Roofing Installation: Choosing the Right Material

The roof may well be the most important component of any shelter. It plays an integral part in keeping the people under it safe and comfortable. When building a new home or renovating an older one, the roofing installation is one part of the process that will affect the function of the rest of the house.

Asphalt Roofing
Asphalt is one of the most widely used roofing materials in this country. It is effective, inexpensive, and relatively easy to install. It comes in a wide variety of colors so just about any home will find one that suits it. Asphalt roofing installation is particularly beneficial for homes in areas that receive heavy snow and are often subjected to freezing temperatures. A properly installed asphalt roof can last over 30 years.

Installing shingles is a pretty straightforward process. Generally a base of some sort is laid down, then the shingles are nailed, tarred, or locked into place above this base in an overlapping fashion. Research suggests that 4 out of 5 houses in the U.S. choose asphalt roofing.

Slate Roofing
When it comes to durability, slate is at the top of the list. A slate roof can last upwards of 100 years. The material is rather difficult to install because of its weight (slate roofing is very heavy). Slate roofing is also extremely brittle, and it will easily break when walked upon.

Probably the biggest drawback of slate roofing is its price. Slate is many times more expensive than other roofing materials in initial price, alone. When you take into account the high cost of professional installation (and slate roofing installation should definitely be done by a professional), the bill becomes too large for most people's budgets.

Metal Roofing
Metal roofs have certainly stood the test of time; some that were first installed many decades ago are still functioning quite well. Metal roofing is available in both shingles, that are installed much like asphalt shingles, and in seamed sheets. With both varieties, you can expect a roof that will last upwards of 50 years.

A metal roof performs well under high winds, is fire resistant, and will survive many a rain or snow storm with ease. It can be quite noisy, however, so metal roofing installation usually entails laying not just a moisture barrier, but a sound barrier, as well. Metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt, but less expensive than slate.

Wood Shingle Roofing
Though once fairly common, wood roofing is no longer a very popular choice. The look is very appealing, and wood roofing installation is not particularly difficult, but the shingles themselves have become quite expensive. Wood roofs are also much more high maintenance than any other material. Unless you are building or renovating a one room cabin, the aesthetic appeal of wood roofing is generally not worth the high price, maintenance, and relatively short life-span.