Pros & Cons of Different Roofing Materials

Building or renovating your home takes a lot of detailed and meticulous thought. Not only do we need to take into consideration ideas like an open floor plan versus a closed one… we need to consider the materials that go into what is being built. In this blog, we break down the two most popular roofing materials that homeowners prefer.

All roofing material has a life span. This matters when you are thinking about a long-term investment on your home. For example, asphalt shingles (the most common and popular option for homes) run for about 20 years, however if you opt for a bit of a higher quality shingle (asphalt architectural shingles) they can last from 30-50 years. But due to its price point and easy installation, a lot of homeowners settle on asphalt shingles.

Since Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing materials, we’ll discuss these first! These shingles are made of an asphalt/fiberglass base. They can run from $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot. They can also be applied directly on top of old shingles, given that they’re still in good shape. Which saves on time and money. They are also considered “Class A fire resistant”, meaning they are able to withstand a fire for up to two hours.

All of that being said, there are some cons to these shingles. They DO have the shortest life span, so although they are cheaper, you’re more than likely to have to replace them sooner than the expensive options. They are also more vulnerable to storm damage and don’t take well to extremely strong wind.

 

Our second most popular roofing option is tile roofing. Now concrete or clay tile roofing has a MUCH longer lifespan, at 60-150 years, considering it the most durable of roofing materials. What makes this such a good option is that they are extremely fire resistant, so if you live in a high fire area, this may be a good option to investigate. They are also resistant to rotting and bugs! Now unfortunately due to the lifespan being so long, that comes at a cost. Tile materials can range from $4.00 to $10.00 per square foot. It is also extremely heavy in comparison to asphalt shingles. So, it is important to discuss the potential toll that may take on the structure of your home and if it is worth it, or if exploring other options would be a better idea.

Just as an honorable mention…Living Roof! This is where you lay down a waterproof membrane and moss. Obviously this will require quite some maintenance, but the reward comes in the form of pollutant removal, insulation and the absorption of rainwater which than can be recycled! You’re also giving back to the Earth with this interesting option.

These are just some of the most popular options available and on the market. It is always important to discuss your options and what will suit your home best with your contractor. If you are ready to take a dive into building or renovating your home, the professionals at Peninsula Custom Home Builders will know exactly how to put together your dream home. Reach out to us today!

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