There are a lot of different roofing materials that can be used to make your home look its best. If you’re looking to add some style and sophistication to your roof, these are the top 10 most popular roofing materials for homes in the United States.
The most common residential roofing material in the United States is asphalt shingles. They come in a variety of colors and styles to fit your needs. They’re also inexpensive, easy to install, and long-lasting.
1. Asphalt
Asphalt roofing is one of the most popular roof materials in the world. It’s durable, affordable and looks great on any home. It can be used with a wide variety of architectural styles and is available in dozens of colors.
In addition to its beauty, asphalt shingles are also highly energy-efficient. The shingles themselves can reflect a higher percentage of the sun’s infrared rays, which help to reduce the temperature of your house and the amount of energy you use to cool it.
For example, if you live in an area with lots of hot sunny days, you can get asphalt shingles that are specially designed to reflect more infrared rays. This can lower your roof’s temperature by a degree or two on these days, which can save you money on your electricity bill.
Another advantage of asphalt shingles is that they are relatively inexpensive to manufacture. They are lightweight and can be easily installed by professionals.
There are many different types of asphalt shingles, including 3-tab and dimensional shingles. The dimensional style comes in different colors and is typically more durable than the 3-tab style. Dimensional shingles are often made to look like slate or other natural materials, which can add to the aesthetic of your home. However, these shingles are generally more expensive than the cheaper 3-tab shingles.
2. Metal
Metal roofing materials are quickly becoming one of the most popular roofing options. They offer a wide range of benefits that make them a top choice for many homeowners, from aesthetic appeal to durability and longevity.
Compared to traditional shingles, these panels feature a unique, appealing appearance that easily boosts curb appeal and the value of your home. They come in a variety of colours and can be made to resemble cedar, tile, composite and more.
Another benefit of metal is that it can be coated in a number of ways to provide additional protection from the elements. It’s often a good idea to choose a coating that is rated for the climate your home is in, as it will help prevent deterioration over time.
It’s also important to choose a coating that is thick enough to last the lifespan of your roof. Thicker coatings will cost more initially, but they’ll also be a lot less likely to deteriorate over the long haul.
Steel and aluminum are the two most common metals used in residential roofing. They’re both durable, easy to install and can be shaped on site for complex shapes or designs.
Both types of metal can be coated with a variety of finishes, including galvanized steel and zinc (galvalume). They’re durable and long-lasting, and they’re able to reflect thermal temperatures to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
3. Slate
If you’re looking for a durable and visually-appealing roof, slate is definitely worth considering. Not only does it provide superior durability and a unique aesthetic, but it’s also incredibly eco-friendly.
Slate is a metamorphic rock that gets its distinctive texture and color from the preferential orientation of its platy minerals. These minerals are oriented perpendicular to the direction of maximum stress due to the regional compression they’ve endured over time.
Because slate is a naturally-occurring mineral, it requires minimal processing and manufacturing. This makes it an environmentally-friendly option for roofing, compared to other materials like asphalt shingle and metal.
The main disadvantage of slate is its high cost. While slate is a durable and attractive roofing material, it’s not an economical choice for most homeowners.
Another problem with slate is its weight. A single slate can weigh up to 1500 pounds, which can be a challenge for roof decks to support.
Despite its drawbacks, though, slate is still a popular choice for many homeowners. For those who want the natural look of slate but don’t want to pay the price, there are synthetic slate options that are available. These shingles are made from a combination of plastic and rubber, and they mimic the appearance of authentic slate at a much lower cost. Plus, they can last up to three times longer than traditional slate! Regardless of what kind of slate you choose for your roof, be sure to have your home evaluated by an expert before you make your final decision.
4. Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are a popular choice for homes that need a roofing system that will last for years to come. They are durable, attractive and highly fire and insect resistant, making them a great investment for your home.
They are also very aesthetically pleasing, complementing a wide range of design styles and color palettes. This look can be enhanced by varying surface finishes, which ensures a more unique aesthetic for your home.
Another great benefit of using clay tiles is that they are environmentally friendly and are fully recyclable. This helps to lower your carbon footprint and reduces your energy costs.
In addition, they are a great choice for homeowners that want to keep their homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Their curved design enables air to freely circulate beneath them, helping to regulate rooftop temperatures.
Additionally, they are incredibly long-lasting, which means you won’t have to worry about them rotting or sustaining damage from rain and snow. This can be particularly important in warmer climates, like Florida.
One drawback to using clay tiles is that they can be very heavy. If you’re planning on installing this type of roof system, you’ll need to have your home evaluated by a structural engineer to ensure that the frame and rafters can support its weight.
5. Concrete Tiles
Concrete roof tiles are a popular choice for homeowners because they offer an array of benefits. They are aesthetically pleasing, durable and easy to install.
They can also mimic the textures of other materials, like wood shake and slate. They are also a great choice for homes in areas that experience extreme wind or heavy snow loads.
In addition, concrete roofing tiles are eco-friendly because they don’t contain any fossil fuels. They also withstand heat and fire quite well.
Moreover, they can also last for over 50 years if they’re set up and maintained properly.
However, concrete tiles can also be more susceptible to damage than other roofing materials. This means that they’ll need to be repaired or replaced more often.
Additionally, they are also prone to weathering, which can result in the advancement of stains and moss and mildew growth.
To avoid this, make sure that you install a protective layer on your concrete roof tiles. This will help to protect them from UV rays, rainwater and dampness.
Lastly, make sure that you hire a licensed contractor to install your concrete tile roofing system. It’s best to find a local professional who is familiar with manufacturer specifications and has a reputation for honesty and quality work.
6. Wood Shingles & Shakes
Wood shingles & shakes offer an attractive rustic look, increasing your home’s curb appeal. These materials typically start out light brown and age into a distinctive silver-gray color as they weather over time.
They’re often made of cedar, redwood, or cypress, and have been treated to prevent mold, mildew, and fungus. These types of shingles also are durable, providing lasting protection from rain, hail, and heavy winds.
Another great thing about wood shingles is that they’re a natural insulator, which can save you money on heating and cooling bills. However, you do need to keep them cleaned regularly to avoid buildup that can lead to roof leaks and other issues.
Roofing experts advise homeowners to clean their gutters regularly, too. This helps to remove debris and protect your wood shingles from falling branches, which can weaken them over time.
A major disadvantage of wood shingles is that they’re not as durable as other roofing materials, like metal or slate. This means that they will require a lot of maintenance and repairs in the future, which can be a significant expense.
Generally speaking, the best type of wood shingle is edge grain. This type of wood is cut perpendicular to the tree’s rings, which makes it more stable and less likely to distort over time. You can expect to pay more for these shingles, but they’re worth it for their long-term durability and strength. Just make sure you also have skilled roofers, like those from GSO Roofing, on the job.