Roofing Materials Pros & Cons

When it comes to a new roof, homeowners can pick from a variety of materials, styles, and colors. This allows people to select the one that suits their home’s needs as well as their own personal tastes.

But how do you know which roofing material is right for you? Here are some of the pros and cons of each.

ASPHALT ROOFING

Pros: Asphalt shingles, also referred to as composition shingles, rank high among the most popular types of roofing materials and are primarily used in residential settings. Asphalt is relatively inexpensive to install and is available in a wide range of colors, thicknesses, and shapes.

Cons: Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt has a short life-span of about 20-30 years.

CEDAR SHAKES

Pros: Wood shingles are admired for their rustic beauty. Wood is also a renewable building material, making it a great choice for homeowners who are mindful about their impact on the environment.

Cons: To prolong the life and maintain the look of your roof, wood requires more attention than other roofing materials. If not properly maintained, wood will splinter and become weathered in appearance.

SLATE

Pros: Slate is attractive, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly. It is also impervious to rot and insects.

Cons: Slate can break when stepped on and is only suitable for the certain homes and structures due to its heavy weight. Although slate’s longevity will eventually outweigh the initial cost, slate comes at a high price tag.

METAL SHINGLES / SHEETING

Pros: Metal roofing can be made from steel, aluminum, or copper and can be used to mimic other roofing materials such as Spanish tile, slate, or cedar shakes. Metal roofing has a 50 year life span and can standup to the forces of Mother Nature.

Cons: Metal will need to be repainted every so often and the difficulty of installation places metal on the more expensive side.

METAL SHINGLES / SHEETING

Pros: Tile roofing goes hand in hand with colonial Spanish architecture, and is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials available.

Cons: If you are looking to install tile, it is critically important that the structure of your home can support its weight.

COMPOSITE

Pros: Comprised of mainly rubber and plastic, composite tiles can take on the look of more expensive stones, such as slate or concrete.

Cons: Composite roofing is not currently recyclable.

THERMOPLASTIC MEMBRANES

Pros: Thermoplastic Membranes will allow a flat roofing system to stand up to sun’s heat, UV rays, and severe weather.

Cons: Questionable longevity

Outdoor Creations Roofing experts are available to inspect your existing roof and answer any questions to assist you in finding the right roof for your particular needs.