Roofing Materials
Refreshing your roof can greatly enhance the aesthetics and style of your home. There are various roofing materials to choose from that provide enhanced weather resistance while matching with your preferred style and esthetic.
Natural materials like slate are visually appealing, with lifespans that extend up to 100 years. Unfortunately, their weight poses challenges during installation.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material used on homes that serve both functional and decorative needs. Constructed with a base mat, waterproof asphalt membrane, and colorful granules that add flair, asphalt shingles provide practical yet stylish roof protection and weather resistance.
Three-tab shingles offer homeowners an economical choice for roof replacement without breaking the bank. These shingles feature a limited 10-to-20-year warranty and can withstand wind speeds between 60-70 mph.
Architectural shingles add a more elegant and durable touch to any home than three-tab shingles, offering many styles to fit your vision for your space, including designer options that mimic slate or cedar shakes. Furthermore, architectural shingles can help reduce waste while remaining eco-friendly with recycling capabilities and providing class “B” FM fire rating protection for your roof.
Solar Tiles
Solar roof tiles, also known as photovoltaic shingles or solar slates, appear similar to normal roofing materials but actually generate electricity from solar power. They fall within a larger category known as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
Solar shingle products differ from solar panels in that they’re specifically engineered to become part of your roof from day one, rather than bolted on afterwards. Their unique construction allows them to withstand hard impacts such as hailstorms and debris generated from strong winds while still producing electricity for electricity production.
There are various options available to you when it comes to matching the style of your home. Smooth glass tiles may suit contemporary properties while French slate-style solar shingles may work better with historic properties.
Solar shingle systems tend to cost more than traditional solar panels but can significantly cut your annual energy costs, potentially saving money over time. Furthermore, these products are government approved and eligible for Feed in Tariff payments; Tesla and CertainTeed both manufacture them – it is important that you check local incentives before selecting which system best meets your needs.
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are an attractive choice for homeowners who prioritize durability, sustainability and natural aesthetics in their exterior home design choices. Not only are cedar shakes durable but energy efficient too – trapping heat during the winter and cooling the home during summer; their lifespan usually stands between 20 years to 40 years!
Your choice of cedar shakes depends heavily on their grade (grade). There are three categories to consider here: common, selects and 100% straight grain shingles. As soon as the grade decreases further so will its lifespan – lower grades equal shorter roof life expectancies.
Maintaining your cedar shake roof through regular maintenance will extend its lifespan and keep minor issues from turning into major structural concerns. Also important: giving your shake shingles time to adapt to local weather conditions before installation – which could take weeks or months depending on where you live. A professional can assist in helping determine an ideal waiting period for this.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
TPO and PVC membranes are two of the most sought-after single-ply roof covering options available today, both boasting excellent resistance to ozone, UV rays and chemicals at a relatively affordable cost. Furthermore, both materials also reflect heat radiation to reduce energy costs significantly.
TPO stands up against mildew growth, dirt accumulation and tear marks; is extremely resilient against climate changes; resists sagging; can be glued or heat welded securely onto its substrate;
Selecting the appropriate roofing material depends on your individual needs and structure, for instance if your building will be exposed to grease or oil you should select PVC over TPO. No matter which option you select it is important that your contractor be experienced working with this product and seek manufacturers that have been around for at least 20 years with a solid warranty policy.