TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL ROOFING MATERIALS
Thinking about building a new home or getting a new roof? In today’s blog post, the roofing contractors at Big Boy’s Construction are sharing some of the common residential roofing materials we use for our roofing projects across Indianapolis. Continue reading to learn more, and if you have questions about a particular roofing system or would like a quote for your roofing project, contact our team.
ASPHALT SHINGLES
Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material for a reason! They’re economical and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Asphalt shingles are one of the least expensive shingle materials, but they have a shorter lifespan than other materials and don’t provide as much insulation. If properly maintained, an asphalt roof should last between 20 and 25 years.
CLAY OR CONCRETE TILES
Clay or concrete tiles are a great way to add texture and style to your roof, and they come in a range of colors. They’re a long-lasting roofing material and very energy efficient. However, clay and concrete tiles are expensive, heavy, and usually require additional engineering and framing to hold up their weight.
METAL
Metal roofs are extremely durable and long-lasting. While more expensive than asphalt roofing, metal roofs are 100% recyclable and look great on a wide range of homes. Metal roofing lasts around 40 to 75 years and is also reflective, which saves you money on energy bills. Metal roofs can also be made to imitate other roofing materials, such as tile or wood shakes.
WOOD SHINGLE/SHAKES
Wood roofs are very beautiful, but they’re also expensive and don’t last as long as other materials such as clay tiles or metal. They’re a great choice for luxury homes and are usually made from natural wood like cedar or redwood. Shingles are thinner than shakes, and shakes have a rougher texture and hewn look. In dry climates, wood roofs can last up to 60 years, but in damp conditions, the roof will weather more quickly and may only last 20 years.
SLATE
Slate is one of the most beautiful roofing materials out there. You can find slate roofs that are hundreds of years old and still working. True slate is thin sheets of real stone, but because it is real stone, installing slate roofs is a specialized skill and you’ll need to find a qualified roofer. While slate is expensive, it’s likely to be the only roof the building will ever need!
