can be a little noisy during a rainstorm. The steel strips can dent easily, but the textured surface of the roof can hide minor damage pretty well. This type of roof can keep your home cooler in the summer since this type of roof reflects the sun’s rays making it a huge benefit if you live in a hot climate.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
You can add a little elegance and texture to your roof with clay and concrete tiles. Genuine flat, scalloped or ribbed clay tiles are heavy, but very durable. You should definitely hire a professional to do the installation. The concrete tiles are less expensive and more versatile than genuine clay, but are still heavy.
No matter what roof style you decide on, you still want to ensure you have a warranty in place that will protect you from improper installation or any defected materials. In addition, look into installing an attic fan in conjunction with your new roof.