Are you in the market for a new roof now? Anticipate to be needing one within the next few years? It’s never too early to start doing your homework when it comes to roofing, notably when it comes to having to select from a wide variety of roofing materials to outfit your home with. This post is designed to take a look at some of the most popular materials used today to give you a better idea of what you can expect when the time comes to hire a roofing contractor for your Minneapolis area home.
Asphalt
This is the most popular type of roofing material installed today for several reasons. Not only are asphalt shingles fairly easy to install, but they are also very durable, lasting anywhere from 15 to 30 years. Additionally, they are available in just about any color you want. The downside? They have a tendency to decay fairly easily, especially in changing weather. They’re also not very sustainable.
Wood
Wood shingles look beautiful – and that’s about where the benefits of this roofing option stop, as the downsides largely outweigh the benefits.
Some notable downsides include:
- They can help the spread of fire.
- They often warp with time.
- They can rot, making such shingles great homes for bugs and ideal for mold growth
Metal
Metal roofs are sleek-looking. They’re also the most durable roofing material on the market, as such roofs can last a lifetime as long as they are properly maintained. Metal roofs can also reflect the sun, which can help homeowners save on energy bills.
The main disadvantage to metal roofs is that they’re very loud when it’s raining. What’s more is that hail and freezing rain from severe storms is more apt to dent metal than it is to damage other types of roofing materials.
Tile
If your home’s architecture is right, it might be a good candidate for a tile roof. Tiles are durable and come in various materials and colors. Other benefits to tile roofs is that they are fire-, hail- and rot-resistant, so they’re great in warm, humid climates. The big downside? Though durable, tile roofs can still crack, so proper maintenance and care is essential to keep the roof long-lasting.
Slate
If you have a large house, chances are you’ll want to go with a slate roof. That’s because slate is durable, fire-resistant and also rot-resistant. It’s also relatively low maintenance and fairly easy to make repairs on. But there is one main disadvantages to going with a slate roof – and that is that it’s a heavy material, so the home must be able to support it from a structural perspective.
If you would like to learn how Iron River Construction can help you with your next roofing project, schedule a free consultation with us today.
