5 Common Roofing Materials

Looking to replace your home’s roof? Building a new home and need to decide on the roofing materials you use?  

There are a number of roofing materials available for homeowners, each with its own distinct qualities. Your roofing material choice could depend on the look you’re going for, the environment your home is in, and your budget.

To give you a starting place for your next roof, we are outlining five of the most common roofing materials available. We’ll include their benefits and any qualities you need to be aware of, too.

1| Composite/Asphalt Shingles

One of the most common roofing materials, composite shingles are relatively low cost and can last up to 20 years.

Homes that face more extreme weather often opt for composite/asphalt shingles for their durability. Should a few singles break, they are also fairly simple to repair or replace. Because they are regularly used in roofs, replacement materials are also readily available.

The concern when it comes to composite shingles is their porous nature. Regular rain or moist environments can lead to moss and plant growth, which can compromise the shingles’ integrity. Using composite or asphalt shingles means monitoring them regularly.

2| Wood Shingles

Another common roofing material is wood. This is partly due to the natural abundance of wood, and partly because many homeowners find wood to be an attractive material.

In certain areas, investing in wood shingles can actually help boost a home’s property value.

We say investing, too, because wood shingles can cost more and require more upkeep than other shingles. As they are a natural material, regular cleaning and maintenance is necessary to help to prevent any moss or plant growth.

Given that wood shingles can have a life expectancy of up to 30 years, the time that goes into their upkeep can help to offset the initial cost. For long-term homeowners, they may even end up making more financial sense.

3| Metal Roofing

One of the longest lasting common roof materials is metal, with a life expectancy of between 40 and 80 years.

In the past, metal roofs had a poor aesthetic reputation. Recently, though, they’ve become better designed and can even replicate other roofing materials like wood or cedar. Another attractive quality is that they are low maintenance. 

Metal roofs differ in that it’s not simply a case of choosing one type of shingles over another. They do need a different skillset to install, so be sure to confirm that the roofing company you’ve selected has experience with metal roofing.

4| Clay Tiles

One of the more dynamic common roofing materials is clay. Clay tiles are often found in climates that are hotter and drier. Of interest to homeowners, this extremely durable material can last for over 100 years. Plus, clay tiles do not expand or shrink with temperature changes and do not experience moss or plant growth.

While this may be a solution if your house is still under construction, clay may not be right for an existing home. Because they are notably heavier than the previously mentioned shingles, your roof as it is now may not be able to support the weight.

5| Slate

Another heavier roofing material is slate. Known for its impressive durability (between 60 and 100 years) and its fire resistance, slate tiles can be a good choice for a new house.

They are also one of the more unique and attractive common roofing materials. Many homeowners like that slate tiles can be installed in a variety of textures and shades that help your home to stand out.

However, their weight can prove complicated for older homes that aren’t designed to support it.

Roofing Material Claims For Contractors And Homeowners

When installing a roof for a new home, there are plenty of options to consider. If you find yourself replacing your existing roof, or having to do a repair after a storm, you may find that you are choosing between a few specific roofing materials.

In the process of creating the estimate for your roof or in its installation, you may come across the need to file a roofing claim. 

At US Home Supplements, we are experienced in doing claims for all types of roofing materials. To speak with one of our expert team and keep your roof installation going smoothly, we encourage you to contact us today.