When it's Time for a New Roof, Which Material is the Best?
So, you've decided you need a new roof. Perhaps you've noted leaks, suffered damage, or have simply decided that now is the time. Congratulations! Once you've decided to make the move toward roof replacement, choosing the look and function of your new roof is where the fun begins. Today's roofing systems offer a variety of material, style, and color options - some of which you have to see to believe. Let's check out two of the more popular roofing systems and layout the perks and drawbacks to help you make your decision.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Arguably the most common roofing material used in America today, asphalt shingle roofs have been a roofing standard since first used in the early 1900s. Asphalt shingles range from standard flat three-tab designs to three-dimensional architectural shingles, which are becoming increasingly more popular and mimic the look of wood shake shingles. Asphalt shingles offer a variety of benefits, including:
Durability
Ease of installation and maintenance
Variety of color and style options
Reduction of outside noises like traffic and airplanes
Eco-friendly and recyclable
Asphalt shingles are the preferred choice for many home and business owners. Roofs covered in asphalt shingles are easy to patch and repair and can stand up to strong winds, intense UV rays, and pounding rain. With a life expectancy from 15-25 years or more depending on the quality of the materials used, asphalt shingles are a cost-effective choice for many homes or businesses. Ask your professional roofing contractor if asphalt shingles are a good choice for you!
Metal Roofing
The up-and-and coming choice in roofing materials is actually a revamp of the materials used since the 19th century. Today's metal roofs are far-removed from the rusty, corrugated barn-tops proclaiming that we should "See Rock City!" In fact, you might not realize that today's metal roofing systems are metal at all.
Until recently, flat-panel metal roofs were one of the few options offered in that medium. Now roofing manufacturers offer metal roofs that simulate the look of wood, slate, or clay, complete with etching, color options, and three-dimensional designs.
Some of the benefits of installing a metal roof include:
Greater lifetime performance and life expectancy
Variety of styles, colors, and architectural features
Interlocking panels for enhanced wind resistance
Increased energy efficiency
Lighter weight to enhance structural integrity
While metal roofing is more expensive than a standard shingle roof, the life expectancy of a metal roof can be as much as double that which its asphalt counterpart offers. Still, there are budget-friendly metal roofing options available.
Ask your roofing contractor what roofing materials are best for your Chattanooga home.
Make sure that you choose a roofer who is a licensed contractor and carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance. There are a lot of companies to choose from, so be sure to check out reviews and ask for references if you're not sure.
If you're in the market for a new roof, a professional roofing contractor can inspect your existing roof and make recommendations based on your specific needs. Roofing contractors have the expertise and knowledge of the latest products and their features and can help you determine where you'll get the best combination of value and performance from your roofing system.