If you're trying to decide on the right type of roofing to get when you replace your old roof, you should talk to a residential roofing contractor for some experienced advice. A contractor may have samples so you can see and feel what different roofing materials are like. Plus, you'll want advice on durability and longevity. Here are a few ways different types of residential roofing compare.
Cost Of Supplies
Three-tab asphalt shingles are among the least expensive types of roofing materials. Other asphalt shingles are more expensive depending on how thick and well-made they are. Slate and tile roofs are some of the most expensive for residential roofing.
Metal roofing is usually more expensive than shingles, but less expensive than slate and tile. If you want a roof that is the most affordable, you'll probably need to stick with asphalt shingles or metal. Your residential roofing contractor can help you find the right roofing materials for your budget.
Cost Of Installation
The ease of installation affects the overall cost of your new roof too. Asphalt shingles are common, so it's easy to find experienced professionals to install them. Plus installation of asphalt shingles and metal roofs is fairly easy, and that helps keep costs low.
Tile and slate roofing are more difficult to work with. Plus, they are heavy. That means installation might require adding more support to your roof, and that adds to the cost of installation for both labor and materials.
Longevity Of Roofing Materials
The expected lifespan of the roofing materials is something to consider because a longer life helps even out the costs. Three-tab asphalt shingles have the shortest lifespan, so you'll need to replace the roof at least once, or maybe even twice, before you would need to replace a tile or slate roof.
Tile and slate can last for many decades, and that offsets their higher initial cost. However, if you have a low budget, then shingles might be a good idea even if you have to replace them in several years.
Lifespan is based on durability, so the more durable the roof is, the longer it lasts and the fewer repairs it should need. Metal roofing might be a good compromise since it has a long life, needs few repairs, and it's usually less than tile or clay roofing.
One last thing to consider is appearance, and that's usually a matter of personal taste. However, if you live in an HOA community, you may not have any choice but to use the type of roofing they require residents to install.
Once you watched someone put a roof on a home, you have a much deeper understanding of what's involved in this sort of work. Roofing is not easy. There's a big mental component since the roofers need to decide how how many shingles to use, how to best lay them out, and so forth. Then, there's the physical aspect of roofing. Lugging packages of shingles onto the roof is not easy, and nailing them down take a lot of work, too. With that in mind, we welcome you to read more about roofing on this blog. Let the articles inform your opinion of the profession.