Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one, you’ll have to make the important choice about which type of roofing to install. The right roof can give your home a stand-out exterior, last for many years, and add to your home’s resale value. In order to help you make an informed decision, let’s explore some of the most common types of residential roofs, as well as the features that make each of them popular.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of residential roof in the United States. They offer a traditional style, but you can choose unique colors, textures, and shapes to give it a unique, sometimes ultra-dimensional appearance.
Asphalt shingle roofs typically last about 12-20 years — sometimes a bit longer if they’re installed and maintained properly. While that’s not as long as some other residential roof types, asphalt shingle roofs are one of the easier and more affordable options to repair.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are growing in popularity due to their durability, clean look, and ability to shed precipitation. They’re made from aluminum, copper, zinc, and steel materials. While there are a few different types of metal roofing, the most common are shingles and standing seam.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are small panels that are stamped to mimic the appearance of other roofing types. While they have the ability to look just like asphalt, shakes, and slate, they come at an affordable price and with durability that makes them a desirable alternative.
Metal shingles come in a variety of colors and finishes and are easy to clean and maintain. Better yet? They’re energy-efficient and will reflect the sun’s rays to dispel unwanted heat from your home.
Standing Seam Metal
A standing seam metal roof includes long panels that run from the top of your roof all the way down to your gutters. They’re connected and concealed by seams raised a couple of inches above the panel level.
These seams provide great protection against leaks and are part of the reason standing seam metal roofs can last between 40-70 years. With that kind of protection, you might even be able to skip your annual roof inspection a few times!
Wood Shake
Wood shakes are thick pieces of treated wood with split thin rectangles. They’re thick and textured, giving them unmatched depth and dimension. With various colors, grain patterns, and grooves, it’s not difficult to find an option that fits your home’s aesthetic.
However, wood shakes require a bit of maintenance. While they can last almost 30 years, they have a tendency to warp, rot, mold, and are prone to insect infestations. Regular inspection and maintenance is needed to keep them attractive and functional.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are mostly seen in states with warmer climates, like California and Florida. However, they can add special appeal to homes in other places as well. Clay tiles come in a variety of colors and textures, and their shapes range from flat to curved to fluted.
The best part about clay tiles is that they last up to 50 years with little to no maintenance required. They have great durability against rain, hail, wind, and fire — ensuring your home is safe from anything Mother Nature throws your way.
Slate Tile
Slate tile is similar to clay tile but is made of natural rock. The rock — slate — is cut into slabs and installed directly onto your roof. While most slate tiles have smooth surfaces, they can give a great textured look once installed.
As the most durable type of residential roofing, slate tiles can last over a hundred years. They hold up against tough weather conditions and are fire resistant. That level of durability, paired with its abundance and renewable properties, also makes slate the most environmentally friendly roofing option.
Build Your Residential Roof with Zeeland Lumber & Supply
If you’re looking into different types of roofs to figure out which is best for your new home, give the Zeeland Lumber & Supply team a call! We’ve got all the roofing materials you need for either asphalt or metal roofs. Give us a call or contact us online to see what options we have for you.