It’s not enough that there is an abundance of different installation styles when it comes to your roof. There are also materials like slate and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles and even wood to choose from! That’s why it can be so hard for homeowners to know what the right choice for roofing is.
Fortunately, there are a few factors to consider before you make a final decision. While the roofing material you choose is important, you’ll also want to weigh the cost, durability, and installation process. Each material has its benefits, but what you choose will be dependent on your home style, where you live and the look you’re going for.
If you’re in need of some tips when it comes to the different types of roofs for homes, be sure to reach out to the experienced team at Atlas Roofing. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
What Is the Most Common Roof Type?
There are several types of roofs you’ve probably seen in and around your neighborhood. At Atlas Roofing, we have the expertise and experience to offer installation for the following roof types:
Shingle Roofs
Shingles are one of the most common roofing types around for a number of different reasons. While shingles can be seen on most roofs, this type of roof is generally very durable and can last for approximately 15-20 year if it’s well maintained.
If you’re looking for a roofing option that is versatile, shingle roofs are where it’s at. No matter the style or size of your home, shingles are available in a variety of different colors and styles so the choice will be yours.
Tile Roofs
Among the different types of roofs, tiles are common. However, while tiles can be available in roofing materials like clay, wood, and slate, they tend to offer great aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency.
Because of the difficulty of tile installation and their delicate nature, it’s important that an experienced roofing contractor is hired to complete work with this roofing material.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs may once have been most common on industrial buildings. However, they’ve experienced a resurgence for many residential and commercial properties in recent years. This type of roofing is affordable and easy to maintain, and also has the benefit of offering a functional outside space.
When it comes to flat roofs installation, it’s very important to have an experienced roofing contractor. One of the downfalls of flat roofs is that they do not drain water like sloped roofs do, so issues with the installation can lead to water accumulation.
Hot Mop Roofs
Hot mop roofs may be one of the different types of roof styles that are lesser known, but they offer many performance benefits. Because this type of roof is made of hot liquid asphalt, a hot mop roof has no seams and is completely waterproof. For this reason, the famous hot mop roofs provide greater durability than many other roof options.
However, it’s important to be aware that hot mop roofing requires an intensive installation process so you’ll need to rely on the proper expertise and equipment. For this reason, hot mop roofing is not a DIY project and should be taken on only by the most experienced of roofing professionals.
What Are the Most Common Roofing Materials?
As a homeowner, there are many different roofing materials around that are popular for a reason. Learn more about the different types of roof styles we work with so you can make an informed choice for your home!
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular option for roofing in the United States, and there are a few reasons why. In addition to their non-destructible nature, asphalt shingles come in a variety of different colors, textures, and styles.
Fortunately, there’s a lot more that you can expect from this material!
Cost
Asphalt shingles are one of the most economical roofing materials you can choose, which is a big part of their popularity. Because they offer plenty of versatility, many homeowners are happy with what this material provides.
Durability
An asphalt roof can last for up to 25 years if it’s well maintained, which provides an added benefit given its low cost. By simply investing in maintenance, you can make this material last.
Of course, asphalt has more than a long life. It also has a Class A fire rating, which means it does not burn well and there will be low flame spread against fires. This means your asphalt roof will hold up against the elements!
Installation
Asphalt shingles happen to be one of the easiest materials to work with for roofing contractors. Because of the popularity of asphalt, most contractors are familiar and comfortable working with it.
It’s just important to make sure the contractor you choose is licensed, insured, and experienced so they won’t have any problems.
Clay Tiles
This roofing material is commonly known for its famed terracotta look. However, it might be lesser known that this type of tile roof is actually available in colors like orange, yellow and even white!
Few materials offer the aesthetic appeal that clay tiles do. Fortunately, there are even more benefits to this environmentally friendly material than meets the eye.
Cost
Because of its long life and natural curb appeal, clay tiles are one of the more expensive roofing materials that you can choose. However, among the different types of roof tiles, few materials will go the distance quite like this one.
Durability
Sure, clay tiles are expensive, but that’s because this material can last up to 100 years! That means that you won’t have to spend a lot on roof repairs as long as you maintain your roof.
Clay is also heat-resistant and has a Class A fire rating, so it will hold up against the elements.
Installation
Clay tiles do not make for the easiest installation process, which means you’ll need to rely on an experienced roofing contractor for the job. Because these tiles need to be measured and can be easily broken, it’s important to hire a professional who’s done it before.
Slate Roof
Slate is one of the most enviable naturally occurring roof materials for its aesthetic appeal. Because of the versatility of this material, it can be used for many different types of roofs and in many ways for an entirely unique look.
While slate roofs are commonly seen in shades of gray, they’re also available in a variety of colors like green, blue, and purple. And there’s more to slate than just aesthetics!
Cost
Unfortunately, investing in slate can be a deterrent for most people. A slate roof can set you back more than 2-3 times what an asphalt shingle roof would.
But what slate roofs lack in low cost, they make up for with other benefits.
Durability
You can rely on your slate roof to go the distance once you’ve made the investment. A slate roof will last for 50-100 years as long as it’s taken care of and you invest in annual inspections.
Because of that, it’s a material that can hold its own against the elements, as well as issues like mold and pests. It’s made from rock so it won’t burn at all and has a Class A fire rating.
Installation
Slate is much heavier than standard asphalt shingles, which means it’s a material that can be more complicated to work with. As well, your roof may require added enforcement in order to hold its weight.
That’s why dealing with an experienced roofing contractor is necessary. A roofer that is knowledgeable and uses the right materials to install your slate roof will be able to ensure it lasts.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are one of the oldest roofing materials in existence and made of concrete, sand, water, and oxide. For this reason, they are a versatile option that is available in a variety of different colors and for different types of roofs.
Learn more about the benefits of this trusted material!
Cost
If you’re in the market for a tiled roof, concrete tiles are a more cost-effective option than clay tiles. Because concrete tiles are lighter than slate, they can also be more economical when it comes to installation.
Durability
Concrete tiles are among the most durable of roofing materials and can last for 50-100 years assuming proper maintenance.
As long as they are installed properly, this non-combustible material will be able to stand up against the harshest of weather conditions.
Installation
Because concrete tiles must be installed individually, it can take the expertise of a professional roofing contractor to do this installation. While concrete tiles are lighter than slate, they’re still a heavier material than asphalt.
Luckily, any roof repairs are made easy since a tile only needs to be replaced to protect your home against leaks!
Which Roofing Materials Are Best?
It would be easy if there was a catch-all for what material works best for your home. However, what roofing material you should choose will depend on a few different things.
Before you decide among the different types of roof styles, be sure to think about the following factors:
- Appearance – One of the most important reasons people choose the roof they do is for aesthetics. After all, curb appeal is everything whether you’re selling your home or just want to take pride in it!
Shingles offer a durable, familiar look that is instantly appealing, while clay tiles are more distinctive. For the best in curb appeal, it’s hard to beat the luxurious appearance of slate.
- Cost – Economics is everything when it comes to the different types of roofs available since it can be quite an expensive project. That’s why the roofing materials you choose can really come down to cost. It’s important to be aware of the cost of your materials, the installation and labor, and any additional features on your roof that will bump up the budget.
While material like clay tiles and slate may be out of the question if you’re keeping costs low, asphalt shingles and concrete tile can help you stick to a lower budget.
- Climate – If you are living in an area that may not get a lot of rain. However, wind can be a thing to contend with as well as the prospect of wildfires. The roofing material you choose should be non-combustible and stand up against the elements so that it will last.
Clay tiles are popular for their durability and energy efficiency. However, materials like slate and asphalt also offer many benefits that help them stand up.
Let Us Help With Your Roofing Installation!
One of your biggest investment is a roofing installation that you’ll ever have to make as a homeowner. Whether your roof’s time is up or you’re upgrading before a big move, it can be hard to know which way to go with so many choices. Before you decide, it’s important to know the ins and out of the available roofing materials and the costs so you can make an informed decision. After all, each material has its benefits and its drawback – it’s just important to know what works for you!
At Atlas Roofing, we take pride in the work we do and are a Better Business Bureau accredited business. That means we have the experience to deal with many different types of roofs including asphalt, clay, slate, and concrete tiles. You can rest assured your roof installation will be done right! If you’re in need of some shingle roof, flat roof or hot mop roof expertise, reach out to Atlas Roofing today at (866) 450-3981 so we can get started.
References
https://modernize.com/roof/types
https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/roofing/buying-guide/
