What Roof Type Is Right For My Home?

Shopping for a new roof can be stressful. As the largest part of your home, you want to be sure your new roof not only looks good but performs it’s best for as long as possible.

There are several factors that go into a quality roof not the least of which are the materials. Like most products, roofing materials come in a variety of shapes, colors, and prices. From the low end 3-tab recycled shingle to a high quality metal roof, there is a material out there for just about any roof budget.

Every home is different, so it’s best to have a roof contractor come out and give you a proper evaluation before making a choice. But when it comes to residential homes, your roof material choices will likely be the same no matter where you live.

Asphalt Shingles

As the most prevalent roof type in America, asphalt shingles are a popular choice. Great for value or budget-minded homeowners, asphalt shingles are one of the most versatile materials available. A good choice no matter what your budget is, asphalt shingles do have some drawbacks compared to other materials.

Metal Roofs

Strong, lower maintenance and long-lasting, metal roofs aren’t just for barns anymore! Advances in technology have made most of the old concerns about metal roofs irrelevant . Quality-wise a proper metal roof can last 40 to 70 years or more. While the upfront costs are more expensive than their shingle brethren, the reduced maintenance requirements, storm resistance against even strong winds and rain (even hail) and average length of life make the investment in a metal roof one of the wisest choices a homeowner can make.

Slate

Tired of replacing your roof every few decades? Don’t get up on your roof much? How about a roof that will last 100 years? Then slate may be the choice for you. With superior weather and fire resistance like metal roofs (and a healthy upfront cost), a slate roof is one of the longest lasting roofs available. Beware though, while slate looks good and can last a long, long time, slate can be easily damaged from being walked on or even with bigger hail storms.

Clay & Concrete Tiles

A hardy roofing material rarely seen in Georgia but popular in states like Florida, clay and tile can withstand damage from tornadoes, hurricanes or winds up to 125 miles per hour and even earthquakes. As a heavier material, clay and concrete tiles require specific installation requirements to ensure proper support. As such, installation of these can be very expensive and like slate, they can easily break if walked on or hit by larger objects.

Wood Shakes & Cedar Shingles

Made from recyclable materials, wood shakes and cedar shingles are one of the more “green” materials available. This type of material is known for it’s “natural”, rustic look, durability and overall quality. Maintenance costs however are very high. As great as they are, they aren’t without their drawbacks. As a natural material, they are magnets for moss, mold and mildew growth and need to be maintained regularly to prevent buildup.

Flat Roof

Perhaps you need to get on the roof a lot or you home is designed in a way where a flat roof just makes more sense. Whatever your reason, flat roofs are a great roof type that can withstands the elements better than other materials simply because they are flat. Be aware though, these roofs require a lot of maintenance to keep clean and they don’t last as long as even shingle roofs. Lasting 15 years or so, replacement costs could add up.

Whatever roof material you ultimately decide to go with, your choice will be in vain if your don’t hire the right roof contractor to install it. The vast majority of roof problems within 10 years are from installation mistakes. Do your homework and hire local to ensure your new roof lasts!

In Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Roofing Specialists has been installing roofs of almost every kind for over 25 years! When it’s time to replace your roof, call (770) 419-2222 for a free estimate before you decide!

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