When it comes to protecting your home, there are few more important components of a house than its roof. The right roof will keep your home dry in the rain, warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. Today, homeowners have access to a variety of roofing materials, all of which have specific benefits and disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular roofing materials available and how each can protect your home.
1. Asphalt
These shingles, sometimes called “composite” shingles, are made from asphalt, mineral granules, and either fibreglass or cellulose. These extremely common roofing materials are commonly found throughout the world.
Advantages:
-Higher-quality shingles are known for their long lifespan.
-Come in a variety of different forms to suit your budget.
-Very cost-effective and affordable.
-Popular material that’s easy to install.
Disadvantages:
-Will eventually need replaced.
-Very few colour selections.
-More cost-effective shingles are subject to damage from hail.
2. Wood Shingles
Probably one of the most recognizable roofing materials, wood shingles come from a variety of different tree types, each with certain looks. In general, you can find wood shingles made from cypress, redwood, pine and western red cedar.
Advantages:
-Ideal for steeply-pitched roofs.
-Beautiful and instantly-recognizable look.
-Despite being darker, wood roofs often have less impact on the internal temperature of your home.
-A green choice that uses renewable materials.
Disadvantages:
-Complicated installation means you’ll likely have to hire professionals.
-Can catch fire.
-Will rot and decay over time. Requires regular maintenance for a long-lasting roof.
-Looks will fade over time as the shingles are exposed to rain, UV light, and temperature changes.
3. Metal Shingles
Less popular in the Edmonton area, some homes may still have metal roofs because of the aesthetics and unique advantages. These days, you can find metal roofs made from steel, aluminum, and copper. Different designs are also available, including metal sheeting (sometimes called “standing seam”) and shingles.
Advantages:
-Extremely durable and long-lasting.
-Can’t catch fire.
-Very cool energy efficient, meaning your home will stay cooler in the hot summer sun.
Disadvantages:
-Can be a jarring aesthetic difference from the rest of your home.
-Requires regular maintenance to help fight corrosion (especially steel and aluminum roofing).
-Subject to rust, although less so in Edmonton’s dry climate.
-Metal roofs shed water more quickly than other materials, meaning you may have to redo your gutters to keep up with the drain.
-Can be dented from hail, trees, and other falling objects.
The modern homeowner has many different roofing materials available. If you’re thinking about a new roof, or are house hunting and considering the roofing material, be sure to balance the costs, advantages, and disadvantages to each type of material. In doing so, you could find a roof that looks great and lasts much longer
Posted by Gurpreet Ghatehora on
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