When you don’t compromise on the roofing company or the outer appearance of the roof, then why compromise on its inner strength? After all, that determines how long your roof stands strong with you. And if you’ve realized that and want to compare different roofing materials, we have just what you need!
Think of this article as a reservoir brimming with knowledge about roofing materials, weighing the pros and cons of different roofing materials available in the market. So grab a notepad and pen cause we’re about to dive in!
Roofing Materials: Pros and Cons
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs have a strong reputation in commercial roofing. You can choose from different shades of colours based on the composition of various materials to give your home a modern architectural design.
Pros:
- Cost-effective with decreased installation expenses.
- Opportunity to use the rooftop area for many uses.
- Encourages solar panel installation for greater energy efficiency.
- Faster installation with low maintenance requirements.
Cons:
- Potential for leaks and material wear over time.
- Problems with drainage or water pooling susceptibility to damage in harsh weather.
- Limited longevity of certain roofing materials, such as asphalt, fibreglass, or composite shingles.
Tile Roofs
Tile roofs, a common sight in both residential and commercial properties, exhibiting a wide range of styles, including the exquisite French and Spanish designs.Concrete tiles, a more affordable alternative to clay, are versatile but heavy. The unique selling points of tile roofs are their abundance of styles, rich and textured appearance, and durability.
Pros:
- Abundance of styles, including exquisite French, Spanish, and many more.
- Customizable for an exquisite and texture-rich appearance.
- Concrete tiles are less expensive than authentic clay and more versatile in applications.
- Long-lasting, non-combustible.
- Made of natural resources for clay tile.
- Low-maintenance.
- Great curb appeal.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Heavy.
- Needs more framing.
Wood Roofing
Wood roofing, a perfect match for architectural forms such as Cape Cod cottages, quaint Craftsman homes, and Tudor-style houses, offers a timeless and organic appearance. It gradually changes color from a sandy brown to an exquisite silver. In wetter climates, wood roofing may be more vulnerable to water damage. However, cedar, redwood, and pine are widely chosen due to their natural pest resistance. Cedar shake roofing remains the most popular option.
Pros:
- Wood roofing offers a timeless and organic appearance.
- Increases the outward appeal of a home.
Cons:
- Requires frequent maintenance to avoid rotting and moss growth.
- To ensure safety, fire retardants and chemical preservatives must be used.
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles have been emerging for about 20 to 30 years and are one of the most recent roofing materials adopted by homeowners. This sustainable alternative may remain a costly investment for homeowners.
Pros:
- Improves resale value.
- Energy-efficient roofs.
- Long-lasting roofing materials.
- Generates usable and renewable energy for your home.
Cons:
- Specialized labour, such as skilled solar panel installers, is needed to install and repair solar shingles.
- Additional structural support is required for the wiring and weight of solar shingles to ensure the safety and stability of your solar energy system.
Metal Roofs
Metal Roofing rules the roofing industry when it comes to durability and longevity. Brought into life by combining steel, aluminium, copper, or tins, metal roofing is the top choice for residents living in storm-prone areas, making it a good payoff for investment.
Pros:
- Lasts between 40-70 years with proper maintenance.
- Reflects solar heat, helping reduce cooling costs, especially in McKinney summers.
- Highly resistant to fire.
- Can imitate slate, asphalt and even wooden looks.
Cons:
- With an average cost of $16,500, metal roofing is much more costly than other materials.
- Installation of metal roofs requires a lot of patience and expert handling due to its heavy weight.
- Without proper insulation, the descent of raindrops and hailstorms make them quite noisy, leaving a dent mark.
- Often made from recycled content, making them a sustainable choice.
Make a Choice With the Help of DLV Roofing!
Whether it involves re-roofing or selecting the right roofing material, every moment of consideration you invest in choosing roofing materials matters.
If you want to gain more insights about roofing materials specific to your location, contact the top-rated roofing contractor in your area. DLV Roofing is one such company that offers expert guidance on material selection, free estimates and flexible financing options—ensuring you get the best fit for your needs. No pressure; give us a call, and we’ll guide you. Remember, We Do Roofing, We Do It Well!
