Any time you need to replace your roof or install a roof on any new construction project, it is important that you carefully consider what type of roofing material you want to use. The choice of roofing material will obviously be a major factor in the cost of the project so this is definitely something to consider.

What roofing material you choose will also influence how long your new roof lasts, how it looks and how much maintenance it will require. In this article, we’re going to show you five of the best roofing materials available. We will discuss the pros and cons of each to help you make a more informed choice on which option is best for your home or business.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are by far the most commonly used roofing material, and there are a few good reasons for this. One is that asphalt shingles are less expensive and more cost effective than most other options. Another reason is that asphalt shingles have a fairly long lifespan, and most come with a 25- or 30-year manufacturer’s warranty. An additional advantage of asphalt shingles is that they are available in a huge range of colors and styles, which makes it easy to match your home’s existing color scheme and design.

Asphalt shingles are also relatively low maintenance and also quite durable, which means that they can withstand extreme weather fairly well. That said, Class-3 or Class-4 impact-resistant shingles can sometimes be a better choice than the more basic asphalt shingles as they are much less likely to suffer from major hail damage.

Standing-Seam Metal Roofing

Standing-seam metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for commercial buildings, and more and more homeowners are also now opting for metal roofs. A standing-seam metal roof consists of multiple metal roofing panels that are installed and joined together. This is done in a way that they can expand and contract in the heat and cold to prevent damage and reduce the risk of leaks developing. As with asphalt shingles, metal roofing is available in numerous color choices so you can easily find an option that perfectly matches your home.

One advantage of this type of metal roofing is that it is extremely durable and built to last. Most standing-seam metal roofing comes with a 40-year manufacturer’s warranty, but will usually last for upwards of 50 to 75 years. This increased lifespan is definitely something to consider when choosing what type of roofing materials you want to use This is especially considering that a standing-seam metal roof will often cost around three times as much as using asphalt shingles.

Slate Roofing Tiles

Slate roofing tiles are an especially popular option for historic homes and buildings. A slate roof will provide a more classic, elegant look than any other option. Slate roof tiles are also among the most durable and longest-lasting options available. They can easily last for anywhere from 50 to 150 years or more. All that said, there are definitely a few drawbacks to slate roofs.

The most obvious one is the cost as slate roof tiles tend to be much more expensive than any other roofing option. This is partly because the tiles themselves are expensive. Still, the bigger reason is that installing slate tiles is an extremely slow process. A slate roof is extremely heavy, which means it is usually necessary to retrofit the roof and add additional support to ensure it can handle all of the weight.

Cedar Shake Shingles

Many people prefer the natural look of cedar shake shingles and find them to be more aesthetically pleasing than most other options. Cedar shake shingles are made from natural wood that is first cut into two-foot pieces and then sawed or hand split to the correct thickness. Tapersawn cedar shake shingles that have been sawed to the same thickness provide a more even, uniform look, whereas hand-split shingles look more natural and rugged.

A cedar shake roof will typically always be the least expensive option, but it will also not last nearly as long as other types of roofs. Cedar shingles are prone to weathering and will often start to crack, rot and lose their color over time. They are also obviously much more flammable than other roofing materials. Probably the biggest drawback to a cedar shake roof is that the shingles do not come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This means you will need to pay to replace them out of pocket should they suffer major damage or fail prematurely.

Composite Shingles

If you like the look of slate tiles or cedar shake shingles but are looking for something that is either cheaper or more durable, composite shingles can be the perfect choice. Most composite shingles are made from recycled plastics and rubber, but you can also find composite shingles made from specially engineered polymers. In either case, the shingles are made by putting the materials into special molds that are designed to make the shingles look exactly like slate roof tiles or cedar shake shingles. In fact, they look so realistic that there is no way you’ll ever be able to tell the difference between composite shingles and the real thing unless you’re actually standing on your roof.

Composite shingles can be somewhat expensive, but they also provide many advantages compared to either slate tiles or cedar shake shingles. A composite shingle roof will be much less expensive and much less heavy than a slate roof. Similarly, composite shingles will also be far more durable and last much longer than real cedar shake shingles.

At Taylor Made Roofing & Construction, Inc., we specialize in residential and commercial roofing installations and replacements for customers throughout the Morgantown area. We carry an extensive selection of different roofing materials, and our team can help advise and guide you through all of your different options. We also offer professional roofing repair and maintenance services as well as roof inspections. For more information on your roofing replacement options, contact Taylor Made Roofing & Construction, Inc. today.

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