Exceptional Exteriors - Top Types of Roofing Materials

You've known the importance of having a strong roof over your head since you heard the story of the three little pigs all the way back in Kindergarten. Yet, this is still something that way too many people take for granted.

As the three little pigs told the story, the options for building your house comes down to straw, sticks or brick—with brick obviously being the winning choice. Luckily for us, our industrial techniques have taken our home building skills far beyond the imagination of any big bad wolf, which means that there are plenty of material options on the market that will help keep your home sturdy, free from leaks, and help keep you free from worry.

The Best Roofing Materials

There is no single answer to the best type of roofing materials. The bottom line is that the best type of roof for your home comes down to the needs of your home, based on location, expected longevity, and the type of house that you own.

Before choosing a material, you should consider the following questions:

• How heavy is the material?
• Does this material require special framing of my home?
• Is the material available in a color that properly compliments my home?
• Do I live within a homeowners association that will limit the type of material I can use?
• Are there special installation or maintenance issues to consider?
• What is the cost, anticipated lifespan, and warranty for this type of roof?

Depending on your answers to the following questions, you'll want to consider materials like:

Asphalt: The most common type of roofing on residential property in the United States. Asphalt is highly economical and available in a wide variety of colors, but has a shorter lifespan than other materials.

Clay and concrete tiles: These are much heavier tiles for roofing, and as such add an extra layer of elegance to the curb appeal of the home. Since they are so heavy, clay and concrete are typically recommended for warmer climates.

Metal roofing: This is one of the most resilient types of roofing materials on the market. Highly durable, it will outlast asphalt and wood, but it also is more likely to cost a bit more than other options, as well.

Slate: A slightly less-heavy alternative to clay and concrete, slate tiles are highly elegant and are popular in the Northeast US, especially. Highly durable, slate is even fireproof, and the roof typically lasts 100 years or longer.

Wood: Finally, wood shingles were the go-to option in roofing materials before asphalt hit the market. This offers a rustic look, but aren't ideal in overly wet climates due to the potential for wood rot and other damage.

Before deciding what type of roofing material you want based solely on the appearance of your home or estimated cost, talk to a roofing professional to find out what the best type of roofing material is for your particular needs. Contact Exceptional Exteriors for more information.