Have you ever considered the importance of roofs? These structures not only contribute to the exterior of houses but to the comfort of homeowners as well, by keeping homes dry regardless of the weather conditions. Therefore, looking for roofing materials should be taken seriously and approached with maximal attention. Apart from traditional products like asphalt shingles, wood shakes, metal strips, and clay tiles, manufacturers have come up with numerous innovative solutions. In recent times, customers have discovered the benefits of ShinkoLite, an acrylic roofing product with incredible heat and UV resistance.
For you to choose the right variant, you need to learn more about the longevity, design, cost, and maintenance of the following roofing materials.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are undoubtedly the most frequently used residential roofing material due to its affordability and incredible convenience in terms of installation. Apart from asphalt, these shingles contain a fiberglass layer and ceramic granules, each of them providing different benefits. For instance, fiberglass contributes to their strength, while ceramic granules are known for deflecting the damaging UV rays. Asphalt, on the other hand, is the layer that guarantees waterproofness.
Moreover, asphalt shingles are available in three main types, differing in thickness, appearance, and price. The standard shingles are the most affordable variant but the thinnest one as well. Conversely, architectural shingles provide greater thickness and more elegant appearance, thus resembling wood shakes. However, the multilayered shingles are considered as the thickest variant, which provides excellent durability at a higher cost.
Additionally, this roofing material has a long lifespan of a minimum of twenty years, which makes it a great value for money. It’s available in an extensive range of colors and styles for customers to choose, hence enabling homeowners to find a suitable match for their requirements. These shingles aren’t complicated in terms of installation and can be even installed over existing tiles.
Wood shakes
Wood shakes are one of the most appealing roofing materials, known for their nice-looking texture and incredible thickness. This material provides excellent air circulation, which in turn contributes to greater coolness. By choosing wood shakes, you will automatically skip the sheathing process, as wood stripes are installed straight onto the roof rafters.
Furthermore, wood shakes are the best choice for homeowners looking for eco-friendly roofing material, owing to their biodegradable nature. Anyhow, this material requires occasional maintenance checks in order to remove the moss and mildew, thus minimizing the risk of decay and extending its lifespan. Keep in mind that a well-maintained wood roof is likely to last at least 30 to a maximum of 50 years. Click here for some useful tips about cleaning wooden, cedar shingles. Nevertheless, wood shakes aren’t suitable for roofing material in regions that are prone to seasonal fires. Although roofers apply fire retardant paint, which impedes the spread of fire, wood shakes can never acquire fire-resistant properties.
Metal
Metal roofing can be purchased in the form of copper, aluminum, and steel strips, available in various textures. Although metal doesn’t provide the appealing look like other roofing materials, it compensates with its incredible lifespan of 50-100 years. Copper roof tiles are unquestionably the costliest variant due to their resistance to corrosion. Unlike copper, steel and aluminum tiles require proper protection against corrosion, as these are likely to rust. Therefore, metal roofing is supposed to be avoided in corrosive environments.
In addition, metal is known to be a fireproof material, thus being an appropriate choice for homeowners dwelling in fire-prone areas. It also provides great cooling, owing to its ability to effectively deflect the strong sun rays in hot regions. Hence, metal roof tiles are an ideal choice for homeowners living in boiling climates, as it keeps houses considerably cooler.
Shinkolite
Shinkolite is an innovative acrylic roofing material, which is the right alternative for individuals looking for a translucent roof. Owing to its smooth and shiny surface, Shinkolite resembles glass, thus providing homeowners with an elegant appearance. The acrylic sheets are solid enough to resist harsh weather conditions, sunlight, and UV rays. As a result, Shinkolite roofs aren’t susceptible to mold growth, which facilitates the maintenance process.
Unlike metal, acrylic sheets are believed to produce significantly less noise during rainy weather. The lifespan of this roofing material is approximately 10 years, during which you’ll enjoy excellent protection against heat and infrared radiation. Regarding installation, such roofs are relatively easy to install, requiring no more than two weeks for the process to be completed. In terms of maintenance, acrylic sheets are best cleaned with soap or dishwashing liquid and wiped with a soft cloth. In case these sheets get stained, make sure you use kerosene to remove the stains, followed by the use of soap for greater cleanliness. It’s paramount to avoid using a glass cleaner, as the surface will most likely get damaged.
Slate
Slate is perhaps the most durable roofing material, as it’s made of real stone. Due to its great weight, homeowners are required to have a sturdy roof structure in order for the roof to withstand the heaviness of the slates. Consequently, you’d probably have to invest in the reinforcement of your roof structure as well. Owing to its long-lasting nature and appealing design, slates are among the costliest roofing variants in the market. Hence, most people end up purchasing fake slate shingles, made of clay, rubber, and asphalt. Fake slates are considerably cheaper and lighter than real stone, thus having a much shorter lifespan. Additionally, you’d also save money on the reinforcement of your roof structures, as fake slates are relatively light.
Clay tiles
Clay tiles are another suitable solution for homeowners looking for longevity and architectural design. These tiles are made to last without requiring frequent maintenance checks. When it comes to appearance, you can even purchase clay tiles that resemble wood and slate by choosing from a wide range of designs and colors.
Bottom line
Make sure you choose a long-lasting, affordable, and convenient material. Your home deserves it!
