Roof Installation Materials: Which Is Best For Your Home?

There are few home improvements as important as a new roof installation. It protects your house, your furniture, your family and your personal belongings from cold winters, scorching summer heat, and the elements year round. When it’s time to replace the current roof on your home, be sure you understand the various options available. The three most popular styles are asphalt, cedar or laminate shingles. Taking a few minutes to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each material can help you choose a material that will protect your home and give you lasting value today and in the future.

Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation Is Most Popular

Asphalt, or three tab shingles are by far the most popular style of roof installation material used today. While improvements are made every year, the basic construction of asphalt roofing has changed little over time. They are made of heavy paper that has been soaked in tar and finished with granulated ceramic, a highly durable, semi-reflective product that gives the illusion of depth and reflects light. There is usually a reinforced base layer made of glass fiber that is installed beneath the actual shingles for improved water resistance and insulation.

The popularity of asphalt shingle roofing is due in large part to its reasonable price and durability. This material can last well over ten years and is very low maintenance. Repairs are minimal, and can usually be achieved by simply removing the damaged areas and¬ replacing them with new ones. They are easy to install, so they tend to be less expensive than more labor-intensive options. They are also very flame retardant, making them a good choice for homes in any area where the threat of wild fires is prevalent.

Cedar Shingles

Sometimes referred to as cedar shakes, these are wood shingles that give a home a rough-hewn, rustic appeal. These are often used on homes where historical accuracy is important to the homeowner. Cedar wood ages beautifully, giving the roof of your home a lovely, weathered look without sacrificing beauty or durability. Because these require more labor to craft and install, they are more expensive than asphalt. Many homeowners prefer them for the added texture and dimension they give their home’s architecture, although they aren’t as flame retardant as asphalt. Recently, some manufacturers of more traditional roof installation materials have begun providing roofing contractors with shingles that are made of composite materials that closely resemble actual cedar ones.

Laminates

Laminate roofing is also made of asphalt, but is generally of a higher quality and is more durable because of its extra weight. Laminate roofing can closely mimic other types of roofing materials such as cedar or slate. In fact, in most cases passers-by cannot tell that a laminate roof isn’t actual slate. There are several advantages to laminate shingles; because they are heavier, they aren’t as prone to curling over time, and are less likely to succumb to wind damage. This type of roofing is especially good for hiding imperfections on a home’s roof. It also provides a more textured, three-dimensional look that is highly prized by today’s homeowners. Laminate roofing is quickly catching on in many areas of the country because it combines durability with good looks.

If you’re ready for a new roof installation, talk to a local contractor you trust to learn more about the various styles available and which ones are recommended for your style of home.

A new roof installation is a serious investment. Get to know the various types of roofing materials so you can make the best choice for your home and end up with a superior roof installation to protect your house and family.