There are many different roofing materials to choose from. What’s best for you depends on the style of your home, and your climate.

If your area experiences high winds, heavy snows or continual moisture, you’ll want a roofing material that can handle those conditions. Your Service Whale contractor can help you weigh your options.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America, and for good reason. They provide a durable and affordable way to protect your home from water damage, heat and the sun’s UV rays. They’re available in a wide variety of colors and styles to complement any home, from the traditional three-tab shingle to architectural or dimensional shingles that offer more options when it comes to aesthetics.

Fiberglass is a popular option for asphalt shingles because it adds strength and durability while keeping the shingle lightweight, which helps to reduce roof leaks. When compared to organic or three-tab shingles, fiberglass shingles can withstand up to twice as much wind and rain.

Other roofing materials, such as cellulose and wood fibers, are also used in the production of asphalt shingles. These are often combined with other materials, such as polymers and mineral fillers, to improve the shingle’s performance in different weather conditions.

The surface of an asphalt shingle is covered with small, ceramic-coated, crushed rock particles called granules. These granules help the shingles resist the sun’s UV rays and keep the shingles cooler, which helps prevent premature aging and extends their lifespan. In addition to granules, shingles can contain additional protective elements such as back surfacing and reflective coating. Back surfacing is an adhesive material that helps the shingle stay in place on your roof and reflective coatings reflect sunlight, helping to lower your energy bills.

Wood Shingles or Shakes

Wood shakes or shingles provide a classic look to a home, and they work well with wood siding and other natural materials. These types of roofs are natural insulators that can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. However, they can also be susceptible to mold and pests, which means you’ll need to invest in regular maintenance and inspections to ensure that your roof is safe and secure.

Both wood shakes and shingles have a hand-split, highly textured aesthetic that adds a rustic charm to a house. However, they are not as dimensionally stable as some other roofing materials. The stability of a wood roof depends on the species of wood used and its thickness. In general, thinner woods are less dimensionally stable and may be more prone to damage or rot.

Although wood is a renewable material, shake and shingle roofs still require periodic maintenance to keep them looking good. Most commonly, they must be treated with preservatives to protect them from rain and sunlight. However, these chemicals can be depleted over time, reducing the lifespan of the shingles or shakes.

Like other roofing materials, shakes or shingles can be damaged by physical changes in the wood due to repeated wetting and drying. This can result in splitting, cracking and cupping. Moreover, the repeated wetting and drying can cause the wood to swell or shrink, which can lead to the development of leaks. In addition, wood rot and decay fungi can infiltrate a wooden roof and degrade the wood.

Metal

Metal roofs are growing in popularity due to their durability, energy efficiency and fire safety. They are also more lightweight than other roofing materials and do not require a reinforced structure to support them. Additionally, they are easy to install, reducing labor costs. They are resistant to mildew, algae growth and rot and can withstand high winds. They can even reduce cooling costs by reflecting the sun’s heat rather than absorbing it.

Aluminum, steel, galvalume and copper are all metal options for your clients’ homes or buildings. They are durable and able to withstand both extreme heat and high amounts of sunlight that cause most other roofing materials to break down quickly. They can also withstand hurricane-force winds and other inclement weather conditions.

Copper is the most expensive of the metal options but has been used as a roofing material for centuries. It’s an attractive option for any style of architecture and it can enhance the beauty of a building’s exterior. However, copper can be prone to expansion and contraction problems in climates with large temperature variations. Additionally, it dents more easily than steel and aluminum so extra care should be taken with handling the panels during installation.

Rolled Roofing

Rolled roofing is a type of roofing material that comes in several forms and is inexpensive. It’s often made of recycled materials and can be found at your local home improvement store. Rolled roofing is also easy to install and has multiple types of applications. It’s an ideal choice for non-occupied structures such as potting sheds, outdoor roofed exercise structures, garages, shops, barns and children’s tree houses.

There are four different kinds of rolled roofing: rubber, EPDM, PVC and bitumen. Rubber rolled roofing is made of recycled materials and can be found at most hardware stores. It’s waterproof and durable, making it a good choice for a flat roof. EPDM rolled roofing is another common option that’s usually made of plastic and is also durable. PVC rolled roofing is similar to EPDM, but it’s more flexible. It’s also heat-resistant and can save on energy costs.

Roll roofing is a great option for people who want to make their own roof or have an extremely low budget. However, it’s not ideal for occupied homes because it doesn’t offer much in the way of style and protection. It can also have a short lifespan, especially if it isn’t installed or maintained properly. Also, because it’s less attractive than other roofing materials, it can have a negative impact on the resale value of a home.

Talk to a Roofing Repair Expert Today

Whether you need a couple of tiles replaced, or a complete roof inspection due to a leak, Charlie’s Roofing can help. We are the most dedicated team that will satisfy all your roofing needs. Request a free quote today. We cover New York better than anybody else – and all our work is guaranteed!