Types of Roofing Materials for Your Home: Pros, Cons, and Uses Explained

The roof of your house is no doubt the most important part of your home. A roof is a part that protects your entire house from the outer environment and weather conditions. The roof also plays the biggest role in keeping the house warm. Roofs are available in different materials because depending upon the material, the value of the house changes. It is obvious that a well-maintained house with a good-quality roof will have more value at the time of sale. That is why it is very important that you take care of your roof properly.

Small issues in roofs can lead to bigger problems real soon even before you realize it. Therefore, it is suggested that you should never delay an issue regarding the roofs and walls of your house. The first step is to use a material that will be long-lasting and durable. It may cost you a bit more at that time, but in the long run, you will realize that it was the right decision not to compromise on the material you will use for the roof.

Types of Roofing Materials

A new roof is a very big and very important investment on which you should never compromise for less. If you make faults in choosing the right material for your roofing, it can lead to more costly solutions in the near future. Therefore, the money you will save on the materials will be spent double on the repair work soon. However, if you pick the right roofing material, it will be the best use of your investment and your house will be protected for many years to come.

There are many different roofing materials available in the market which confuses the customer. It becomes difficult for customers to know which option will be the best to fulfill their roofing needs.

Different types of roofing materials are given below for your understanding and convenience.

1. Rolled Roofing

Rolled roofing is a type of roofing material that is available in the form of a roll. It is asphalt rolled roofing and this material is the same as the asphalt shingles but this one is available in the form of a roll. Rolled roofing has a mineral surface and is an oil-based asphalt product. It is available in 100 square feet rolls with a width of nearly 3 feet. Its weight is nearly 75 pounds per roll.

·        Uses

•  It is mostly used in shops and shed-like structures.
• It is also used in low-slope residential roofs.

·        Pros

• It is one of the cheapest roofing materials.
• The thin strips of the roll offer an easy and convenient way to cover a sloped roof of any house or building.
•  It lasts about 5 to 8 years.

·        Cons

• Rolled rolling material has no aesthetic value.
• It can only fulfill utility needs but does not cover the need for a good appearance.

2. Membrane Roofing Material

It is a type of roofing that is used to cover the roof with a membrane in order to protect the inner side of a building. This membrane is a watertight covering that does not allow water to go through it. The membrane material is mostly made of synthetic rubber, thermoplastic (PVC), or bitumen.

·        Uses

·         It is used to cover pond surfaces.

·         It is used to cover the roofs of buildings.

·         It can also be used to cover the roofs of RVs.

·        Pros

• Membrane roofing is very long-lasting and durable.
• It can last up to 25 to 30 years with proper maintenance.
• EPDM membrane roofing is the most durable of all.

·        Cons

• Dry weather conditions are needed for the proper installation of rubber roofs.
• Appearance is one of the major disadvantages of membrane or rubber roofing.

3. Asphalt Composite Shingles Materials

Asphalt shingles are also known as composite shingles. The word “composition” is used because this roofing material is made with a composition of different products, for example, fiberglass, cellulose mat, mineral granules, and asphalt. They are the most popular roofing material in many parts of the world.

·        Uses

•  It is used mostly in home roofing.
• It is also used on sidings and walkways.

·        Pros

• Composite shingles are lightweight but very durable.
• They can last up to 20 to 30 years depending upon different factors.
• They are fire-resistant,
• They have no impact of moisture on them.

·        Cons

• Many things can impact and crack composite shingles roofing material because it is lightweight.
• More exposure to heat and light from the sun can cause the shingles to break down.
•  life expectancy is affected due to many reasons.

4. Standing Seam Metal Roofing Material

A standing seam roof is the most common type of metal roof. In this roofing, aluminum or steel panels are raised to join as a seam. This design helps to prevent moisture from going inside the roof. This roofing system has vertical or trapezoidal legs having a flat space in between.

·        Uses

• They are used mostly in areas with heavy snowfalls.
• It is also used in regions where the risk of wildfire is imminent.

·        Pros

• The seam metal roofing is fireproof.
• It is a durable and lightweight material.
• Life expectancy is from 30 to 50 years.
• You get many color options in this material.
• Its maintenance is very easy and less.

·        Cons

• The installation is complex and needs a technical and professional person to handle the job. This makes the installation very expensive.
• This roofing material does not bind noise. It can be very noisy in hailstorms or rain.
• The appearance is not very classy.

5. Metal Shingles Roofing Material

This type of roofing material is specially designed for homeowners who do not like the standing seam design of standing seam metal roofs. However, they want the strength of metal for their roofs. These metal shingles are made of steel or aluminum material.

·        Uses

• They are mostly used in homes where the owners are much concerned about appearance.
• They also fulfill the criteria of strength and durability.

·        Pros       

• They have a metal finish.
• They are durable.
• They have very low maintenance.
• They are energy efficient.

·        Cons

• They are very expensive.
•  The labor cost for the installation of metal shingles roofing material is higher than other materials.
•  It requires special skills, knowledge, and technique to install this roofing material.

6. Clay Tile Roofing Material

Earthen clay is baked at high temperatures to form clay tiles. They are mostly non-glazed. They are reddish-orange in color. They are popular in name of terracotta tiles. Clay tiles are considered a lot better than many other roofing materials due to their durability, longevity, and many other useful properties. They are an ideal material for long-term uses.

·        Uses

•  It is used mostly in hot climate regions.
•  It is used in regions where the air has high moisture.

·        Pros

• They are tough against rust.
• They do not rot or decay.
• They are resistant to water damage and moisture.
• They have a life expectancy of 50 to 100 years.
• They are fireproof.

·        Cons

• They are heavy-weight roofing materials therefore; the house requires proper structural planning to withstand the weight.
• Clay roofing material is quite expensive.
•  They get dirty easily and cleaning becomes difficult.

7. Concrete Tile Roofing Material

Concrete tile is an alternative to clay tiles. All the advantages, installation technique, etc is similar to that of clay tiles. However, a positive aspect is that the cost of concrete tiles is less. They are often molded with the sand mix. They have a decorative coating to create the finished look. They have to be checked regularly to keep them in excellent shape and condition.

·        Uses

• They are mostly used in homes in high-wind regions.
• It can suit nearly any climate.
• It can also be used in coastal areas as it is resistant to moisture.

·        Pros

• It is a heavy-weight and durable material.
• Life expectancy is more than 50 years.
• They are fire resistant.
• They are resistant to insect infestation or damage.
• They are resistant to extreme weather conditions like high winds and hail storms etc.

·        Cons

• They are very heavy in weight, not every house structure is able to bear the weight.
• Roof installation is a bit difficult.
• The roof needs special layout materials to hold the tiles properly.
• They need regular maintenance to keep the tiles in proper condition.
•  Cleaning is difficult as the tiles get dirty easily.

Conclusion

Your roof is the most important part of your house therefore, you should be very careful while choosing material for your roofing. One wrong decision can lead to bigger problems and greater issues in the future.