Deciding on the ideal type of roofing material for your home can be a difficult task. There are a wealth of possibilities, each of which comes with aesthetic benefits and safety perks aplenty. For homeowners looking for a roof replacement or to install an entirely new system, it can greatly benefit you to go into the process with as much information as possible. Let’s break down the different roofing systems and help you find the right one for your home.
Asphalt Shingles
As one of the most common types of roofs, you’re probably most familiar with asphalt shingle roofs, and for good reason. They might not be the most versatile option, but asphalt roofing combines a quality price with enough durability for most homeowners.
Asphalt shingles come in three unique types: 3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles. Dimensional shingles are the most common type used, but each has additional benefits as you go down the line. They can last anywhere from 15-30 years, and require a fairly easy installation process.
Metal Roofs
Most modern metal roofs are of the standing seam variety, and if you’re worried about having to get frequent roof repairs or if you’re in an environment with unpredictable weather conditions, this is a great option. Standing seam metal roofing are long metal panels that are locked together at their seams. It might come with a heightened cost, but homeowners are prioritizing safety and longevity more and more by investing in these roofs. They can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, protecting against rain, sleet, snow, hail, high winds, and fire.
Cedar Shake Roof
Cedar shake roofs are premium systems made of natural wood and are one of the more aesthetically pleasing options on the market. Hard split and taperstown options give you a variety of methods to outfit your home, but keep your current climate in mind. Because these roofs are a bit more susceptible to the elements, discuss with your roofing contractor the impacts your area might have on the stability of the roofing system.
Slate Roofs
If you want a set-it-and-forget-it option, a slate roof is your best bet. Hard slate can last up to 200 years, while soft slate can give you strength for almost 125 years. It’s also a great option to protect against fires, and there are plenty of colors to choose from. Your slate roof can be anything from gray, blue, green, brown, or red, and the low maintenance requirements are just another checkmark in a long line of perks.
Clay Tile Roofs
Clay tiles are one of the most popular roofing materials worldwide, dating back centuries. But don’t mistake their old roots for lacking in quality. These roofing materials can provide anywhere from 50 years to a century worth of usage. They can be somewhat expensive to fix, but this doesn’t mean you’ll have to repair them much at all. They are durable selections for warm climates, can resist hurricane-strength winds, and are fire-resistant alternatives as well.
The Roofing System You Choose Won’t Matter Without a Good Installation
As you can see, there are plenty of roofing options available for homeowners, from simple to extravagant. But while you and your family might not all be able to agree on which one to choose, one thing that we all should agree on is that a quality installation is the most vital part of the process. There’s nothing worse than a project done with half the effort needed, but with ALP Roofing, you won’t have to worry. As one of the top Hartford County roofing companies, we pride ourselves on quality installations of all roofing products, so give us a call today!