5 Most Popular Residential Roofing Materials
Today’s homeowners are spoiled with number of available roofing material options. If you’re considering switching to a different material for your next residential roof replacement, take a moment to consider the most popular roofing materials today:
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Asphalt Shingles – Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing material, thanks to a great balance between cost, durability and life span. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of styles that will fit every budget, from traditional three-tab shingles to laminate or dimensional shingles that can emulate wood shakes. Some roofers offer to install a new asphalt shingle roof right on top of the old one to save on disposal costs, but we recommend having the old roof stripped instead. It lets you get the full benefits of the new roof and allows the roofer to address any issues with the existing roof deck.
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Clay and Concrete Tiles – Few roofing materials match the long life span of clay tiles. They’re also extremely durable and resist strong winds. If you are considering this as a roofing option, note that it’s much heavier than typical roofing materials and will need a more robust roof deck. Concrete tiles are a lower-cost yet equally durable alternative to clay tiles.
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Metal – Metal roofing is fast becoming a popular choice, thanks to its inherent impact resistance, lighter weight and long life span. If you plan on adding protrusions like a new dormer or skylight, metal roofing can be easily shaped to accommodate these changes. In addition to the now-standard standing seam design, metal roofing is also available in shingle form as well as different metals, including copper.
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Slate – Similar to clay tiles, slate is a strong, durable and long-lasting roofing material that requires a roof deck that can support its weight. Slate is relatively low maintenance and is one of the few materials that actually looks better as it ages.
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Membrane Roofing – While often used in commercial properties, membrane roofing like TPO and EPDM is becoming the default roofing option for homes in contemporary architectural styles. Both materials are quick to install and easy to repair and maintain, and are energy-efficient thanks to their “cool roofing” properties. If you’re using your rooftop as a deck or if you’re expecting some moderate foot traffic, traditional built-up (gravel) and modified bitumen roofing are great options.
To learn more about these options or our residential roofing services, call Rapid Roofing today at (734) 234-5900. We serve Ann Arbor, MI, and nearby areas.
