5 Of The Best Roofing Materials

Let’s face it: your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Without it, well, can you imagine how your home would function and keep you safe?

Therefore, when it comes to investing in your roof, choosing the right roofing materials is crucial for enhancing the quality of your home’s value, curb appeal and overall aesthetics. Whether as part of a roof replacement or if you want to upgrade the quality of your home, changing the material of your roof is no simple task; it can be difficult to determine what the best option for your home is.

So which one is best for you? As there are so many different options available right now, we’re going to focus on the top five: asphalt shingles, wood, metal, clay and slate, providing you with benefits of each one, so you’re well prepared for your next move.

Asphalt Shingles

Perhaps the most recognized and popular roofing material available for homeowners (not so popular for commercial buildings, though). Why are they such a trusted go-to for people?

They’re relatively low cost compared to other options, with both the installation and the replacement or repair of individual shingle being on the cheap side (you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find replacement materials). More so, they’re also durable and resist the harsher weather frequent on Canada’s west.

With a decent life expectancy of 20 years (if properly maintained by a roofing company), you see why they’re worth the initial outlay and investment.

Wood Shingles

The biggest appeal of wood shingles is the aesthetics that come with them. Wood shingles look fabulous on homes, adding a classic sophistication, blending in with the rest of the surrounding area. In many cases, wood shingles may increase the property value of the home; such is its desired style and beauty.

As for the other perks or downsides (depending on works for you), wood shingles are more expensive and require a bit more maintenance and cleaning due to the fact that they are susceptible to moss and plant growth, compared to asphalt shingles.

However, they can last up to 30 years, which proves valuable in terms of installation and maintenance. If you plan to own the home long-term, this material will work for you.

Metal Roofing

When it comes to the longevity of roofing materials, metal stands tall. It can last between 40 to 80 years. Although not as aesthetically appealing as other materials, it can be mould and designed to copy the look of other roofing materials, including wood and cedar shingles. Its toughness and durability are second to none, making it popular for commercial properties.

What makes them so valuable is that they’re low-maintenance (which can increase the appeal to new home-buyers), not as expensive as other options such as clay or slate,

However, it does require a specific type of installation process, so it’s best to check with a company that has experience in installing metal roofing.

Clay Tiles

With clay tiles, the benefits are clear: it is not susceptible to moss and plant growth, does not expand and shrink with the temperature changes and has the highest life expectancy of any roofing material – 100+ years.

The downside? They are a fair bit heavier than composite, wood, or metal shingles, and it will depend on the structure of your roof and home if they can be supported or not. They cost a pretty penny, but considering the low level of maintenance required and the product’s quality, it’s a valuable long-term investment that pays off.

Slate Tiles

The granddaddy of them all. Slate tiles are the best of the best, according to most roofers and experts in the industry. Why are they so good?

The tiles are extremely durable, is fire resistant, and has the 2nd highest life expectancy (with a 60 minimum). They’re also aesthetically pleasing thanks to the various multiple shades and textures available, and despite the costly outlay (more on that below), it’s a huge boost for any home’s curb appeal and value.

As we said, though, it’s very expensive, much more than asphalt, wood, and metal shingles. As it’s also heavy like clay, you need to make sure you have the additional framing added to your roof for the support. That means a more costly installation process.

But as we said, the pay-offs are worth it.

Summary: What Works For You?

When it comes to choosing a roofing material, consider your budget, framing and long-term plans for your household. Before committing to anything, make sure you speak to different roofing companies to see their opinion on which material will best suit your personal and financial requirements.