Which kind of roofing is best for your house?
Asphalt composition shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S. and Canada. Composed of petroleum tar-like binders reinforced with fiberglass strands, they are suitable for most residential applications and are relatively economical. Advantages include being easy to apply, lightweight, flexible, and inexpensive.
However, disadvantages include susceptibility to damage from heavy winds, difficulty in removal, expensive disposal, and environmental concerns due to the petroleum in their makeup. Typically, they last only 10 to 18 years, despite claims of 25, 35, and 45 years.
Metal Roofing in San Antonio:
Metal roofing in San Antonio is also gaining popularity in similar climates and regions. This material, favored for its durability, has been in use for about 100 years, primarily in agricultural and commercial settings. However, modern metal materials and coatings are far superior to those in the past, making metal a competitive choice among roofing materials within the same price range. Various types include steel shingles, aluminum shingles, and sheet steel corrugated roofing. The preferred choice is steel corrugated roofing.
Metal roofs offer advantages such as fire resistance, which may lower insurance premiums, ease of installation over existing asphalt roofs, affordability in terms of longevity, availability in multiple colors, and stylish looks. They are generally about 30 to 40% more expensive than asphalt shingles, but the cost can be comparable when factoring in the removal and disposal of existing asphalt shingles.
Tile roofing, another favored material, is suitable for most climates but particularly advantageous in drier ones. Traditional clay tile roofing, while durable and aesthetically pleasing, is quite costly.
A preferred modern alternative is lightweight fiber-cement tile roofing, made from aerated concrete and fiberglass. It is easy to install over bats on existing roofs, fireproof, and offers potential for insurance discounts. It also supports easy walking on its surface, allowing for simple removal and replacement of tiles for maintenance or installation of rooftop utilities like solar panels, satellite dishes, or AC units. However, in wet and windy climates, there is a risk of water seeping under the tiles depending on their seal.
Slate and wood shingle roofs, while highly attractive, are prohibitively expensive for most. Slate is exceptionally durable and traditional but challenging to install and very costly, typically requiring professional installation. Wood shingle roofs, which must now be fire retardant, are also expensive and do not last as long as metal or tile roofs. Walking on wood shingle roofs can be difficult without causing damage, and the shingles tend to cup or warp over time, often cracking and breaking at roof peaks or valleys where leaks are most likely.
For any assistance required regarding Roofing Services, feel free to reach out to our specialized team at Toro Exteriors.