How to Choose the Best Material for a Residential Roof

Posted on: 20 July 2015

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Before you have your home's roof replaced, or if you're having a new home built, you'll want to give some thought as to the material you choose. While asphalt shingles are very common, they are not your only choice. There are other options for those who are Eco-conscious, or who are looking for something more attractive overall. Note a few tips for how to choose the best material for a residential roof.

1. Eco-conscious choices

Asphalt shingles can be recycled, but this often requires a tremendous amount of energy as the asphalt may need to be melted and then reused. Metal roofs are easy to recycle as they can be simply cut or welded as needed. Recycled metal can also be used for your residential roof in many cases.

Concrete tile can also be a good Eco-friendly choice, as concrete is made from natural materials that are easy to harvest and which are usually very abundant. Concrete can also be recycled very easily. Natural slate tiles are easy to recycle, but note that harvesting slate can be upsetting to the surrounding Eco-system. If you want to choose slate, look for recycled tiles rather than using virgin materials.

2. Durability

While asphalt shingles are very affordable, they are also not known for their durability. They can easily blow off in the wind and may shrink up over time when exposed to harsh sunlight. Metal is known for its durability and, because it's installed in long pieces, it's more likely to hold up against heavy wind. Plastic polymer tiles are also very durable, as they don't shrink up in sunlight.

3. Appearance

Clay tiles can give your home a very traditional, old-world look. Wood shingles are a good choice for a more casual look. Slate tiles also have a very natural look; they are usually dark grey and have an uneven look that may seem more natural than standard asphalt tiles.

Concrete tiles can be made to look like slate, clay, or other materials, so if you're on a budget but want the look of something more expensive, they can be a good choice. A metal roof can give your home a more streamlined look, as the longer slats may seem less busy than asphalt shingle and tiles.

Remember that your home's roof is an investment that needs to last for years, so don't make your choice based on price alone. Invest in the best looking, most durable option you can afford now and you may find that you pay less for repairs and will love the look of your roof for years to come.

Contact a company like Lorn Roofing Pty Ltd to learn more.