Types of Roofing Materials

A quality roof is essential not only for your home's value and curb appeal but also for your family's protection. With a good roof, you won't have to worry about unnecessary repair expenses a while after its installation.



If you want to install a new residential roof, the first thing to consider is the available roofing materials. Clarity about various roofing materials and their characteristics will help you make the right decision and get value for your money. Here are various roofing materials you can choose from.

The affordability of asphalt shingles makes them popular roofing materials on American homes. Also, the installation, repair, or replacement process of asphalt shingles is not complex. Although they don't have the most extended lifespans, asphalt shingles can last between 12 and 30 years. Common types of asphalt shingles are:

• Three-tab shingles
• Fiber asphalt shingles
• Architectural shingles
• Organic asphalt shingles



Three-tab shingles come with at least 25-year warranties and are cost-effective options. Fiber asphalt shingles come in different colors and are lightweight, energy-efficient, and customizable. Asphalt architectural shingles are waterproof, resistant to curling, and costlier than three-tab shingles. Lastly, organic shingles are eco-friendly, flexible, and heavyweight.

If you want aesthetically appealing or classic roofing materials for your home, go for wood shingles. Also, wood roofing can help boost your home's energy efficiency and reduce your monthly energy bills. But, you will need a good budget since wood roofs are expensive to purchase, install, and maintain. Natural woods — like redwood and cedar — make up most wood shingles or shakes.



Wood roofing is not for you if you live in areas with high humidity and moisture levels or areas prone to wildfire. Compared to other roofing materials, wood roofing needs more maintenance to last long.

If your residential property has a low-pitched or flat roof, consider a membrane roof. Although membrane roofs may be made of various materials, like PVC, neoprene, and polymer-modified bitumens, EPDM — synthetic rubber — is the best option.

One good thing about membrane roofs is they are not heavyweight, which makes their installation and repair more convenient. Also, membrane roofs are not expensive and are dependable.

Although these roofs get punctured easily, they can last between 20 and 35 years when properly cared for.

Metal roofs are good options because of their resistance to water, fire, and hail damage. A good residential metal roof will also prevent UV penetration into your house. Aluminum, steel, zinc, and copper roofing are a few examples of metal roofing.

If you live in a coastal region, an aluminum metal roof is an excellent option because aluminum is not prone to salt corrosion. Steel metal roofs are cheaper, more flexible, and more durable options. Zinc metal roofs are the most durable options since they can last up to 100 years. Lastly, copper metal roofs are quiet because of their soft nature, and can last even longer than zinc in ideal conditions.

A concrete tile roof is an excellent option if you lack enough money to purchase clay tiles. Besides being cheaper, concrete tiles are durable and can last up to five decades. Concrete tiles are also versatile in terms of their profiles, where some look like wood shakes and others like rolled clay tiles.

Because these tiles absorb water, they need more regular maintenance to prevent damage.

Slate shingles are aesthetically appealing and good options for those with luxury residential properties. Also, they are among the most durable roofing materials, with up to 150 years of lifespan. But slate roofs aren't lightweight, so residential properties must have enough strength to support them. Also, their installation is quite complex, so you must hire a qualified roofer.

DIY roof installation or replacement is slow and can leave you with bodily injuries. For a fast, convenient, and safe installation or replacement of your residential roofing material, contact us today at P & G Roofing.