When deciding on a new roof for your home, the options can seem overwhelming. There are so many products available, each offered in numerous colors and styles. With such an important decision, it’s no wonder why many people tend to leave the choice up to the roofing contractor.
The average homeowner will spend only 15 minutes selecting the roof to be installed on their home. Many more will simply replace the old roof with one that is nearly the same product, color, and style as the old roof. Getting a new roof is an exciting experience that can revitalize the look of your home. Every homeowner should review all of their options before deciding on a roof product.
asphalt shingles
These are the most common type of roofing materials. Most homes in the United States have these shingles, as they tend to be the most affordable option. Asphalt shingles provide good coverage and fire protection in most climates. However, shingles can crack, warp, or break in high winds or extreme weather. They also tend to have a shorter lifespan than alternative roofing materials.
Traditional asphalt shingles are not environmentally friendly and are difficult to dispose of. They cannot be recycled or reused and end up in landfills. However, recent advancement in shingle materials has produced a recycled composition product. These recycled asphalt shingles are made from recycled rubber and plastic, producing an environmentally friendly green roofing product.
slabs
In recent years, more homeowners have turned to shingles as their roofing product of choice. These tiles come in many colors and are often made of clay, ceramic, or slate. Shingles are more durable than asphalt shingles and are highly fire resistant. Shingles tend to be heavier than other roofing materials and can be more expensive to repair if a shingle chips or breaks.
Shingles have yet to come out with an explicit “green” product; however, the nature of the tile itself is inherently environmentally friendly. Clay and slate are natural materials found in the earth and do not emit the toxic chemicals found in traditional asphalt shingles.
wood shakes
Wood shingles, or shakes, last longer than asphalt shingles and require less maintenance. In general, wood shingles are more wind and weather resistant than asphalt shingles. However, wood slats are more vulnerable to water damage, mold and mildew. They also require explicit treatment to be considered fire resistant.
Woodshakes are naturally friendly to the environment. They are biodegradable and do not have any toxic chemicals. However, due to recent pressure to conserve trees, many wood slats are now made from a recycled wood composition.
Metal
Metal roofs have become increasingly popular over the years. They are usually made of aluminum, tin, steel, or copper. Metal roofs are the most durable and highly weather resistant roofing materials. Metal roofing materials are lightweight and provide better insulation than other roofing materials. Metal roofs can be expensive to install or repair.
Metal roofing can be made from scrap, making it a great quality green roof product. Old metal roofing can be recycled into new roofing or other metal products.