How to Choose the Right Roof for You

With all the roofing material options available today, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your home’s needs and aesthetics.

Each roofing material has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s take a look at the popular options and see which one works for you.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing option, with good reason. They’re typically made of organic paper fiber for cold climates or fiberglass with asphalt and mineral granules for more fire and moisture resistance. They are available in 3-tab shingles or laminated shingles for a different look as well. This option is inexpensive and can be used on sloped roofs.

Unfortunately, asphalt shingles are not as durable as some other types of roofing, and they’re not eco-friendly.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are lightweight and made of aluminum, steel with a zinc coating or paint, copper with a protective green patina, or zinc alloy. They are available in shingles or sheets, depending on what look you desire. They’re also fairly eco-friendly, since they are recyclable and can be made from recycled materials, and are fire and wind resistant.

Depending on the material, metal roofing can be fairly expensive, and its durability varies.

Polymer Roofing

Polymer roofing is made from a high-tech plastic polymer and resembles slate or wood shakes. It’s fairly lightweight, recyclable, and can be made from recycled materials. It is a durable roofing option that requires little maintenance, as well as being fire and wind resistant.

When it comes to cost, this is a mid-range roofing option.

Clay Tiles

Clay tile roofing is made from natural clay and gives a home an Italian or Spanish look, though it can be modified to look like slate or wood shakes. Because it’s fired in a kiln, clay tile offers exceptional fire resistance, but its heavy, brittle texture makes it prone to breaking and not wind resistant.

Clay tile is also expensive and requires a lot of energy to manufacture, though it can be easily reused.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are similar to clay tiles for their durability, weight, and fire resistance. They’re made from Portland cement and sand, and can look like clay tile, slate, or wood shakes, as well as colored a variety of shades. They’re also heavy, so they need a strong roof structure to support them.

As far as cost, concrete tiles are mid-range, though they last a long time.

Slate

This is one of the oldest roofing options. It’s brittle and expensive, but it’s built to withstand wind, fire, and wear and tear over time. It’s made from natural slate rock, which gives it a dark gray color, and it’s completely natural.

Slate is exceptionally expensive and requires a reinforced roofing structure and specially-trained roofing contractors for installation.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Wood shakes and shingles are made from wood that’s resistant to rot, such as cedar or redwood. It has a natural look and is available in thick split shakes or sawn shingles.

This roofing option has a very short lifespan and needs quite a bit of maintenance. It’s also easily damaged by fire, though it can be treated with a flame-retardant coating.

Learn More at Orange Roofing

If you’re looking for a new roof, talk to the experts at Orange Roofing. Our roofers have years of experience helping homeowners in Kennesaw, GA find the perfect roofing option to enhance their home’s look and efficiency, so call us today to speak with a roofer and get your free quote!

Meta description: Learn how to choose the right roof for your home in Kennesaw, GA with this helpful article from the professional roofers at Orange Roofing.