Choosing the right roofing materials comes down to making a choice based on quality and cost. You can’t choose a material based on cost alone because some materials simply don’t last as long as others. Let’s look at six popular roofing materials and the ups and downs of using each.

Asphalt Shingles

As the most popular residential roofing material, asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors. They are easy to install and cheap to buy. However, they last anywhere from 20 to 75 years, which is relatively short compared to other options. Asphalt shingles also provide less insulation than other options.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Clay and concrete tiles last a long time and do not catch fire as easily. These energy-efficient roof coverings add an elegant look to your home. However, they are heavy compared to other roofing materials and relatively expensive to install as they usually require additional framing. They look great with Mission, Southwestern, and Mediterranean style homes and usually last 40 to 50 years.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs made of copper, aluminum, zinc, or stainless steel come in panels or sheets and last longer than asphalt or wood. However, this is one of the more expensive materials that you can choose. Metal roofing looks great on bungalows, cottages, and cabins and can last for 40 to 75 years.

Slate

Many people find slate roofing beautiful, and it comes in a variety of shades, from red to green to black to purple. These fire-resistant tiles are recyclable. However, they are also expensive and heavy, requiring professional installation and extra framing. They look great with French and Colonial homes and can last 50 to 100 years.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles were the main roofing material for centuries. Homeowners still love the look of shake and wooden shingles, which weather to an attractive Gray shade. These tiles might not be ideal for fire-prone areas and are prone to splitting and rotting in wet environments. Wood shingles typically last 25 to 30 years and look great on Tudor and Cape Cod homes. They cost about a third of what clay and concrete tiles do but are more expensive than asphalt tiles.

Synthetic Roofing Products

Synthetic materials include plastic, rubber, and Paul Mars. Due to their versatility, synthetic materials look great on many types of homes and last for up to 50 years. However, some materials absorb water.

Call Union Roofing when you need a residential roofing contractor to install any type of roofing material. We also provide support services such as gutter repair in Philadelphia and the surrounding communities.