The roof is one essential part of your house—it shields you from the harsh rays of the sun and protects you from the pelting of the rain during the stormy season. It also prevents dust, particles, leaves, branches and other debris that may accidentally fall from the sky.
Aside from being a trustworthy shield from all the dangers of the outside environment, your roofing also serves as a ‘decorative element’ to the overall appeal of your home. A properly-installed and well-painted roof can give a boost to your home’s appearance, especially if you’re trying to sell your property on a higher price.
Thinking of changing your roofing to upscale your home’s security or you just want to give your abode a fresh, new look? Well, you’re lucky because we’ve got you covered!
We’ve listed down the most common roofs used in residential homes as well as other roofing materials you might want to consider adding into your house!
What are the most common types of roofing used in residential homes?
Asphalt Shingles
There’s a huge reason why asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing used in residential homes. In fact, in the US alone, 90% of houses are made with asphalt shingles as their roofing. But what makes this type of roofing so popular among homeowners?
For starters, asphalt shingles are lightweight and durable, making them very easy to install. They are widely available in the market and comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes which makes them flexible to every homeowner’s roofing needs.
On the downside, while asphalt shingles are low-maintenance and works well with any type of climate, their colors can fade easily due to sun exposure and have relatively shorter lifespan overall. The 3-tab style shingles in particular, are prone to wind damage.
Metal Roofing
For a more modern approach, homeowners opt to install metal roofing into their homes, but do you know that metal roofing are already been installed since the 1800s! Just like asphalt shingles, they are very low-maintenance and you only need to repaint them once the original color starts to get dull. However, you might need to hire a professional when it comes to installing them.
You can either choose from shingles or sheets (or panels) to install to your home which are all connected through a ‘standing steam.’
Metal roofing also come with its cons like needing soundproofing to reduce noise. Also, the roofing may warp or bend if not installed properly (you will really need professional help if you don’t want your roof to have ripples which is an unsightly scene especially if you are aiming for that added curb appeal.)
Wood Roofing
Not only that wood roofing is as sturdy as other types of roofing but they can be made out of recycled materials, which makes them friendlier to the environment. They also don’t leave traces of harmful chemicals when in contact with water, making it safer when it goes back into the environment.
Cedar shingles, in particular, can last up to 30 years or so. They are also natural insulators so you don’t have to worry about the heat escaping your home and your bills skyrocketing. Just like metal roofing, you may need to hire a company to help you install them.
Aside from hiring installation companies, wood roofing might put a dent in your pockets as you might need to invest in treatments with fire retardants and chemical preservatives. Albeit they can last for year, wood roofing are prone to mold, mildew and rotting.
Clay Tiles
If you want a low-maintenance and long-lasting roofing for your abode, then clay tiles are the best options. These red, brown, or gray earthenware can last from fifty to hundreds of year if properly taken care of.
Aside from its durability, clay tiles can serve as a good striking feature for your home. They are made from the same materials as other earthenware and can easily regulate the temperature of your home.
On the downside, clay tiles are prone to impact and you might need an additional structural support to support the overall weight of the tiles. Of course, you will need the help of professionals to install this type of roofing.
What are other roofing materials you can install into your home?
Concrete Tiles
An alternative to clay tiles, concrete tile also give the same benefits as that with clay tiles. They made from standard sand-mix concrete, molded, and is tinted with the desired hue. If you are living in heavy windy regions, then concrete tiles are the best options for you.
Synthetic (Rubber) Slate Tiles
Synthetic slate tiles are made from engineered polymers mixed with recycled plastic and rubber and are great options for structures that cannot support the heavy weight of natural slates.
Though considered as less durable than natural slates, synthetic slate tiles can still last up to 50 years.
Green Roofing
If you think that moss or other types of plant and vegetation can’t serve as a roofing, think again. Also called ‘living roofing,’ green roofing is a vegetation layer planted on top of a waterproof membrane that has a drainage to prevent water from entering inside the house.
You can either choose whether you want your green roofing to be extensive (supporting lightweight plants only like moss) or intensive (able to support large plants and people.)
Installing green roofing may be costly as it will require regular maintenance and upkeep on top of the installation costs.
Solar Shingles
One of the newest and growing trends when it comes to roofing, solar shingles are made from solar photovoltaic (PV) sheets that effectively converts sunlight into electricity. So not only that you have a shield from the punishing rays of the sun, you also have a source of renewable energy that can last from 20 to 30 years.
Unlike solar panels that are built on top of your roof, solar shingles serve as your roof itself! Think of it of smaller solar panels that are installed the way common roof shingles are.
Installing solar shingles are expensive, but it can also surge up the resale value of your home.
So what type of roofing you’re going to install in your home?