What Kind of Roofs are Available?
There are several roofing materials on the market today, each with pros and cons. Each homeowner must pick the one that is right for them on the basis of appearance, cost, durability, environmental friendliness and other factors.
One popular roofing material is metal roofing, which is durable, fire resistant and requires little maintenance. It is lightweight and energy-efficient, reflecting solar heat rather than transferring it to the house. Installation is difficult and best left to a professional. Metal is expensive, but its durability will make it cost-efficient in the long-run.
Wooden shakes or shingles have a natural look. They let the structure breathe and offer an energy advantage by insulating the attic. Unfortunately, rot, mold and bugs love wood, so periodic maintenance is required. Wood is flammable, so buyers should make sure to get wood that meets national fire safety standards.
Clay tile has a clean, pleasant look and is long-lasting. It needs little maintenance and resists fire, rot, mold and insects. It can be fragile, and gutter-cleaning should be done carefully to avoid cracking. Its disadvantage is its weight, sometimes requiring the installation of additional roof support. It tends to be more expensive than other materials.
Composition shingles of fiberglass or asphalt are popular because of their low price. They have a lot of variety in style and color, and require little maintenance. Installation is simply a matter of nailing them in place, and they can be walked on without fear of damage. Their downside is their susceptibility to wind damage and their flat, utilitarian look.
There are now various concrete tiles, some containing recycled material and coated with plastic or metal. They are durable, non-flammable and resistant to rot and insects. Concrete is more expensive than other materials, but is a good investment because of its long life.