Roofing: Top 5 Materials To Opt For

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The choice of material for your roof covering is very important. It will guarantee your safety and the aesthetic aspect of your house. In this article, you will find the specific characteristics of these main roofing materials.

1. Slate

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Slate is one of the most common roofing materials and is very resistant. Thanks to its hardness, it not only preserves its color but also protects it from the elements. There are two types of slate: natural and artificial or synthetic. The first is from a metamorphic rock that lasts an average of 100 years, while the second has a more limited duration (about 30 years).

Moreover, slate is particularly recommended if you have a steep roof. This material improves the aesthetic aspect of your house. In addition to being a perfect thermal and sound insulator, the slate is extremely waterproof. However, its cost is a bit high. For the installation of a slate roof, the price varies between 60 to 65 dollars. Therefore, they are best suited for a roof renovation.

2. Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are frequently used as a roofing material. Thanks to its composition of aggregates (50 to 60%), bitumen (30 to 35%), and organic or inorganic fibers (1 to 2%), this material is relatively hard and can resist fire and water infiltration. Depending on the environmental conditions and the quality of the roofing, its life span can reach 15 to 30 years. To ensure that your installation is safe, you should contact a roofer who specializes in asphalt shingle installation.

Asphalt shingles add character to your home. However, regular maintenance is required to avoid rapid deterioration. Moreover, the smell of tar may bother your neighbors when it is installed.

3. Tiles

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If we go back in history, tiles have been used as a roofing material since antiquity. There are different types of tiles: flat, canal, purlin, wood, concrete or clay, etc. Each of them has its specificities and is used according to the slopes of your roof. Each type has its own particularities.

The lifespan of the tiles is 30 years for those made of clay and 50 years for those made of concrete. Regardless of your choice of cladding material, both types of tiles have a perfect thermal insulation capacity. In other words, they protect your home from cold and heat and resist humidity.

Be aware that tiles are quite heavy and therefore require a stronger roof support before installation. The installation of a tile roof is between 20 euros and 50 dollars per m².

4. Sheet metal

Metal sheets are very light and can be installed in summer or winter. In addition, sheet metal roofs require little maintenance.

Even though they have a lifespan of 50 years, they can be recycled after use. Plus, you can paint them any color you like. However, sheet metal is quite noisy, especially when it rains.

5. Shingle

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This slate-like material is made of fiberglass and covered with bitumen. Shingle roofing is very popular because it is less expensive and very resistant. In addition, it is easy to install adapts to any type of slope. However, it may or may not be repairable. It has a lifespan of 25 years.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to the choice of roofing, it all depends on your budget and the aesthetic you are going for. However, you should always remember that quality should never trump aesthetics. Aesthetics is excellent and all, but it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg to afford. You should choose a roofing material that fits your need and, most importantly, your budget.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about roofing.

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