Roofing Material-A World of Choices Provided by a Roofing Contractor

When replacing your roof there are a variety of options to choose from. In the North Texas area we mostly see asphalt which can come in many styles and colors but at West Construction Group we like to educate our homeowner’s so they know that upgrading is possible. Whether you choose clay tile or traditional metal a new roof will always upgrade the look and feel of your home.

A slate roof is always something to admire, slate is a naturally mined from the earth making it environmentally friendly. This type of roof has has the most longevity ranging from 125-200 years but most homeowners are drawn to this roof for its beauty. The most common color is grey but it can also come in green, black, purple, red, purple, and speckled tiles that can contain several mixtures of different colors. This roof is also fire resistant. The most notable contradiction is that a slate roof weighs a lot and can destroy the foundation of a home that isn’t engineered to handle the pressure.

The two most common forms of wood roofing material are shakes and shingles. Shakes are typically thicker than shingles and are prepared by splitting off sections of material with a maul making this roof very labor intensive. The typical lifespan of a wood roof is about 30-40 years but is also dependent on how the shingles are installed. The most common wood for this roof that is used is western red cedar, coastal red wood, bald cypress and eastern red cedar. These types of wood resist to moisture and toxic to fungi and insects that will try to colonize the shingles. As with any roofing material weathering caused by sunlight, rain or wind can cause the roof to become weaker but proper maintenance can offset damage and prolong this roof’s longevity.

A metal roof is a great investment for any homeowner. The pros or this roof are that it is fire resistant, has an extended lifespan, boasts a modern appearance and typically helps reduce heat build up in an attic. Most metal roofs run about 40-150 pounds per square which makes it the most lightweight roofing material. An accomplished roofing contractor can install easily so if your home becomes damaged by a storm your roof can be replaced or repaired quicker than homes that have asphalt. Because of the way the panels on a metal roof interlock this kind of roof is impervious to rain and snow and if a darker metal is used ice and snow will melt quicker. The downside to this style of roof is it can be noisy and dent easier than other roofing material, aluminum and copper are softer than steel making hail damage more noticeable and most metal roofs cannot be walked on.

These kind of roofs are very attractive and can set you apart from your neighbors. The most common tiles are terra-cotta and give the home a Spanish villa vibe. Concrete tiles weigh about 40% more than clay but have less of a tendency to crack from ice. Since clay tiles have a tendency to crack this roof is better for homes in warmer climates like the Dallas area. Since concrete tiles are less susceptible to cracking this material can be used in cooler regions. Like slate roofs, the home will need to be engineered to support the weight from this heavy roofing material. Clay tiles are resistant to fire and high winds and are protective to the underlayment of the roof which make them an energy efficient alternative to asphalt shingle. Concrete tiles can mimic the look of slate, wood, clay and stone roofs. Since both clay and concrete tiles will absorb a small amount of water this roof is susceptible to mold and stains.

Lastly, asphalt shingles can be placed on any residential roof and is a great value since it is the least expensive roofing material. There is a variety of styles, colors, textures, and thicknesses. Asphalt shingle are categorized by Organic and Fiberglass. A fiberglass asphalt shingled roof provides better fire protection than an Organic asphalt shingled roof, the resin and asphalt that is applied to both the organic and fiberglass shingles make the shingles waterproof. Any good roofing contractor knows that asphalt shingle should not be installed when the weather is extremely hot or extremely cold. Even though there are great economic advantages to having asphalt shingles the disadvantage is that this roofing material can decay with inclement weather conditions. High winds can easily generate uplift on a shingle but this can usually be repaired. With new developments in technology has come an advantage for asphalt shingle, the architectural shingle is an attractive alternative to three tab builder grade shingle. In architectural asphalt shingle two layers of shingle bonded together with a special sealant gives the roof an attractive appeal. It is important to have a experienced roofing contractor apply this type of roof since proper installation is largely dependent upon angle, spacing, and the type of nail being used to adhere the asphalt shingle to the rooftop.

While it is important for your roofing contractor to help you choose the material being put on your home to maximize its aesthetic appeal it is paramount that the contractor is knowledgable about correct installation. The wrong type of nail on your asphalt shingle can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare when trying to correct leaks left from an inexperienced roofer. Your home is worth taking the time to explore options when replacing your roof and at West Construction Group we have knowledge and skill required to give your home the roof it deserves. To speak with one of our senior project managers about your DFW roofing needs call 972-730-2594