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The materials used during a project can make a big difference to the end results and the long-term effects of the project as a whole, and roofing is no different. Whether you’re deciding between materials for a brand new roof or you’re curious about replacement parts and which materials are the best, today’s blog is for you.

We are going to cover the different types of materials that roofs are made from so that you can make an educated decision on which material is going to best suit you, your home, and your needs.

Asphalt Shingles

One of the most common materials used when constructing roofs is going to be the asphalt shingle. These are great for the average house, and it’s popular for a few different reasons. Let’s cover both the pros and cons of this specific material.

Pro’s of Asphalt Shingles

For starters, asphalt roofs are known for having a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, which is pretty incredible for the average roof. Aside from that, it’s also going to be the most affordable roofing material currently available. One of the perks that we’re excited about is that these shingles are fire resistant, which is a nice feature to have regardless of where you live. If you choose to add these shingles to your home, you can install them over your current roof and enjoy all of the benefits they have to offer!

Con’s of Asphalt Shingles

One of the downsides to asphalt shingles is that they aren’t ideal for areas that are extremely windy. Though they are known for having a long lifespan, they can be damaged when winds get extreme. They’re also not the ideal shingle for any areas that experience high temperatures on a regular basis. This specific type of shingle is known for retaining heat, which is the last thing that you want when living in a warmer area.

Wood Shakes

Wood shakes are an extremely popular roofing material because of the unique touch that they add to houses. They are known for being one of the roofing materials that offer a very classic look to just about any house. Keep reading to see what some of the benefits and downfalls are to choosing this material.

Pro’s of Wood Shakes

When you have a classic looking house, you need to maintain the various attributes that make it look that way. Wood shakes are the best material when looking for a roof that will compliment the aesthetic of a classic home. Truth be told, wood shakes are primarily chosen because of the look that they have and very rarely for long-term benefits.

When you compare all of the materials that shingles are made of, there are very few ways that wood shakes can provide more than shingles made from other materials, but we’ll talk a little more about that next.

Con’s of Wood Shakes

When we’re talking about materials that are going to add to the cost of your homeowner’s insurance, wood shakes are definitely on the list. Because they are made of wood, they are not fire resistant, making them a huge liability in the case of a fire close to your home, but that’s not the only concern that insurance companies have.

Along with that, wood shakes are also more susceptible to damage from hail storms and heavy winds. Again, because they’re wood, there is a chance of wood shakes experiencing mold and mildew problems because they’re made from a material that is going to absorb more water. They’re also not nearly as heavy as some of the other roofing materials that are available, so they are more likely to experience damage when heavy winds and extreme weather pass through.

The last downside to this material that we want to touch on is the durability of the wood shake itself. Given that these shingles are made from wood, they aren’t able to uphold long life spans. Your wood shakes will require quite a bit of maintenance in order to remain in good condition and immediate care in the case of an accident. At best you can expect these tiles to last 20 years at maximum.

Tile Shingles

Another extremely common material for roofing is tile. Tile shingles are available in both concrete and clay, each offering benefits of their own. Understanding the pro’s and con’s of each tile shingle will help you determine which option is best.

Pro’s of Tile Shingles

One of the significant benefits to this material is that both clay and concrete tiles are incredibly durable and require minimal maintenance — both great things for a roof. Since tile shingles are a little bit thicker than other materials, they are known for being able to withstand weather and have overall longer lifespans.

All tile shingles are known for being able to withstand hail, fire, and high wind speeds. The main difference between the different types of tile shingles is their appearance. They both make for a beautiful addition to any home but will come in different shapes and colors depending on the style.

Con’s of Tile Shingles

There are so many different things that make these tile shingles a great option, but there are a few downfalls that you will need to take into consideration with these tiles. For starters, they could heighten your homeowner’s insurance rates. Because they are a more expensive material to use, your insurance is going to want to take that into account for any damages that could occur.

Aside from that, tile shingles aren’t great for cold temperatures. As you might have assumed, this material doesn’t do well in cold circumstances and can actually crack if temperatures drop too low.

Metal Panels

Metal shingles are one of the materials that have provided endless benefits to homes. They’re becoming a material that is used more and more frequently over time. Here in Tuscaloosa, there are a few reasons that choosing this material is a great decision!  

Pro’s of Metal Panels

This lightweight material is extremely durable and resistant to high temperatures. One of the reasons that we love this material for roofing is because of it’s ability to handle the heavy rains, winds, and hail that we see here Tuscaloosa.

Metal roofs aren’t only good for their ability to withstand rough weather and storms, they’re also really great for conserving energy. If you’re looking for a roof that can reflect the hot sun that we get in the summer and hold up to the rough rains of the fall, then metal is the way to go.

Con’s of Metal Panels

The main downfall to choosing metal for your roof is that it can add up. Ultimately you’re going to have to decide whether all of the benefits that we’ve mentioned are worth the money that you’re spending. For many, knowing that the roof that they’re spending for will provide them with a reliable and safe roofing solution is worth every penny they spend.

If you do decide to move forward with metal as the roofing material for your home, you want to make sure that you’re turning to a company with years of experience. It’s crucial that metal roofs are installed properly in order for them to provide all of the benefits that we talked about before. Working with a team like PRN Roofing is a sure way to get a high-quality roof over your head.

Slate

The last material that we’re going to touch on in today’s blog is slate. This is a material that is heavy duty and great for roofing. But, like any material, it has its pros and cons. Keep reading to see if this is a material that you should consider for your roof.

Pro’s of Slate Shingles

When you’re determining what type of material you’d like your roof to be made of one of the many things that you want to ensure is that your roof is going to be durable enough to withstand anything that mother nature brings. Slate shingles are thick and incredibly durable, making them a great option for new roofs.

Con’s of Slate Shingles

If you’re unsure as to whether or not slate shingles are something to consider for your home, the good news is that it’s pretty easy to deduct right off the bat. Slate roofs are built entirely different than others. This isn’t a material that you can later add to a home, because of the fact that they are custom built with this material in mind. This is one of the negative aspects in that it limits any changes that you want to make to a roof that is currently made from slate, but it also makes it so that you can’t switch to slate shingles without starting from scratch.

Slate roofing materials are also expensive and heavy, as we mentioned earlier. The fact that they’re a heavy material is excellent for roofing, but the price of them is something that you need to be prepared for. Because they are such an expensive material, it’s not uncommon for homeowner’s insurance companies to raise the cost

Work With a Roofing Contractor

We’ve just finished covering so many different materials, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you know which material is best for your home and your needs. If you’re still unsure as to which material you should select, it’s time to reach out to the professionals.

PRN Roofing is a team built up of roofing contractors and experts. We’ve been a part of the industry for years and have gained endless knowledge of the materials and installation process. If you have any questions or concerns, a member of our team can provide you with the guidance and assistance that you need to make your final decision.

Reach out to our team today, and we’d be more than happy to set up a time to talk about your roof. From roof repair and maintenance to full installation, our team of roof contractors can help! Aside from that, make sure to keep an eye out for our next blog post that will touch on a few of the other things that you should be taking into consideration before deciding what material to move forward with.