Homeowners who are considering a roof replacement should first take the time to educate themselves on the various types of roofs and their benefits.
This article provides homeowners with some helpful information on different types of roofing materials, as well as an overview of the installation process.
Roofs come in many shapes and styles, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The key thing for homeowners to remember is that they need to find a style that will work best for them, based on factors such as budget or climate zone. In general, the roof should complement the style of a house and add to its aesthetic appeal.
The two main categories of roofing materials are flat roofs and pitched roofs. A flat roof is one that has very little pitch or slope, so water runoff is slow. These types of roofs are typically most common in warm climates where snow is not an issue. Flat roofs require special membranes or coatings to protect them from wear or environmental factors such as ultraviolet light.
Pitched roofs have more than just a slight pitch; they usually range between 5/12 and 12/12 (5 degrees to 12 degrees). The steeper the pitch, the better it will shed water off quickly when there’s precipitation or melting snow, making it ideal for areas like the north where snow is more common. However, because steeper pitches can lead to faster water runoff, special precautions should be taken to prevent erosion or pooling of water on lower-lying areas around the roof.
Homeowners who are considering roof replacement should keep in mind that flat roofs are typically less expensive than pitched roofs, but they also typically last for a shorter period of time. Asphalt shingle roofs are one type of flat roof that is very popular among homeowners. This material has been used for decades and comes with the additional benefit of being relatively low-maintenance. If budget is not an issue, slate or tile are alternative roofing materials that could give a home’s exterior an upscale appeal.
A metal roof is another popular alternative to other types of roofs. Metal shingles can be made from steel, fiberglass or aluminum, and they tend to last much longer than other traditional roofing materials. In addition to their durability, metal roofs come with a number of aesthetic benefits as well. They have a classic look that can give a home’s exterior an upscale feel without going overboard on the style aspect.
Asphalt shingle roofs are often a homeowner’s first choice for a roof replacement because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, asphalt comes in different grades and quality levels, so it’s important for homeowners to do some research before deciding to go with this material option. The of asphalt being used could have an impact on how well it protects a home from the elements, as lower grades are typically less durable. In addition to this, asphalt shingles can come in various shapes and sizes that have different levels of wind resistance.
