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What Are the Top 5 Roofing Materials?

Roofing Contractor Tips: Roofing Materials

Whether you’re building a new home or replacing a roof, there are many things to consider. An experienced roofing contractor like Northern Exteriors can provide detailed information about your specific situation. To get started, here are the top five roofing materials.

Asphalt Shingles

The most popular roofing material in the United States is asphalt shingles. This is primarily due to the ease of installation, reasonable cost, and effectiveness in all environmental conditions. Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors and styles. This roofing option has a lifespan of around 20 years.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

The durability of clay and concrete tiles gives them the highest life expectancy, over 100 years, among all roofing materials. Clay doesn’t shrink or expand with temperature changes and is not susceptible to moss or plant growth. Concrete tiles provide the strength and longevity of clay tiles but are less expensive.

Metal Roofing

There are many types of metal roofing materials, such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc. Metal roofing is a great choice in hot climates as it effectively reflects the sun’s rays and keeps your home cooler. These low-maintenance roofs are excellent at resisting heavy snow, rainstorms, and high winds.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shingle and wood shake roofs have a natural beauty making them highly popular. This option is more expensive than composite shingles and requires more maintenance. Wood shingles are machine-cut, with clean edges and smooth surfaces, while wood shakes are hand-cut with a rustic appearance.

Slate

Beautiful, sustainable, and low-maintenance, slate roofs enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase its resale value. This heavy roofing material needs to be installed by a professional roofing contractor with experience in slate. Your slate roof will last a minimum of 60 years and up to 100 years.

Contact a reliable and knowledgeable roofing contractor such as Northern Exteriors to find out which option is best for you.