5 Different Types of Roof Materials You Need to Know

5 Different Types of Roof Materials You Need to Know

December 16, 2021

Are you remodeling or building your home? If that’s the case, you need to carefully think about one of the most important elements in a property: the roof. The roof will serve as one of your structure’s foundations and your whole household’s protection. So, it’s only right to choose the best material that is durable, can withstand harsh weather conditions and will last long. 

In this article, we will tell you about the different types of roofs you can use in your home. Just so you know, not every roofing material can be used on every roof. So, here’s a guide for you to know if your choice is the right one. 

Let’s get to it! 

1. Asphalt

Asphalt roofing is one of the most commonly used roofing materials. Why? Probably because it has a lower cost and requires a minimum skill to install. Its price starts at about 50 dollars a square. However, it may cost more than that, depending on the type of shingle chosen and the installation. 

This kind of material is made of a fiberglass medium that’s been impregnated with asphalt and then given a surface of sand-like granules. You can choose from its two basic configurations. The first one is the standard single-thickness variety, and the second one is the thicker, laminated products. If you prefer asphalt roofing for your home, you’ll get to have a long-lasting roof, especially if yours is laminated shingles. Typically, it may last for about 25 years or more, which is a good sign that this material is an excellent choice. 

2. Wood

Now, let’s talk about wood roofing. Just so you know, wood roofing is already present and used for centuries. Even so, it will continue to be a good choice of roofing material. However, choosing a wood material for your roof may bring you disadvantages. Since it’s made of cedar, redwood, or southern pine, it is prone to fire hazards. That’s why some areas in the states forbid its use due to fire codes. 

Just like asphalts, woods can also last for about 25 years, but the cost will be twice as much as asphalt. 

3.  Metal

Metal is another choice you can have. There are different kinds of metal; you can choose among aluminum, steel, cooper-and-asphalt, or lead. All of these will give you the benefit of durability, but note that they are all quite expensive. To give you an idea about their cost, it starts at about 250 dollars per square, and it may cost two or three times that. So, if you’re after durability and have a lot of budgets, a metal roofing material will be a perfect choice.

4. Tile and Cement

If you’re looking for another durable and expensive material, your other options would be tile and cement. But, compared to metal, tile and cement tend to be very heavy, so be careful about choosing this and check with your contractor if your house’s foundation is strong enough to carry the weight of tile and cement roof. 

5. Slate

Slate roofing material is also expensive and very heavy. Its price starts at about 800 dollars a square. However, the price is worth the benefits because it’s very durable and is often recycled for reinstallation, expecting it will last another century. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different kinds of roofing materials you can choose from. You may find the choosing part overwhelming, so you have to work with the best roofing contractor to help you out. A good roofing contractor should be able to help you determine what type of roofing is best for your home, considering the cost, color, texture, weight, and durability. 

If you are looking for the best roofing contractors in Birmingham, you’ve come to the right place! Cardinal Roofing provides high-quality roofing services, including residential roofing, commercial roofing, metal roofing, and roof repairs. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you!