Roofing used in residential areas is evidently different in materials they are made of. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you are planning to build a house of your own, you must know what types of roofing solutions are available and how will you choose the best one that suits your needs. You need to know what material can give you the utmost protection at an affordable price. These are the alternatives that you better consider.
Metal Roofing -generally metal roofing are made of steel, copper, aluminum and others. During the late 1700′s these materials were very famous. Some notable buildings like Washington Monument were made of such metals. It can give you strength but it is quite expensive. Some are even lightweight, like steel, and yet very durable. Some metals are treated in flames to make them fire-retardant and if flashing is not a problem, you will not find it hard to maintain it.
Slate Roofing -because of its hefty price, you can mostly see this type of roofing in the homes of the wealthy and famous people. But the price that it asks from you can be compensated by the beauty that they can give you. It can certainly provide you a roof that is impenetrable by insects and even rodents. Like tiles, it also lasts for longer period of time. If taken properly, it can survive until 150 years. In addition, it provides you security from fire so it will not break down that easily in the event that your home will be on fire.
Cedar Shingles -this type of roofing is usually made out of Western Red Cedar. It is also commonly called wood shakes. This would give your roof and house a unique natural look for the reason that no two wood shakes are exactly like.
Each of these has its own colors, width and thickness and even cut of the wood unless it is cut by a machine. It only turns gray in the later stages when it has undergone wear and tear and so it will continue to remain fashionable. Since it is a good insulator it saves you money as you might not have the need of an insulator.
Clay Tile Roofing -this is prevents the roof from growth of mold, decaying and burning. That is why most of the homeowners prefer this. Most California homes have this type of roofing. It gives a modern yet clean look. But, if you want this type of roofing, you need to have strong beams that will support the roof because the clay is weighty. It is also not that cheap so you have to consider your budget too. In addition, it is not that easy to maintain and its repairing would require certain skills.
Asphalt Shingles -those who want an economical alternative can choose asphalt shingles or composition as it is called commonly. It is made from merely asphalt or fiberglass. It has a wide range of styles and colors that you can choose from so you would not urn out of options. Aside from the look, its installation will not make you sweat as you can even just put it above your existing roof.
Fiberglass shingles -this makes use of a layer of fiberglass at the bottom. It has made to be waterproof as it is combined with some asphalt. This is kind of cheap too and is durable enough, lasting for about 30 years at the maximum. However, it might not be good for your health as it has a carcinogen component called formaldehyde so think twice before going for this type of roofing. Also, it is prone to mildew and growing of moss. It has another type, which is called laminated shingles. This is more expensive and last much longer. In addition, it looks far better than asphalt and fiberglass shingles. However, it is heavier and pricey.
The points mentioned above will give you a detailed idea about what is good and what is bad about different types of roofing materials. Be careful and choose the best one that adds value to your house.
Article by Joseph Wilkerson of Los Angeles, who is also a specialist in roofing. For more information on roofing contractors Orange County CA, visit his site today.