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There are numerous roofing materials to choose from when installing a new roof. However, there are five that we see homeowners from all over the country go to, particularly in the North Carolina area. You'll learn about many types of roofing materials below before deciding which one is best for you.
1. Asphalt Shingle Roof
The most prevalent form of roofing material used on homes nowadays is an asphalt shingle roof. Its appeal stems from the fact that it is the most cost-effective form of roof on the market.
Asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components make up an asphalt roof. The beautiful thing about asphalt roofs is that you can choose from a variety of shingles based on your budget and desired style.
Asphalt shingles are classified into three types: 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. While 3-tab shingles used to dominate the market, dimensional shingles are now the most often installed variety on roofs.
2. Standing Seam Metal Roof
Luxury-style shingles are just as highly marketed as dimensional shingles, but they cost nearly twice as much.
While there are two types of metal roofs, for residential roofing, a standing seam metal roof is suggested.
A standing seam metal roof system is made up of a series of metal panels that are mechanically seamed or fastened together at the seams. This permits the metal panels to freely expand and compress when the metal heats up.
While it is not as widespread as asphalt, standing seam metal roofing is gaining popularity in the roofing business. It will, however, cost two to three times as much as an asphalt shingle roof.
The benefit of a metal roof is that it is a versatile material. While it is available as a complete roof system, homeowners can also add a standing seam metal roof accent to an asphalt roof replacement for a covered porch, dormers, flat roof facets, and other features.
3. Cedar Shake Roof
A cedar shake roof is a premium roof system constructed of natural wood (cedar) elements that is one of the most aesthetically beautiful roofing materials available. Cedar trees are chopped into 2-foot lengths and hand split or sawed into a tapered thickness to manufacture the actual shingles (tapersawn).
Hand split has a more rugged appearance, whereas tapersawn has a much smoother appearance. Because cedar shake shingles are created organically, there is no manufacturer warranty if they fail prematurely.
This just leaves you with the workmanship warranty provided by your roofing contractor to protect your investment. You should also be aware that, depending on the climate, cedar shake shingles lose their color, rot, crack, and curl as they age.
Before you invest in a cedar shake roof, consult with your roofing contractor about how the environment in your location affects cedar shake shingles.
4. Composite (synthetic) Shingle Roof
Composite shingles are a relative newcomer to the roofing market, but they are quickly gaining traction. Composite (or synthetic) roof shingles are created from recyclable materials such as rubber and plastics.
Some composite shingles, such as DaVinci shingles, are made of a manufactured polymer rather than recycled resources. Composite shingles are distinctive in that they are made to resemble a cedar shake or slate roof.
They use molds of actual cedar shake shingles and slate tiles to achieve the most authentic look possible. If you work in the roofing industry, you may be able to detect the difference between composite shingles and the roofing material they imitate.
However, from the ground, you, your neighbors, or anyone passing by will not be able to detect the difference. If you have the funds, a composite shingle roof is an excellent and long-lasting roofing material.
5. Slate Roof
A slate roof is the final roofing material on our list. A slate roof is a high-end roofing system constructed mostly of natural slate tiles and other slate roofing materials.
Slate is mined (mainly in Italy) and then cut into square tiles. Unlike other roofing materials that come in 3 foot wide strips or metal panels, slate tiles must be put one at a time.
As a result, replacing your old slate roof with a new slate roof is a time-consuming and costly process. Because slate tiles are so heavy, your home must be built, framed, or altered to support their weight.
Slate roofs are among the most attractive and long-lasting roof systems available, but they are also among the most (if not the most) expensive. However, if you can afford the higher price, it will be your last roof.
When it comes to roof repair and roof replacement services, trust Integrity Roofing. Our skilled roofers are committed to providing you with high-quality products and workmanship. Contact us today or click on the link below to fill out our convenient online form to request a free, no-obligation quote today.
Proudly serving all of Hickory, Lenoir, Morganton, Statesville, Charlotte, and surrounding areas since 2017.
Integrity Roofing, LLC
(828) 448-0855
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