Roofing - A Protective Hat For Your Home

Just like there are several types of hats to protect your head, your home can have many different types of roofing materials for protection. There are so many factors one must consider when replacing a roof. Seawright Roofing can help decide which type of roof will be the best for your home. When deciding on your roof choice, here are a few factors that Seawright Roofing takes into account.

• How long will it last?
• Does it hold up during natural disasters such as wildfires or hurricanes?
• Is it too heavy for the existing roof framing?
• Does the roof have enough slope?
• Will the look complement the style of the house?
• Are the materials eco-friendly and recyclable?
• Is the type of roofing allowed by local building codes?
• And finally, how much does it cost?

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of different roofing materials?

Asphalt Composition Shingles

These shingles are the most popular type of roofing and comprise 80% of the residential roofing market. What are the advantages of this type of shingle? These shingles are made of an organic paper fiber mat which is better for cold weather and wind resistance. They may also be made with fiberglass which is more fire and moisture resistant. While this type of shingle is not the most eco-friendly, it can be recycled (though often it is taken to landfills). This shingle type is moderate in weight, visually appealing, and can be used on low to steeper sloped roofs. Some of the major advantages of this shingle type is the fact that it is fairly inexpensive, it harbors a good fire resistance and fair wind resistance. Keep in mind that the climate you reside in also may affect your choice of roofing type.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is slightly more expensive than asphalt composite shingles. However, a metal roof does last longer and is more wind resistant. These type of roofs may be composed of aluminum, steel, copper, or zinc alloy. If you decide on copper keep in mind that this type of material is installed unfinished and will acquire a green patina with age. This roofing material does absorb 1/3 less heat than asphalt which might help save on heating and cooling costs. One of the drawbacks might be the cost as this roofing material is moderately to expensively-priced depending on the material you choose.

Plastic Polymer Shingles

These shingles are synthetic roofing shingles that are made to resemble wood shakes or slate. Made from high tech plastic polymer materials, these roofs claim to be long lasting and low maintenance. They have a good fire and wind resistance and are light to moderate in weight. The cost of this type of material is moderate.

Clay Tile Shingles

While brittle and heavy, clay tiles are fire resistant and can last a long time. These shingles are made from clay which is fired in a kiln. Clay tiles have a more Italian or Spanish look to them. While they are longer lasting, these can be brittle and since they are heavier they need reinforced roof framing to support them. They are very fire resistant, but the wind resistance is fair to low on them. Clay tile shingles are on the expensive side of roofing materials.

Concrete Tile Shingles

A sister to the clay tiles, but with a lower cost, the concrete tile is very similar to the clay tile shingle. The tiles may appear greyer than the orange color of clay tiles.

Slate Shingles

Slate is one of the oldest roofing materials and it can be very fire and wind resistant. Slate can be both brittle and expensive. Slate shingles are made from natural slate rock. They are usually a darker gray color with an irregular appearance. Slate tiles also require a reinforced roofing structure for support. The cost of slate roofing is very expensive due to the fact it requires specially trained roofers to install this type of roofing material.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shingles and shakes are roofing materials made from rot-resistant wood. Most common of this type are cedar or redwood. This roofing material gives a more natural appearance to your home and roof. Since they are made from natural materials they are eco-friendly. This type of roofing requires periodic maintenance and has a shorter lifespan. They are moderate in weight and in cost.

CertainTeed Landmark Shingles

CertainTeed makes an architectural laminate roofing shingle called Landmark, which Seawright Roofing prefers to use. The major advantages of these shingles are that while they have the appearance of cedar shake roofing, this type of shingle is less expensive than many of the other options. It has a dual-layered construction which provides extra protection from things like fire, wind, and other elements. It is an Energy Star Rated product, meaning that it is energy efficient. Lastly, it offers a 10-year StreakFighter® warranty against streaking and discoloration caused by airborne algae. CertainTeed Landmark shingles are eco-friendly, look natural, are very durable, fire and wind resistant, and are a lower cost option than many other roofs. These factors make CertainTeed Landmark Shingles the choice roofing material of Seawright Roofing.

With all of these roofing options, making a choice for the type of roof (or protective hat) you place on your home can be daunting. Seawright Roofing can help you decide the best option for your home.

Learn more about roofing options or how we install our CertainTeed Landmark shingles by contacting us at Seawright Roofing!