Types of Roofing Materials

There are many reasons homeowners may be looking at roofing materials for their homes. They may be building a new house, or maybe the roof they have now has reached the end of its life, or maybe it needs to be replaced due to a severe weather event that has damaged it. Working with your preferred roofing contractors in Portland, Oregon, you will soon realize that the variety of roofing materials in the market today is truly surprising, with options for any budget and taste. You may be familiar with some of the materials available, but read on to discover some more. You never know which one might become your favorite.

 

Asphalt Composite Shingles

With a lifespan of about 20 years, asphalt composite shingles are a smart roofing option for most homeowners. This is evidenced by the fact that these shingles are America’s favorite, with many houses boasting asphalt shingles. These days, you can find these shingles with a look that resembles tile, wood, or slate, and the variety of colors is enough to match any home’s architectural style.

 

 

Wood Shingles and Shakes

When properly installed, wood shingles can last between 25 and 40 years. Cedar shingles not only provide a distinctive look to any home, but they can be treated to be fire-resistant and to prevent premature decay. Wood shingles are made from red cedar, cypress, pine, or redwood. If you prefer wood shakes, you should know that they are split right from the long and reshaped for manufacturing. Their rough edges are preserved to give them their unique look.

Slate

A slate roof is a smart investment because of its timeless beauty and longevity, which can be up to 100 years. It comes in many colors, and its texture gives any home an aesthetically pleasing look. When compared with other roofing materials, slate is naturally fireproof.

They are also water-resistant and can withstand snow, high winds, and heavy rains, never allowing any fungus or mold to grow on them. If you go for a slate roof, you can be sure that you will never have to think about a roof replacement again.

 

 

Metal

It is not uncommon for metal roofs to come with a 30-to-50-year warranty since this is how long metal roofs are expected to last, although some last even longer. By its very nature, metal is resistant to fire, mold, rot, and insects. It also gives houses a unique look since these days, metal roofing can be made to resemble many other roofing materials such as shingles or shakes. You can also get metal roofs in a wide variety of colors.

Additional benefits of metal roofs include the fact that they reflect the sun’s rays, lowering the need for air conditioning and saving on electric bills. Also, it is an incredibly lightweight material compared to other roofing options.

 

 

Clay Tiles

Depending on the style of your home, you may have to have clay tiles on its roof. They are beautiful and can withstand very high heat. However, before selecting this option, talk to your roofer to find out if your home is structurally sound enough to accept this heavy roof. Otherwise, you may have to reinforce the property’s structure before a clay tile roof can be installed.