You may want a new look for your home when it's time to replace the roof, but it can be difficult to decide what to choose with all the options available. Popular residential roofing materials include asphalt shingles, tile, and metal. Each has its unique appearance, advantages, and disadvantages. Cost could be an important consideration too. Here's a look at how these three types of roofing compare and why you might want to choose a particular one.
Metal Roofs Are Durable And Long-Lasting
A metal roof might be a good choice for your home because it's attractive and durable. Metal roofs come in different colors so you can choose white to reflect the sun and keep your home cooler, or a color like green or red. Metal is resistant to damage by the sun, rain, insects, and animal pests. It has a long life, and because of that, it could be the last roof you have to buy. A metal roof is also easy to maintain since you won't have shingles to replace. Plus, the surface is slicker than asphalt granules so leaves, snow, and twigs can roll off the roof more easily.
Asphalt Shingles Are Budget-Friendly
Asphalt shingles are the most affordable type of residential roofing, so it's an obvious choice when you want to save money. Some types of asphalt shingle roofing are more costly, such as the laminated and architectural types, but when you're looking for budget roofing, then the popular strip shingles with three tabs are a good choice. Plus, they look attractive and protect your home well. Most of the homes in your neighborhood probably have asphalt shingle roofs since it is a popular option.
An asphalt roof needs repairs over the course of its life to keep it from leaking. You may need to have the shingles replaced or cracks might need to be filled in. Repairs to shingles are often easy to do, and you might be able to make DIY repairs if you feel comfortable working on the roof.
Tile Shingles Have A Luxury Appearance
Tile shingles can be made of clay or concrete, and they have their own unique wavy appearance. Tiles are suitable for any style of home, and they are often chosen for Spanish or Mediterranean architecture. However, tiles are heavier than asphalt or metal, so you have to make sure your home will support their weight. Tiles are available in colors like white, red, orange, gray, and brown. Tile roofs last a long time and they resist leaking, so you'll have few repairs. They are also energy-efficient and resist damage from pests. However, tile roofing is an expensive option.
You may want to choose the same roofing material you have now and simply go with a different color. If you want entirely new roofing material, then talk to your roofing contractor and get advice on the right roof for your home considering your neighborhood, architecture of your home, the slope of the roof, and cost.