According to The Motley Fool, the average return on investment for new roof installation is 107%. New roofing is certainly an investment, but one that pays back and allows you to reap several benefits. There are a variety of roofing materials to choose from, and each one has advantages and disadvantages to consider. You have to find the best one for you and your home’s needs.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofing is the most common roofing available. Roof contractors the world over are well-versed in asphalt roofing installation, maintenance, and repairs. The familiarity with asphalt shingles and their low weight means that you can save on labor costs when your roof is being installed. They are the most affordable roofing type that you can opt for. They are dark and neutral in color, meaning they can fit with any style of home and any exterior paint.
Asphalt shingle’s low weight does make them more vulnerable to damage from high winds, especially if they were installed poorly to begin with. They are also more vulnerable to cracking. High heat and temperature fluctuations are usually the culprit. While their uniform appearance can work for many, if you want a bit of flare you will have to find it elsewhere on your home. Asphalt shingles are not the most expressive, to say the least. Asphalt shingles are durable but will need maintenance to last their entire lifespan.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing is an increasingly popular roofing style for a few reasons. They are incredibly durable and long-lasting. Whereas asphalt shingles will last around 20 years, metal roofing can go 40-70. If installed properly, they can withstand the harshest of storms. They’re flame-resistant, too. If you are eco-conscious, know that metal roofing is made up of 25-95% recycled materials, and is 100% recyclable after their time. They are also available in a variety of colors.
They are the strongest roofing option, but that comes with a price. They can be two or three times more expensive than the other options on this list. If they aren’t installed properly, you may experience warping and bulging that will require whole panels to be replaced. It’s important to work with a high-quality roof contractor for metal roof installation.
Single-Ply Roof Systems
Single-ply membrane roofing is a popular choice for commercial buildings with flat rooftops. There are two main types: TPO, or “white roofing”, and EPDM, or “black roofing”. Other than their color difference, TPO is younger than EPDM and so it’s not exactly known how long they can last. Both offer a variety of great benefits.
For one, they are incredibly easy to install, partly due to the fact that the roofing contractors are working on flat roofs. They both offer great energy efficiency for buildings looking to save on their utility bills. They are also weather-resistant and flexible to any roof shape.
Unfortunately, the single-ply membrane is susceptible to puncture damage from falling tree limbs and other debris. The membranes themselves can be impressively resistant to UV rays, but the adhesive holding them down may need to be updated periodically to prevent peeling edges.
Tile Roofing
If you want a beautiful and long-lasting roof, tile roofing may be the best option for you. Tile roofing has been in use for thousands of years. All you need to do is look up old Tuscan villas in Italy to see evidence of that. Clay or concrete tiles come in an array of beautiful colors, and the pattern they make on the roof is quite aesthetically pleasing in its own right. They can last for over 50 years, are pest-resistant, and are environmentally friendly.
While beautiful and unique, tile roofing is also quite expensive. It’s durable and weather resistant, but still susceptible to damage and cracking. They are also quite heavy, so it’s important to have the structure of your home checked before installing them.
Cedar Shake Roofing
Similar to tile roofing, cedar roofing is an older roofing style that has fallen out of fashion. It offers a natural look to any home, is durable, and is energy-efficient. However, they are very costly roofs, and prone to rot as they age. They will require a lot more maintenance than other materials and are much more vulnerable to fires.
For more information on roofing materials, and for expert roof contractors, contact The Roof Doctor. We offer high-quality roofing installation, repairs, and maintenance to homes and businesses in Olympia, WA and the surrounding areas. Let us put our decades of experience to work for you!
