Choosing the right type of roof for a new house or a complete roof replacement can be quite difficult. There are so many options available on the market, but which one is the best for you?
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material in the U.S. They are readily available, relatively inexpensive up-front, and easy to install. Tearing down a shingle roof can be quick, making replacement easy and affordable. Depending on the materials and construction, asphalt shingle roofs last up to 20 years or more. They are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles, so you can find something to match your home’s exterior and increase curb appeal.
The main disadvantage is they can crack more easily upon impact and when exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. They’re also more vulnerable to wind damage and can be susceptible to mildew and moss issues.
Metal
Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. They’re known for their toughness and can last between 40 to 70 years. They’re extremely lightweight, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly.
They’re non-combustible and perform well against strong winds, moisture, and pesky insects. Through integrated thermal breaks and reflective coatings, metal roofs can reduce your home’s energy costs by up to 25% or more.
Metal roofs are more expensive than most other roofing materials. They can be noisy during heavy rains or hail storms and are prone to expansion and contraction. The installation process for metal roofs can be longer.
Tiles
Whether made of molded concrete, fired clay, or slate, a tile roof will add a lot of character in your home. They come in many shapes: flat, curved, interlocking, fluted, and in many styles.
Quality tiles should last 50 to 100 years or more. Roof tiles are generally durable, fireproofed, and resistant to fading. They are low-maintenance, can withstand strong gushes of wind, and are impervious to rot and insect damage.
Tile roofing is a great option for areas exposed to hot weather. They are energy efficient because they’re designed to reflect light and their heavy thermal mass helps provide insulation during colder temperatures, helping you cut down on heating and cooling bills.
Tile roofs tend to be expensive and are heavy and difficult to install. What’s more, they are fragile and unsuitable for climates with fluctuating weather.
Wood/Cedar Shake
A traditional cedar shake roof is made from split logs. These roofs have a very distinctive and natural look because every shingle is of slightly varying thickness and length. Cedar shake roofs have been around since the colonial times for many reasons.
They’re reliable in any climate and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Cedar is a natural insulator and can cut down on energy expenses. With proper maintenance, a wood shake shingle roof will have a useful life of 20 to 40 years.
While fire-resistance is a concern, cedar shake roofs usually have a fire-resistance coating for safety. Wood shake roofing is about double the cost of popular roofing materials such as asphalt shingles. They also require a great deal of professional maintenance to prevent the growth of algae and moss, insect infiltration, and to keep it from deteriorating too quickly.
Flat Roof
Flat roofs are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners because of their modern aesthetics and unique look. PVC, single-ply TPO, and torch down are some of the most common types of flat roofing materials.
Flat roofs are affordable and easier to install because they need fewer materials, come in large sheets, and there is no pitch to the roof. They also offer extra space at the top, which you can use for solar panels or air conditioning units or you can have a rooftop deck or patio.
The materials offer excellent protection against UV rays, water, insects, and inclement weather. Some of the membranes can reflect UV rays to keep the home cooler; others can absorb heat to lower heating bills.
Flat roof materials generally have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Membranes can be easily punctured by falling tree debris, foot traffic, or storm damage. They require more maintenance because water will collect over time, especially when the weather is rainy.
When it’s time for a new roof, look to Guardian Homes. We specialize in residential roof repairs, replacement, and maintenance. Our roofing technicians are uniquely qualified to give you accurate information about every type of roof material to help you choose the best option and style for your home. Get in touch with us for an appointment and/or estimate.
The roof plays a critical role in protecting your property and family from the elements regardless of the prevailing weather conditions. With proper installation and maintenance, your roof should keep you safe and dry for decades. Unfortunately, your roof will suffer from wear and tear over the years, but when you keep up to date with preventive maintenance, you can solve issues quickly and easily. Here are the top three residential roofing practices you can do:
It is an excellent idea to periodically carry out visual inspections of your roof. After heavy storms, try to walk around your home to see if there are any visible signs of damage or if debris has accumulated on your roof. Rotting tree branches and leaves can cause damage to shingles and clog your gutter system.
If you spot any signs of damage, you should call a reputable local roofing contractor and arrange for repairs as soon as possible. It’s recommended you have your roof inspected twice a year by a professional and after heavy storms. This way, you can identify minor issues and fix them early before they escalate into major, costly problems requiring a full roof replacement.
Keep comprehensive records regarding your roof, including when it was installed, maintenance done on it, and any other pertinent information. Other than helping you know when to schedule periodic inspections and maintenance, keeping clear records about your roof can help keep your warranty intact. Records of dates and details of roofers who stepped on your roof can also help you identify the cause of roofing issues and show due diligence with your roof maintenance plans.
Although you can regularly conduct visual inspections of your roof or clean any debris on your roof and gutters from a ladder, it’s never advisable to go on the roof yourself. Let a professional roofer carry out any work. Roofing is one of the riskiest professions due to the heights involved.
From the ground level, you can, however, carry out visual inspection of your roof and look out for the following:
Only an experienced roofer has the training, expertise, and equipment to safely climb up roofs and carry out detailed inspections and necessary repairs. Typically, early discovery of issues can lead to cheaper and more manageable solutions.
At Guardian Homes in the greater Puget Sound Area, we have the experience to maintain your roof and provide you with invaluable tips on how to care for it. Our roofing specialists will also give you a rough estimate of how much longer your roof will last. Contact us today to schedule your roofing inspection.
Repairing or replacing your roofing system can be a costly proposition. So, it’s important as a homeowner to understand the life expectancies of different roofing materials to make an informed choice when investing in a new roof. Here is a quick roundup of how long various residential roofing materials last.
An asphalt shingle roof lasts around 15 to 25 years when properly maintained and barring significant storms or disasters. However, you will need to have your roof thoroughly inspected by a professional around the 15-year mark, especially if your roof has faced a major weather issue.
If you suspect your asphalt shingles might need repairs or replacement, look out for major cracks, curled shingles around the edges, or missing granules. A hailstorm, tornado, blizzard, or other catastrophic weather event could shorten the lifetime, prompting untimely repairs or replacement.
Metal roofing systems are becoming increasingly popular for residential homes, thanks to their longevity. With proper installation and maintenance, metal roofs can last for decades. Typically, a metal roof can last for up to 50 years or even longer if it is well cared for and no major storms or other problems occur. In fact, copper or zinc can remain beautiful and fully functional for 100 years, making their high upfront cost well worth the investment.
If your home has a flat or low-sloped roof, a roofing membrane such as EPDM can be an ideal choice due to its low cost and ease of installation and repair. However, EPDM roofs only last 5-15 years and are prone to leakage due to their glued or taped seams. TPO or PVC roof membranes are more costly but relatively more durable alternatives for flat or low-sloped roofs.
Cedar roofing offers an elegant and timeless appearance. It’s highly rot and insect-resistant, making it last for decades or even longer with proper maintenance. Typically, cedar shingles or shakes can last 30-40 years depending on the climate, level of maintenance, and presence of any overhanging trees which can cause faster deterioration. When you begin to notice cedar shingles or shakes peeling or cracking, then you know it is time to consider repairing or replacing your roof.
Tile roofing systems are popular in warmer, wetter climates due to their impressive heating and cooling efficiencies and water resistance. The lifespan of your tile roof will largely depend on the specific type of tile you choose and the prevailing weather conditions in your region. Overall, tile roofs can last 100 years or longer with proper care.
While the lifespan of your roof will largely depend on the specific roofing material you choose, the installation technique and maintenance routines will significantly shorten or prolong the life expectancy of your roof. Always work with a reliable, local roofer for all your roofing and maintenance needs. Guardian Homes is your ultimate roofing partner in the greater Puget Sound Area. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection!
