Pros and Cons of Different Types of Roof Materials

Most homeowners want a Reno roofing material that is high quality but not too costly. They also want a roof that requires little to no maintenance, basically a roof that will last for a lifetime. That is the ideal roof, but most roofing materials have a certain lifespan and will need to be replaced or repaired after every ten years. Homeowners should be careful in choosing roof materials so they can save on the cost of replacement. East Fork Roofing, a roofing company in Reno and surrounding areas, lists out the pros and cons of different types of roof materials. 

There are a variety of roofing materials available on the market. These include asphalt shingles, cement and tile roofing, metal roofing and more. In selecting the kind of roofing material for your house, it should be based on these factors:

• Your budget
• The weather
• The type of building – residential or commercial
• Your budget for maintenance

Knowing the pros and cons of available roofing materials that your roofing company in Reno has to offer will help you in your selection. Here are some of the most popular roof materials in use:

Asphalt Shingles

This is the most common roofing material in Reno and comprises for almost 80% of the housing market.

Pros: They are one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market. They have great wind and fire resistance and are moderate in weight.

Cons: Their lifespan is relatively short and they require a lot of maintenance. Asphalt shingles aren’t very durable or eco-friendly. If you are looking for a roofing material that needs little to no maintenance and lasts, asphalt shingles aren’t for you.

Composition Shingles

For a neat and clean look, composition shingles are great as they are affordable, too.

Pros: This type of roofing material comes in a variety of colors and brands. They are versatile and adaptable for different applications. Composition shingles are easy to install. In some applications, they can be put over the existing roof. They are low maintenance and most brands offer fire protection.

Cons: Composition shingles can be blown off in high winds and the material is easily scarred when hot. It also does not look like a tile or a shake. If you want a decorative roofing material, this is not for you.

Wooden Shakes

Wood shakes are usually made from cedar but can also be made from other types of wood.

Pros: Wooden shingles give a unique and natural look, and it will add character. They are eco-friendly as they are made from natural and recyclable materials. It offers energy benefits like insulating the attic and allowing the house to breathe through ventilation. Wooden shakes are also relatively affordable.

Cons: Wooden shakes have low fire resistance unless specially coated or treated. This roofing material also has a shorter lifespan and needs more maintenance. The installation for this kind of roofing is more complicated than other roofing materials.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are a type of roofing material that is heavy and are atop most stucco homes. It’s a good choice for homes with a Spanish, Italian or Southwestern design.

Pros: Clay tiles are fired in a kiln, which can add to the energy efficiency of your home. It has a long lifespan, won’t rot, won’t be damaged by insects, not combustible and is low maintenance. It’s also available in many colors and has an attractive look.

Cons: Clay tiles are expensive and they can be broken in severe storms. They are also very heavy so they can be difficult to install. Also, because of their weight, it sometimes requires new reinforcements to the roof before they can be installed. Another con is that the colors might fade away.

Slate

Slates are shingle-like slivers of rock and they are used as a roofing material on upscale houses. It is an expensive material but offers a very clean and natural look in many different patterns.

Pros: Slates have a very long lifespan just like clay tiles. It also has good fire protection and is low maintenance. Slates have a very strong composition so they are invulnerable to rot and insects. Another benefit is that slates come in different colors and sizes.

Cons: Slate tiles are heavy and will sometimes require extra support, which can be expensive. They are also breakable so it’s not recommended for non-professionals to walk on it.

Concrete Tiles

This kind of roofing material has become more popular, especially in modern houses. Concrete tiles are lightweight and are manufactured from different fiber-reinforced cement products. Some are coated with enamels, thin metals, or plastics.

Pros: They are long-lasting and very durable. They are also great fire-resistant materials and cost relatively cheaper than clay tiles. Concrete tiles can also fit in a variety of home designs and aesthetics.

Cons: The material may be less expensive compared to clay tiles, but it is still more expensive than asphalt shingles. Concrete tiles can break and crack during heavy winds and may require roof reinforcement due to its weight.

There are so many Reno roofing materials available on the market and most of them promise they can last up to 50 years. Be careful when selecting your roofing materials, especially from suppliers that don’t have a proven track record. If you are looking for a reliable roofing company in Reno with quality roofing contractor services, check out East Fork Roofing, a roofing company in Reno today!