Top 5 Roofing Solutions For Safe Family Home

The choice of a roof is a choice that you make once in a lifetime. If you make the right choice, even your children can rest easy, occasionally just fixing the roof and investing a bit in its maintenance. After all, some roofs can last 50-100 years, some even more than that. It is important to not only find the right company but also the right materials. Make sure you check with companies such as pleasanton roof repair and others before committing.

You see, different roofing materials have different weights, installation costs, and resilience. Choosing the right roof may even impact your future project, like getting too heavy of a roofing solution and being unable to install solar panels on top of the roof. 

Ultimately, you want something that will keep your home dry, safe, and energy efficient. So, here are the top five roofing solutions you can pick for this. 

1. Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are, by far, the most affordable option on this list, which automatically makes them the most popular choice. Now, the fact that they’re popular creates another hidden perk. Namely, this means all the installers have experience with this type of shingle. When it comes to more obscure roofing types, you might struggle to find adequate help. With asphalt shingles, this will never be the case.   

These shingles come in a great variety of styles and colors, which means that you get a far higher level of home customization than you expected. 

Their life span is not as great as some other entries on this list, but getting 20-30 years for this price is more than cost-effective. Of course, that is provided that you invest the right effort into maintenance. 

Most importantly, these shingles are incredibly weather resistant, regardless if you’re living in an area with a lot of snow or rainfall. They even perform decently well in moderate wind.

2. Metal roofing

Metal roofs are incredibly durable and long-lasting. They can easily outlast 50 years, which is a blessing, considering that this is a project you want to handle immediately and be done with it. It also offsets the cost since you can’t make a 1:1 price comparison of a roof that will outlast 50 years and one that you’ll have to redo in 20.

These roofs reflect the sun, which means they are great for warmer climates where cooling is as expensive as heating. In other words, metal roofs have something to offer, even regarding energy efficiency.

Fire resistance is a huge issue regarding roofing, and metal is not flammable. Sure, your construction will likely still be made of wood, but you’ll be somewhat safer by default, with fewer elements capable of catching fire. 

While this may sound counterintuitive, the truth is that metal roofs are lighter in weight compared to some other roofing materials. This means that they put less pressure on the structure, which is handy for those who plan to add extra weight by installing solar panels on top. 

3. Slate roofing

Previously, we’ve mentioned how metal roofs can last more than 50 years; slate roofs can easily outlast a century. You would have difficulty finding a more durable and reliable material out there. 

They’re also fire-resistant and require little maintenance. After all, slate is resistant to mold, mildew, and fungus, and you can easily just replace individually damaged slates without having to reshape the entire roof. Although truth be told, damaging a slate would be a feat. 

As far as the aesthetics go, it all comes down to the type of slate you pick. The selection of the roofing style is pretty wide. 

One of the most interesting choices (visually) is the DaVinci roof. This synthetic slate roof is designed to imitate the look and feel of natural slate. These are simple to install and are much lighter than regular slate (they’re made out of polymers and resins). In other words, they look like stone, feel like stone, and, in many scenarios, perform like stone, but they’re not as heavy.

4. Clay tiles

Clay is an aesthetic, durable, non-combustible material, which already gives you three reasons why someone would pick it as their primary roofing material. You see, clay tiles come in various shapes and colors, meaning you can fully customize your home and shouldn’t have any trouble adjusting it to the style of your liking.

Other than this, when installed, clay tiles require minimal maintenance. Just keep in mind that the installation of clay tiles tends to be slightly more complex than asphalt shingles. This means that it takes more time, costs more, and makes it harder to find specialists capable of installing this. 

The thermal mass of clay ensures that it heats up and releases heat very slowly. This means that it will keep your home warm for longer (when you want it warm) and make it easier to keep it cold. In other words, it’s not just energy-efficient; it actively helps in this regard and can make your home easier to prepare for autumn and winter.

5. Wood shingles

Wood shingles look incredibly good. They provide a natural and rustic appearance and enhance any home’s visual appeal. They can look vintage, but with the renewable trend in architecture in full swing, wood is also a huge part of contemporary architectural designs.

Wood is lightweight, biodegradable, and has some amazing insulation properties. This means it will make it easier to keep the optimal temperature indoors. In other words, the majority of its properties are incredibly homeowner-friendly. 

There are some downsides to wood shingles and a few reasons why moving from this traditional roofing option was inevitable. Wood is a fire hazard, even if you use a more fire-retardant type and the right coating. It is also vulnerable to weather and insects. Over time, there can be some discoloration due to the sun. Lastly, it can be quite expensive compared to other entries from this list. 

Wrap up

Ultimately, there are three things to consider when it comes to choosing a roof including materials and companies:

• Where do you live (climate)?

• How much you can afford (budget)?

• What do you want your home to look like (aesthetics)?

You’ll know which options you must choose by answering these three questions alone. Individually, these questions are easier to answer, and following this thread can simplify your decision-making process. Now, at least, you know what your options are.