A List of the Best Roofing Ideas and Materials for Your Home

No home is complete without a long-lasting roof.

The roof is one of the most important parts of a house because it protects the inside from the elements. Roofs are also essential to keep a house cool and warm. While they protect a home, they can also be stylish to give your home a nice look.

Many homeowners aren’t aware of the several options they have when it comes to getting a rooftop. Most think that shingles are the only option for roofing.

You may have the best contractors like Toronto Roofers to work on your roofing but it is always better to know a thing or two about it.

Continue reading to see a roofing materials comparison and gather roofing ideas.

Asphalt Shingle Roof

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular materials used for residential roofing because of their affordability and effectiveness. They’re made out of composite roof materials, such as fiberglass and asphalt.

One benefit of using asphalt shingles is that there are a wide variety of colors to choose from. They have a shorter life span than other materials, but they happen to be the cheapest roofing material, costing around $5.50 per square foot to install.

Asphalt shingle is easy to install, taking about 1-2 days to place. The shingles will then be good for up to 10 years, in which they’ll have to be replaced.

Metal Roof

Metal roofs are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and are made out of several metals, such as aluminum, steel, and copper. They can be shaped into both panels and shingles.

These roofs are often used for greenhouses in which collecting rainwater is beneficial. They are also useful for cabins because the sleek metal will prevent potential damage to the wood.

While metal roofs are strong and lightweight, they are also expensive. Copper and zinc are the most expensive metals, with steel and aluminum being the cheapest.

Slate Roof

Slate is a type of roof that is made out of stone. Unlike clay and concrete, slate is a rock that’s mined from quarries. This makes it more expensive because it isn’t as common.

Slate is more durable than other roofing materials and lasts a long time. It also requires highly-trained professionals to craft these and install them.

One downside to slate is there aren’t many color options. Alongside having few color options, slate can cost upwards of $80 per square foot. Because of its price, it’s typically only seen on larger, wealthier homes.

Clay and Concrete Tile Roof

Clay and concrete tiles are very common in Mediterranean and South American-styled homes. They don’t insulate heat very well, making them useful in warmer climates.

These heavy tiles cannot combust, and they allow water to slide right off, just like metal. Clay tiles are generally reddish whereas concrete tiles are gray. Concrete is usually cheaper than clay, but it is also heavier.

Both clay and concrete are more expensive than asphalt shingles and metal, and they last much longer. Their weight can make them difficult to install, but they don’t require much maintenance due to their durability.

Wood Shingle and Shake Roof

Wood shingles and shake roofs have been used for many years because the technology wasn’t advanced enough to produce asphalt shingles and metal roofs.

These roofs are completely natural, as they’re only made out of wood. The main difference between the two is that wood shakes are handmade. This makes them have a rougher texture and lack of consistency.

Wood shakes can leave gaps if not cut properly, which can allow for leaks to occur. Because they take a long time to produce and install, they’re generally more expensive than shingles.

If you’re considering getting a wooden roof, decide whether the region that you live in is suitable for one. Wooden roofs do not perform well in regions that have a lot of rain and humidity.

The moisture can make the wood rot, split, and produce mold. This type of roof is also highly vulnerable to fire, and some areas may not permit them.

Duro-Last Roofing

Duro-Last roofing is designed to provide buildings with a durable flat roof that will last for a long time. These roofs are common amongst warehouses and larger stores, such as retail stores.

If a building already has a flat roof installed, the Duro-Last system can usually be installed on top of the old one without removing it. This allows for a building to remain functional and avoid the risks that come with having an open roof.

Business owners often opt for Duro-Last because they come in a variety of colors and sizes. Each system is fitted exactly to its building, so there’s no need to include joints.

The lack of joints prevents your roof from having any weak spots. The Duro-Last system is also waterproof, preventing any water from leaking into the ceiling.

You can do further research to learn more about Duro-Last roofing, but we recommend it for any building that is equipped with a flat roof.

Make Your Roofing Ideas Come to Life with These Materials

Every material has its benefits, setting them apart from others. It’s up to you to decide which material is best suited for your building. Keep in mind that some are more costly than others, but also more durable.

While asphalt shingles are the most common materials for roofing, the other materials are stronger and last longer. No matter the structure, there’s a material that will complement your building, whether it’s a home or a business.

Feel free to browse our blog for more roofing ideas and advice about real estate.

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