If you have had any experiences with roofing repairs or restoring and rebuilding a house, you know how exhausting it can be. Anyone will tell you it is much easier (and more common) to choose the interior repairs than choosing a new roofing material. Here is a list of the top 5 roof coatings to help you decide which is right for you.
Tile
One of the more aesthetically pleasing roof coatings, tile is a bit on the expensive side as far as roofing materials go, but it can be well worth it. Because it is made from mined clay and sometimes additionally sand and ground rocks, the tile roofing is not affected by the sun’s rays so it will not get discolored, burnt or warped. It also does not corrode from rot or be eaten away by insects and their animals. It is also an optimal solution for keeping your home much cooler during hotter weather and insulation for your attic and other areas in your home. The structure of the tiles could also mean higher insurance rates as they are prone to cracking under too much weight (during inspections or repairs) and can add structural weight to your home, so make sure your foundation is sound and approved by a professional for proper weight distribution.
Wood Shaker
If you are leaning more towards an earthier alternative to your roof coating, wood shakes are definitely an aesthetically pleasing option. They can provide amazing insulation during the winter season and give your home a more natural appearance. However, wood shakes tend to need more maintenance due to their natural materials being attractive to bugs and other wooded insects. They can be quite expensive to obtain and install and have no thorough defense against hazards such as fire and harder weather conditions. Your insurance is more apt to increase your rates once they know you have wood shakes for your roof coating, so make sure you are able to take into account more than just the visual aspect.
Slate
This roof coating is similar to tile in its aversion to rotting away or fire and weather hazards, but it can also make your insurance skyrocket. In this instance, you are paying for quality stuff at a quality price at quality premiums, so if the quality is your thing, you can definitely look into this one more. Slate ones in a variety of coloring and texture, so it is much easier to repair than tile and can withstand an array of environmental conditions. This also means that it adds weight to your home, so make sure you are thorough in getting your home’s support beams and foundation ready for that.
Asphalt Shingle
This is the most commonly used roof coating by far and also the least expensive. Asphalt shingles are fire resistant, lighter in weight than its other material competition, and can be installed over an already placed rooftop. It comes in a variety of textures and coloring so picking one is solely based on what you like for your home. There are some things to look out for though, such as fading and corrosion over time that makes each shingle brittle. This could also mean more mold and mildew as the structure of each tile tends to attract moisture which becomes trapped underneath. High-pressure winds and intense weather conditions can make the shingles come off your roof, which could mean more time, money, and repairs in the long run.
Metal
This roof coating is great for keeping your roof cool and free of insect and the potential for fire hazards or weather corrosion. It is lightweight and durable while keeping the sun’s rays and heat off and out of your home. However, during other kinds of weather conditions, such as raining, windy, or more intense situations, the metal roof can become like a sounding board for anything that falls into it. This potential for higher noise levels and the higher pricing is usually a deterrent for homeowners who prefer peace and quiet and a lower priced alternative to the metal roof coating.
So, now that you know a bit about these roof coatings, you can speak with a local roofing professional here at SCI (844) 438-7241 to and see which one is best for you and your roofing situation…and your wallet. Whichever one you choose, they all have benefits that can help you and your home stay cool and protected when you need it most.
