Residential roofs are varied not only in terms of style and design, but also in terms of the materials used. The roofing material market is today extremely varied and large – while traditional materials are enjoying ongoing popularity, there are many newcomer materials available, too. Here is a selection of great residential roofing materials installed by Highlands Ranch roofing company pros.
Asphalt Shingles
The cheapest roofing material is today manufactured with modern technologies that make the solution durable and attractive, too. Asphalt shingles come in various quality levels, colors, shapes and textures, they are easy to install and easy to maintain, to mention just a few of the great benefits by the material. Asphalt used to be considered a material that could not withstand strong impact, but modern technologies solved that issue, too: you can easily find impact-resistant shingle varieties, developed especially for the special needs of hail-prone areas.
Metal Roofing
Metal sheets used to be common for commercial applications, but as metal roofing materials became diversified in terms of styles and colors, they have become popular for residential applications as well. Metal roofing materials are not only very attractive – they are also easy to install, easy to maintain and very durable. Very strong impact might cause dents to appear on the surface of your metal roof, but the damage is likely to be just cosmetic.
Cedar Roofing
There are many roofing materials that are more resistant or more durable than cedar, but none of them is more beautiful – the natural, organic appearance of cedar shake roofs is unparalleled. The material comes in the form of shakes and shingles, the first type being the thicker and stronger option.
If you choose this all-natural option, be prepared that the great looks requires some effort to maintain. Cedar roofs need to be regularly inspected for any sign of rot or other damage and they also need to be protected with special coating products applied regularly to prevent any damage caused by harsh UV radiation, the exposure to excessive moisture or insect attacks.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Terracotta tiles are probably the most traditional roofing materials, while concrete tiles resemble clay pieces, but they are a bit more affordable. Both materials are appreciated for their superior thermal insulation properties – they can significantly reduce the temperature inside the building in summer and they can help maintain temperatures comfortably warm in winter –, their attractive appearance and their durability of around 100 years. Clay and cement tiles are sensitive to string impact, but the damaged components are very easy to replace.
Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are among the newest roofing materials – they have been around only for a couple of years, but they are already very much sought-for. They are made from engineered plastic, therefore they are resistant to almost everything, including fire, high winds and the harm that water can cause, such as rot.
Composite shingles are installed the same way as asphalt shingles – the pieces are nailed to the support structure – , the most important difference between asphalt and composite being durability and price: composite shingles last longer and cost more than asphalt.