When trying to decide which roofing material will work best for your home, it is best to get down to business and look at the most common options available today. Whether you are renovating your home or building a new one, the roof is going to be one of the most important decisions that you make. The aesthetic appeal is important, but so is the cost of the roofing material, the weight, and the suitability in the Minnesota climate. If you are remodeling, then your existing roof will determine your material choice. Furthermore, the geometry and condition of the existing roof may have an influence on the cost. For instance, old roofing may need to be removed, the home may have multiple chimneys, the roof deck may need repair, there may be skylights, or the rooflines intersect.
Another aspect that helps you determine the right kind of roofing is the style of the home. Composite shingles can look like slate, solar benefits can be provided by asphalt shingles, and metal roofing can look like wood shakes. There are many types of roofing that you should familiarize yourself with so you know the differences and what is best for you. You can also talk to your Minneapolis roofing contractor about the different options so you know the benefits and the costs associated with them.
The types of roofing that you will familiarize yourself with include:
- Asphalt shingles – These have been the roofing standard for quite some time. They are affordable and they install rather quickly. They used to be considered “plain,” but now they are anything but. They are also made out of more than just asphalt these days; they are also made from fiberglass and organic-mat-based materials that are much heavier than traditional shingles.
- Clay and concrete – Clay and concrete are durable and they tend to fit Mediterranean-inspired and Southwest-style homes. They can last for centuries and the clay is more expensive than the concrete. The clay tiles are colorfast, as well.
- Wood – Wood can include cedar shakes and shingles, treated pine, cedar, and many others. Wood can be very durable and last about as long as asphalt shingles. However, they are more costly. Periodic treatments are also needed to avoid fungal growth and to keep them from warping, drying out, and cracking.
- Slate is also a material that lasts for many years. It is labor-intensive, which contributes to the cost, but natural slate can give the structure character.
- Metal has also become increasingly popular, as it comes in aluminum, copper, and steel. It can be stamped into many styles and shapes. No longer are metal roofs corrugated panels that look as if they belong on a barn or shed; they are much more comprehensive with various style options and they are lightweight.
- Composite shingles are rather new in the roofing industry. They are made from poly-based materials, but they are fade resistant, they are lightweight, and have good fire ratings. They are warranted to up to five decades.
Of course, you can always go green with your roofing. There are shingles and other materials that use environmentally friendly materials. For instance, metal roofing is comprised of recyclable materials and the fact that it does not have to be replaced for decades reduces the natural resources that are consumed. You may want to ask about the different types of roofing that can decrease your carbon footprint.