In the past, people used to have limited access to building materials, and all houses were built in more or less the same way. Obviously, if your options were limited, the whole decision-making process was much easier. It was helpful in case of bigger investments, such as choosing the material for your roof.
Nowadays, the market is overflowing with options. If you’re building a new house and need to install everything from scratch, or your roof is old, and you desperately need to repair it or get a new one, making your mind won’t be easy. There are many different roofing materials, each one coming with its own features, pros, and cons. In this article, we’ll present a quick overview of the most common roofing materials currently available on the market. Hopefully, we will help you decide which one to choose. Here’s everything you need to know about different types of roofing materials:
Asphalt Shingles
Budget-friendly and easy to install, asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material. They’re not the most durable option available, but they’re resistant to wind and fire. They can be reinforced with either organic or fiberglass base and coated with a wide variety of colors, depending on your preferences.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are heavy and durable, which means they can last you a long time. They add a touch of effortless elegance and texture while also being fire-resistant. However, they can be difficult to fasten and secure, which can affect the final price. Feel free to check a site like https://www.beesleyandfildes.co.uk/ for more details, especially if you want to compare different options.
Concrete Tiles
Made from a mixture of sand and cement, concrete tiles are a modern alternative to clay tiles. They have similar properties regarding their usage, resistance, weight, and even appearance. However, concrete tiles are cheaper, which makes them a popular choice among many homeowners.
Solar Tiles
Perfect for sunny locations where installing solar panels is not allowed, solar tiles are solar-powered shingles that can be integrated into your already existing roof setup. They’re eco-friendly and give your home a sleek, modern look. Keep in mind, though, that they are relatively expensive and rely on sunlight for power. However, they can significantly increase the retail value of your home.
Slate Shingles
If you’re looking for a roofing material that can outlive you – look no further! Slate roofs are known for their longevity as they can last for over 100 years. It’s a cost-efficient, eco-friendly investment. Slate shingles are also fire- and water-resistant, and many homeowners praise them for their timeless beauty and great texture. However, they tend to break quite easily. As such, it’s not advisable to install them in areas that often experience hail.
Synthetic Tiles
Due to the high demand for eco-friendly and durable materials, synthetic tiles are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. They can easily mimic the look of other types of roofing materials, such as slate, concrete, or wood. Manufacturers are eager to produce synthetic tiles due to their compliance with various building codes and energy efficiency standards. These tiles are durable, resistant to wind, pollution, and high impact. They’re a popular choice for urban architects and developers because they reduce the heat-island effect in densely populated areas and help alleviate the cooling load on residential homes and businesses.
Metal Roofing
By some people, metal roofing is considered to be the highest-performing roofing material available. It, too, has pros and cons. It should last you from 30 to 50 years; it’s lightweight, impervious to rain and snow, and reflects direct sunlight, which helps you keep up temperature balance during the summer. However, it’s quite expensive, and it’s prone to denting. During extreme weather, it tends to be quite noisy. It’s also not recommended for areas with frequent hail occurrences.
The Bottom Line
Now you’re familiar with some of the most popular roofing materials available on the market. As you can see, making the right choice won’t be easy. You have to consider your needs first, as well as compare the materials depending on their properties, best features, and potential drawbacks. Some of them have distinctive features that other tiles don’t offer.
Ultimately, it all boils down to your needs and budget. More often than not, you’ll have to make your decision based on your personal preferences and the amount of money you can spend on this part of your house. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t rush with your choice. It’s a long-term investment, so it’s important to pick well and don’t regret your decision later.
