The mere thought of getting to build your dream house can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. With the sheer number of tasks that you need to accomplish before enjoying living in your home, it can be overwhelming even for the most detailed planners. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride.
Treat every aspect of your future home as an independent body that deserves your attention. For instance, research the options you have for roofing materials before you start planning the interiors. You can’t live without a roof over your head, and in this case, it’s the roof of your home in question.
You may not have spent a lot of time thinking about roofing materials in the past, but now will be the perfect time to change that. This is because the option you go with will define whether you’ll be dealing with leaks and mold in the future or if you’ll manage to stay dry. That said, here are five common roofing materials you can choose from:
1. Metal
Metal is one of the most common materials used for roofs. It often comes in vertical panels or shingles to resemble slate, tile, or shake, and it’s built for longevity because it can last for up to 60 years. This type of material can resist harsh winds, won’t burn, and can slough off heavy snow or rain.
A fabricated metal roof is perfect if you want a visually pleasing aesthetic because it can also enhance your house’s curb appeal. Plus, since metal is durable and long-lasting, you won’t have to worry about replacing the roof for at least a few decades. But of course, that comes with proper maintenance.
2. Rubber
Rubber slates look natural and can last for up to 100 years with minimal maintenance. But they can be damaged by intense hailstorms or satellite dishes, so you might still need to make repairs once in a while. These synthetic slates are fire-resistant and lightweight, which makes them suitable for houses.
The rubber slates are more durable than the authentic slate shingles, and they can be trimmed into the right size for custom adjustments during installation. This is because synthetic slates are made from engineered polymers combined with recycled plastic and rubber, making them the “greener” alternative.
3. Clay
Clay tiles are famous for houses in hot climates because they are made from earthen clay molded into shapes and subjected to fire. Often, clay tiles are reddish-orange and left unglazed, adding a very distinct character to a home.
On the upside, clay tiles are incredibly long-lasting because they can withstand the elements for more than a century. But that is precisely what makes them more expensive than other roofing materials. Although if you’re not worried about the costs, then clay tiles can be the right option for your home.
4. Asphalt
Asphalt composite shingles are made from a fiberglass base, with mineral and asphalt granules on top. It’s pretty easy to replace individual shingles that have been damaged over time, which is why this type of roofing material is a practical and popular option for most homeowners.
The upfront costs for installing these shingles are low, but they will need to be replaced after about 20 years. If you live in a hail-prone area, you might want to consider getting impact-resistant shingles so that your roofing will last longer. However, asphalt shingles are already considered very effective against different environmental conditions.
5. Built-up Roofing
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a popular material for flat roofs because they are made with multiple layers of felt and asphalt. Usually, the BUR is made from two to four overlapped layers of felt, acting as the primary foundation. Once that sets, a combination of hot tar and crushed stone will be poured over it to strengthen the roof further.
This type of roofing is built for longevity. The BUR roof can last anywhere from two to three decades, depending on the foot traffic it receives. However, it can be harder to shovel snow off this type of roof, so you need to take that into account if you live in a region where there’s heavy snowfall.
The decisions you make during the construction will define the next few years of your life in your home. That’s why you must exhaust all your options before making your final decision. You need to weigh all the pros and cons of every roofing material, so you won’t regret deciding anything in the future.
