Whether you are a homeowner preparing to upgrade your old roof or you are building a new home that needs a roof, it is crucial to know the basics of choosing roofing. Your roof is the most exposed area on your home and has to endure bad weather like extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, hail, wind, and other bad conditions all year long. That is one reason it is so important to consult with a professional Roofing Contractor in Chesapeake when choosing the roofing for your home. The following will cover the considerations to keep in mind when you are picking your roof.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are low cost and low maintenance. It comes in a variety of colors, styles, and is recyclable. Asphalt shingle roofing is the easiest to install and can be installed over existing roofs. The disadvantages of this kind of roofing are that shingles can blow off the roof when heavy winds hit and the lifespan of an asphalt roof is not as long as other forms of roofing.
Metal
Metal roofs are durable, low maintenance, fire retardant, and they are known to keep structures cooler in the hot months using its reflective traits. This roofing material is also lightweight and can be installed over your current roof. Metal roofs come in a variety of colors and can be designed to look like wood, asphalt, or tiles.
Slate
Slate is versatile, fire ad rot resistant, durable, and strong. This material adds to the energy efficient of your structure and can last beyond your lifetime. The downsides are that slate is heavy, expensive, and difficult to install. The supporting structure usually has to be reinforced to handle the weight of slate roofing.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are very pretty, less expensive, and lighter than stone (slate) roofing. It is also easier to repair, energy efficient, and unique. It is more difficult to install than asphalt, but easier than slate. Wood is susceptible to wood rot, mold, and insects. It needs to be inspected on a regular basis and requires more maintenance that other types of roofing materials.
These are the basic characteristics of different types of roofing materials. This information will serve you well when you consult with your local Roofing Contractor in Chesapeake. Reitzel Home Improvement provides quality roofing and other home improvement solutions. They will know what to recommend based on the region and your needs.
