When it comes to installing a new roof you have all kinds of shingle options. While most of your neighbors probably have the classic asphalt shingle, which is an affordable and durable option, there are other types of shingles you can opt for. These various shingles can enhance the way your home looks, improve insulation, and many even last a lifetime, so you will never have to install a new roof again (although regular maintenance is still necessary). But what are the best roofing shingles? Here’s what you need to know about the options and the benefits these shingles provide.
Asphalt Shingles
This is the most common kind of shingle used, especially in this area of the country. Asphalt is inexpensive, it is durable, and it’s easy to use. Asphalt also can expand and contract with the weather, which is great for a location where the temperature can change without much warning.
If you’re looking to simply install a new roof and don’t need anything elaborate or fancy, asphalt is a fantastic way to go. There are also plenty of color options, so you can change the look and feel of the outside of your home by simply going with a slightly different color when you install the new shingles.
The life expectancy of these shingles is good. You can expect upwards of 20 years with the shingles, but make sure to perform annual maintenance on the shingles. Because the shingles are softer, there can be some wear and tear over a year.
Wood Shingles
Also known as wood shakes, there is just something truly beautiful about the organic nature of wood. These wood shingles are generally made from cedar, although other kinds of wood can be used. When you want to capture that cabin look, nothing beats wood shingles. These are also all-natural materials and recyclable, so when it comes time to replace the shingles this wood can be used in another project. If you’re going for an eco-friendly shingle, wood is a viable option.
It is important though to consider some of the possible drawbacks of wood. Wood, as is the case with wood siding or wood decks, will need to be treated on a regular basis. Over time, the wood will dry out, which results in cracks and deterioration. In terms of work, wood shingles take more general upkeep than probably any other form of shingle out there, but if this is the beautiful look you’re going for, it might be worth it. However, it is vital to keep the singles treated otherwise dried out wood is low fire-resistant.
Clay Tiles
Clay is a material you don’t see much around this area of the country. It is far more common in Arizona, Nevada, and California deserts. The red clay tiles are beautiful and are generally easy to maintain. Replacing a broken tile is also rather straightforward. The tile does an excellent job of insulating the home. Forms of stone are generally exceptional when it comes to this, and the clay tile is fire resistant.
When it comes to a clay tile roof, you often will not replace the entire roof at once. As long as the clay remains intact, it doesn’t need to be swapped out, so with proper care, clay can last a lifetime, although you will need to replace cracked tiles along the way.
The biggest issue with clay in this area of the country is the weight. Clay is heavy, which means your roof needs to support it. With heavy snowfall, this might be too much weight, and it can lead to additional damage.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are exploding in popularity. There is a streamlined look to these roofs, and it is even possible to use some materials that replicate the look of shingles rather well. Metal roofs are easy to install and the roof can be installed faster. The metal is energy efficient, and despite that old adage of metal absorbing heat, the way metal roofs are treated, they actually pull in dramatically less heat than traditional asphalt.
There are several kinds of metal roofs out there. Aluminum is one of the most common because it is affordable and easy to use. Steel is another option, and steel has a slight advantage when it comes to repairs. This is because when aluminum is damaged, it is almost impossible to pull the dent back flat. While the materials are extremely rigid and are not damaged easily, it is just something to keep in mind.
Copper is another roofing option that some decide to go for. Copper is a beautiful material, but it does need to be treated regularly. Otherwise, the copper is going to take on a greenish look to it. Copper is also extremely expensive.
Slate
If you want a stone roof but clay is too heavy, slate might be the answer. Slate has an asphalt-like look to it, but it is made of stone and it is not only eco-friendly and energy-efficient, but this kind of roof can last you a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Help With Your Next Roofing Project
Are you on the market for a new roof? Are you curious about what kind of improvement it can make to the value of your property? Perhaps you are not sure which roofing materials might work for you, or how long it might take to install the roof. Whatever your questions might be, the team at Charlotte Roofing Specialists are here to help you with all the answers you need.
So if you have questions you’d like addressed or if you are ready to begin the installation of your new roof, all you need to do is fill out a request form on the website or give the team at Charlotte Roofing Specialists a call at your earliest convenience.
