All About Roofing

There are so many different types of roofing materials out there, how do you choose just one? If you are thinking about the type of roof that you might like to have, then this article might just help you narrow down the selection a bit. Before you decide upon any kind of roofing, it is important to consider the overall life of the material that you will choose.

While some types of roofing might be inexpensive, these materials usually don't last very long. On the flip side, while some materials might be expensive, they will last for many years to come without a lot of maintenance - just some things to think about while looking over the options listed below.

Let's start with one of the most popular types of roofing material: composition. Composition roofing is inexpensive, it comes in various colors and types, and it is relatively easy to repair.

However, a composite roof usually only lasts for 15 to 30 years, it tends to scar when heated, it can collect lots of mildew, and it is not environmentally friendly. If this doesn't sound like a good idea to you, don't worry - there are many different types of roofing materials that haven't been covered yet.

Wood shingles are popular throughout some areas of the world, though these shingles are not fire-friendly. In addition, they tend to be very high maintenance, since they rot, split, and mold frequently. However, they do give off a natural look, they tend to blend in nicely with any surrounding, and they will last for a long time if they are properly taken care of.

One great option is metal roofing. Metal roofs tend to come in various colors, they last a long time, and they are low maintenance. However, metal roofs are more expensive that most other kinds. Out of all the different types of roofing materials, metal roofs are often a favorite choice for many homeowners.

Clearly, there are lots of different types of roofing materials, and some of those sorts have not even been discussed in this article. Thus, the best thing for you to do is to contact a contractor, ask about the different types of materials that you might want to consider, and decide upon the right one for your home or business.

Keep in mind that the cheapest option might not always be the best choice. Instead, look for a roofing material that will last for many years.

When comparing the price of an asphalt roof to the price of a metal roof, what really is the best deal for the average homeowner?

Why would you care? "When my roof needs to be replaced, I'll just call my local roofing contractor to come in and replace it. Asphalt shingles are okay. The last ones lasted about 15 years. They were cheap enough."

Were they cheap enough? Why would you want to put a roof on your house that you or someone else has to replace every 15-20 years? "But the shingles I'm getting are 40 year shingles." WOW!! How is it that the asphalt shingle companies say they are selling you a roof that will last for 40 years when the insurance companies that insure our homes say they will last only 17 years? Many of the asphalt shingle manufacturers have gone out of business due to class action law suits.

How do metal roofing costs compare to the cost of replacing an asphalt roof every 15 - 20 years? Take into account that the cost of installing an asphalt roof doubles every 15 years. So what cost $7,000 this year will cost $14,000 in fifteen years. So the cost of the roof after only 15 years would end up being $21,000. Now compare that to the cost of a metal roof that will last a lifetime. A metal roof would cost about two and a half times the cost of asphalt, or $17,500. It's a one time investment for the life of the house.

Additionally, you must consider the environmental impact. When an asphalt roof goes on, it begins to break down immediately. And when you have one installed, the old one should be taken off and disposed of. Where are they disposed? Landfills, mostly, where

they take hundreds of years to break down. With metal roofing, especially aluminum roofing, they are made from recycled aluminum and they are fully recyclable at the end of their life, which is 100 years plus. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners with metal roofs.

There are many more factors to consider, such as curb appeal, wind ratings, energy savings, and tax incentives. Talk with a metal roofing professional to get the whole story. Do your research and you will make the right choice for your home.