roofing materials

Comparing Roofing Materials

When your roof needs replacing here in Texas, it’s a great time to update the roofing materials you select for your home. Chances are when your house was built or even the last time the roof was replaced, the most basic type of roofing materials was chosen. There are several decisions to make when you are choosing the roofing materials for your new roof. Not only are you looking for a durable roof, but you are also looking for a roof that is aesthetically pleasing. Asphalt shingles are most often the roofing material of choice, but we will also look at the other options so you can make a well-informed decision. And even with the asphalt option, there are different choices that can be made.

Asphalt Shingles

Among roofing materials, asphalt shingles are the most common. Eighty percent of homes in the U.S. are using asphalt shingles. The reason for this, of course, is the price. Asphalt shingles are the least expensive option when it comes time for a roof replacement. There are basically two main types of asphalt shingles, Three-tab or strip shingles, and architectural or dimensional shingles. Three-tab shingles are the most basic type of asphalt shingle. These are the shingles used when keeping costs at a minimum. They come in a large variety of colors but are the least durable choice in roofing materials. These will be the least effective at protecting your home in rough weather.Architectural shingles are of a much higher quality as well as being a much more attractive choice in asphalt shingles. Architectural shingles are multilayered so they are not only more durable but have a three-dimensional look to them as well. They are more expensive than the basic three-tab shingle but last longer and are much more attractive. These shingles are becoming the most popular choice in roofing materials today.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is another choice that people have for roofing material. Metal roofing has some advantages as well as some disadvantages. Metal roofing can be quite attractive however it can be quite noisy in a hail storm. metal roofing will also be quite a bit more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles. The durability of metal roofing is quite substantial as metal roofs can last 40 to 75 years. One downfall in the north Dallas area is that hail storms may cause dents in the roof that might be less than attractive; however, most of the dents in your metal roof will not be overly visible as long as the hail damage is not extensive. You can now find metal roofing that looks like clay barrel-shaped tiles, wood shake, and slate tiles

Slate and Synthetic Slate

Slate is an option that you used to see in years gone by but now it is quite an expensive type of roofing to use. Also, the weight of slate shingles creates the necessity of having a very strong framing system for your roof. A slate roof looks quite attractive and is extremely durable.  due to the weight of the shingles and the very high expense of choosing slate, it is generally not used as a choice these days except for in high-end homes.

Fake slate is generally made from recycled rubber and plastic materials and is quite durable and weighs a lot less than slate. it also is extremely long-lasting and costs a lot less than regular slate. With the synthetic slate, you get the nice look of slate with a lot less cost and still a great deal of durability.

Wooden shingles and Shakes

Wooden shingles and shakes used to be a choice that was quite attractive but it’s generally not used in very many places any longer as it has less resistance to fire damage. Many localities have restrictions that don’t allow wooden shakes or roofing material. You can now find synthetic choices that mimic wood shingles.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Clay or concrete tiles are very sturdy. They are generally quite heavy and will need a stronger framing structure in order to withstand the weight of the tile. They are very aesthetically pleasing to look at and are non-combustible. Often you will see these in the shape of a barrel type shape on the roof but many of them now can also be like a flat type of roofing material similar to a slate shingle. These tiles are very durable but also rather expensive.

The choices for roofing are expanding as many synthetic styles are now being offered that mimic many of the expensive choices.  This being said, asphalt shingles are still the choice of the majority of roof replacements in Texas and around the country. The real choice comes down to what you are willing to spend to get the look you want. Let LIFT Construction help you decide which roofing materials will best accent your home and improve its value.

Call LIFT Construction to discuss the roofing materials available to you. You can reach us at (800)-401-6103, or schedule your FREE appointment online. LIFT Construction is here to help!