Roofs are your first line of defense from extreme heat or cold. If you are planning to construct a new house or do major renovations, there are a lot of factors in choosing the type of roof you install. While it boils down to your preference, knowing what works best for your home will save you money in the long-term.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used in residential houses for good reasons. These are durable and affordable, and there are a lot of colors to choose from. Asphalt shingles are also easy to install and provide decent waterproof abilities. With proper maintenance, these can last up to 20 years depending on where you live. You may opt for a heat-absorbing variant if you live in an arid area, or shingles that has anti-algae properties if your house is in a cool place.
However, asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than other roofing types especially when walked on. These are also prone to discoloration due to exposure to weather elements and algal growth.
Slate and Tile Roof Shingles
On the other hand, slate shingles provide long lifespan up to 100 years while giving a sophisticated look at homes. These are also fire resistant and require little to no maintenance. Like asphalt shingles, homeowners can choose from various colors and style to suit their houses. Ceramic tile shingles give houses a more distinctive style and are resistant to fire and fading. These generally last for about 50 years if properly installed.
The downside of slate and tile roof shingles are these are more expensive and are harder to install. Slate shingles are also heavier and require complicated maintenance. While ceramic tiles are durable, these are also fragile and are not suitable for places with extreme weather condition.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs are becoming popular these days because of its low-maintenance and use of environmentally-friendly materials. Nonetheless, you should contact a contractor during installation and these need to be repainted to remain in top condition.
Wooden Shingles
If you are gearing towards green living, then wooden shingles are for you. Wooden shingles are known to incur minimal impact on the quality of water runoff and are made from recycled wood. These also last longer than asphalt shingles, clocking a lifespan of at most 30 years.
However, untreated wooden shingles are prone to photodegradation from ultraviolet light. Unlike previous roofing types, these have poor fire ratings and are not resistant to moisture. Hence, wooden shingles are not suitable for places that have extreme weather conditions.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is also important as this adds another five to ten years in your roof’s lifespan. Early warning signs of roofing problems include leaks, missing shingles, and decays. Roofs that are over 30 years old are also up for replacement especially in the case of asphalt shingles.
We advise at least annual inspections to assess whether your roof is in top condition and address potential problems that can come later. However, this is mostly ignored by homeowners. Many will only seek professional help once the damage becomes too big and replacement is the only viable solution. This is not only inconvenient but costs more for homeowners.
Regardless of the roof installed in your house, roofing companies in Tulsa like Tulsa Construction and Roofing can make your roof look as good as new.