Finding the Best Alternatives to Wood Shake Shingles
Homeowners looking for a natural look and feel for their homes often go for wooden shake roofing. While this type of roofing offers incomparable aesthetics to homes, it’s one with multiple flaws.
Wooden shingles are not as resistant to fire and wind as other roofing materials – plus wood is likely to deteriorate faster due to exposure to the elements. If you’re looking for something long-term, wood shake roofing isn’t likely to make it to the list of top recommendations from professional roofers.
What makes a better alternative to this roofing then? Here are some suggestions for your residential roof replacement:
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are popular due to their durability and cost effectiveness. On average, an asphalt shingle roof can last for 20 years, but its life span can be reduced based on your location’s weather conditions.
Asphalt shingles are also a favorite among homeowners and residential roofing services providers because of their ease of installation, reliable waterproofing and aesthetic qualities.
2. Metal Roofing
If you’re the type that goes for low maintenance and more environmentally friendly options, metal roofing is your best bet. It is lightweight, resistant to fire and an excellent choice for roofs that are steep-pitched. A great thing about metal roofing is it comes in designs that mimic wood shake roofs, so it still provides the same aesthetic feel.
3. Slate Roofing
Slate roofs are mostly recommended if you want a sophisticated material that will make your home look more upscale. Slate has an average life span of 100 years, which makes it an attractive option for long-term roofing. More than that, the natural appearance of slate roofing rivals that of wood-shake shingles.
4. Ceramic Roofing
Another option that can match wood shake shingles in terms of aesthetic appeal is ceramic roofing. With advances in manufacturing and installation processes, ceramic roofing tiles are now more resistant to fading and fire. The material can last for about 50 to 70 years.
Have you decided on which type of roofing material you’ll get for your home? If not, Rapid Roofing can help. Contact us for your residential roofing and skylight installation needs at (734) 234-5900. We’ll give you a free estimate. We are trusted by many Ann Arbor, MI, homeowners.
