Your roofs protect and weatherproof your home. They serve as a defense against heat, rain, and other natural elements. However, many only take a closer look at the roof when there are leaks and other damage. However, only a few people understand the impact of roofing on the style and appearance of a home. 

A roof does not only protect a home but completes the design of the home. There are different types of roof you can choose, yet choosing one depends on the home’s architectural style, personal preference, and budget. You should also consider your location since there are certain areas that have prevalent rainstorms, typhoons, or hurricanes.  

In this guide, we will show you the three most popular residential roofing materials to will help you pick the perfect roof for your home.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs have become increasingly popular over the years, so much so that they now compete with the  asphalt-shingle market. What makes it popular with homeowners and builders is that metal roofing is extremely durable, recyclable, installs quickly, comes in several colors, and easily sheds snow and ice. It also looks good on different home designs, as seen in coastal cottages in Carolina. 

Metal roofs are made of long, overlapping panels that extend from the peak down to the eaves. As for panels, they can be made of aluminum, steel, zinc, or copper in many styles. 

Some homeowners prefer the standing-seam style because the adjacent panel covers the fasteners. As for corrugated panels, the screw heads are exposed. There’s also a new generation of interlocking metal panels that resemble wood shingles, slate, and clay tile.

Asphalt Shingles

Did you know that over 75 percent of homes in the US use asphalt roofing? Most homeowners use asphalt shingles because it is affordable, durable, and easily installed. There are a also many colors and brands to choose from.

There are two basic kinds of asphalt shingles: organic-based shingles and fiberglass-based ones. The organic-based shingles are available from manufacturers and they are super affordable. As for fiberglass based shingles, the price is higher since the shingles are more fire resistant, lighter in weight, and longer-lasting.

There are also two main categories of asphalt shingles: three-tab shingles and architectural-style shingles. Standard three-tab shingles are perfect for the simplistic and generic style of a home. Each shingle is a single layer thick, with two narrow slots cut into it to create the three tabs. 

Architectural shingles consist of two strips of asphalt roofing, one laid on top of another. When these are installed, the laminated construction forms a heavily textured surface with deep shadow lines. They last longer than the former and are available in several muted colors.

Slate roofs

Slate is the first-rate roofing material. It first appeared on homes in the U.S. in the 1600s, and is still used today. Many people still use slate because it is extremely durable, fireproof, mildew-resistant, and can last 100 years or longer.

If you do plan on using slate for your home, you need to hire a building engineer to inspect the roof framing. Slate is a heavy material, so you need to know if your home can hold off the weight. It is also more expensive than the other two types of roofing. 

Conclusion

These are just a few of the roofing styles you can own. We still have cedar roofing, clay and concrete tiles, and synthetic composite roofing. Hopefully, you can choose the best roofing type for your home—that fits both your aesthetic preferences and your budget. 

Pioneer Roofing Company offers residential roofing in San Diego. Our company was founded in 1980 by John Stout to service the Rocky Mountain-West region of the US (primarily Utah). As a proud family-owned and operated business, Pioneer Roofing has quickly become one of the most trusted roofing companies in the area. If you need any help with your roofs, contact us.