Home Improvement

What is the best material to use for a roof?

In recent years, choosing the perfect roofing material for a home is becoming more tasking than it used to be because there are now many roofing options. However, before you decide on the type of material to use for your roof, there are many factors you have to take into consideration. To help you figure out the best material to use for a roof, here are some of the top options of roofing materials.

·      Clay and Concrete Tiles

Clay and concrete tiles are a great choice of roofing material if you want to add style and texture to your roof. Clay and concrete tiles are made with thick materials, which makes them durable and long-lasting, but expensive and stressful to install. Concrete tiles are more energy-efficient and cheaper than clay tiles and they both have a lifespan of over 40 years.

·      Slate

Slate is at the top of the list of roofing materials for appearance, versatility, texture, lifespan, and durability. Slate is a naturally occurring hard rock that does not require toxins in its manufacturing process. This fact makes it durable, versatile, and energy-efficient because it can help regulate the home’s heat. Slates are fireproof and resistant to microorganisms, but installing them is more expensive than the other roofing materials.

·      Wood

Wood materials can either be shingles or shakes. The wood shakes are sawn by machines, which makes them thicker, while wood shingles are handmade, making them look rougher. Wood is an excellent choice of roofing material because it improves the overall look of the house. In terms of efficiency, wood shingles and shakes are good insulators. Wood shingles and shakes are quite expensive to install, and they have a lifespan of 25-30 years.

·      Asphalt

Asphalt materials are pocket-friendly and they come in different colors, which makes them a popular choice among many homeowners. However, using asphalt for your roof will likely lead to maintenance issues and energy inefficiency. They have zero insulation and a shorter lifespan (between 20-30 years) than other roofing materials like metals and clay.

·      Metals

Metal roofs are available in panels or shingles, and both are made from aluminum, copper, lead, or stainless steel, making them recyclable. They are also resistant to extreme weather conditions as they are very durable, with a longer life-span when compared to wood and asphalt. Metal roofing is expensive to install, but it requires little maintenance to remain in good condition after installation.

These are the popular choices of roofing materials and some of the qualities that make them outstanding. Before deciding on the roofing material to use for your roof, weigh all your options alongside their advantages and disadvantages so that you can make the best choice.