Close Look at Top 5 Roofing Materials – Pros and Cons

Published on: 12 December 2016 Last Updated on: 19 August 2019
Roofing- Pros and Cons

There’s no dearth of options for those mulling a new roof installation. Choosing the correct roof for your home is imperative to ensure that you get full functionality and lifespan. The final decision should be taken after considering different factors such as the owner’s location, the roof’s weight, and the cost, warranty, and lifetime of the product. This blog post discusses, five popular roofing options for homeowners taking time to look at their advantages and shortcomings:

1. Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are unarguably the most common roofing option for homeowners in US, all thanks to their affordable nature and ease of installation. Moreover, many roofers also follow the practice of reinforcing shingles with organic materials or fiberglass, which has a positive impact on their durability and moisture resistance.

Pros

Asphalt shingles come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. They are easily available and the most economical roofing option available on the market.

Cons

Asphalt has a short lifespan when compared to other materials, and also incapable of providing proper insulation.

Best suited house styles: Traditional sub-urban houses

Cost: The cost of installing asphalt shingles can be anywhere between $70 to $120/sq.ft. and they can last for 20-25 years with proper maintenance.

2. Clay and concrete tiles

The use of clay adds to the roof’s texture and elegance, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Clay and concrete tiles are heavy roofing materials and should be installed by professionals to avoid accidents and damage to property.

Pros

Clay and concrete tiles are highly durable and fire-resistant. They are also known for their energy efficiency. Installing a concrete roof can, therefore, help you lower energy costs.

Cons

Both clay and concrete are heavier than other roofing materials and usually require additional framing to function smoothly. The materials are also expensive and you may have to shell out a considerable amount of money to install clay/concrete tiles.

 Best suited house styles: Mediterranean, Southwestern, and Spanish-style homes.

Cost: Prices fluctuate in the range of $300-$500/sq.ft. Concrete tiles have a lifespan of 40-50 years provided you follow maintenance schedules without fail.

3. Metal roof

Metal roofs are available in two types, panels, and shingles. Some of the common metals used by roofers who specialize in metal roofing are aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc. If you’re considering a metal roof, it is advisable that you first consult your provider on the type of metal you should use after considering all the important factors.

Read also: Avoid these 4 Mistakes during Multi Family Housing Renovation

Pros

Metal roofs are highly resistant to temperature fluctuations and also offer better protection against solar radiation. They are also long-lasting and recyclable.

Cons

Installing a metal roof can be a costly decision and you may have to shell out anywhere between $100-$800/sq.ft. to install a metal roof.

Best suited house styles: bungalows, cabins, and contemporary and cottage-style homes.

Effective life: With proper maintenance, metal roofs can last anywhere between 40-75 years.

4. Slate

Opting for a slate roof is a prudent decision if you need to avail a variety of designing options. Slate roofing comes in different colors like black, green, grey, red, and purple. It lends a touch of style and elegance to your roofing.

Pros

Slate roofs are durable and equipped with fire-resistance properties. You can also recycle slate to reduce costs and save the environment.

Cons

Apart from being expensive, slate is also heavy, making any plans for a DIY approach strongly inadvisable. Moreover, the quality of the materials can vary if you plan to use imported slate.

Cost: $600/sq.ft. And above. The effective life of slate roofs can extend up to 100 years and more.

5. Wood shingles and shake

Wood shingles are handmade and available in attractive shades of gray. When opting for wood roofing make sure the material is class a certified and includes shingles with a fire-resistant coating.

Pros

The use of wood shingles lends a rough yet artistic look to your roof. The shingles are made from natural materials like cedar, and redwood and are environment-friendly.

Cons

There are high chances of the roof sustaining significant damage when exposed to moisture, high temperatures, and rainfall. Moreover, fire codes in some states may prohibit the use of these materials.

Best suited house styles: Cape Cod, cottage, Craftsman and Tudor-style homes.

Cost: $100-$150/ sq.ft. You can expect the roofing to last around 25-30 years.

The blog discusses five popular roofing choices available to homeowners. You should, however, not limit yourself to these choices. Consider exploring other options before making a final decision. Consult your contractor and ask them to share their thoughts on your choice. You must also factor-in the maintenance costs and schedules associated with each option before you.

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Design your Kitchen According to Your Budget and Work in Organized Manner

Indian kitchens have changed considerably over time. It is no longer the space at the corner of the house, dingy lit and oils all over. With the advancement of technology and the change of taste, kitchens are becoming smart to work in an organized manner. Another factor to have an organized kitchen is the space crunch as more and more people are living in multistoried apartments. The concept of having a house is changing fast. With a crisis in space and to work in an organized manner, people are planning the design of the kitchen to use it comfortably. One of the latest styles that people are following is making their kitchen modular. However, beautiful modular kitchen cost varies on many factors and let us discuss them so that you can stay within your budget and do not go overboard. 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One can have a porcelain sink, glass sink, or 27-inch stainless steel sink in different variety of shapes and sizes. The taps are available in many designs. They all add up to the cost of the modular kitchen. Modular kitchen cost grossly depends on the covered area of the kitchen. The price rises considerably if the kitchen area is significant. Again, the shape of the kitchen is another factor that influences the cost. Many people have an open kitchen, and the cost of making them modular increases considerably as visitors and guests can see them. These types of open kitchens, therefore, need to be specially designed and organized so that they look neat and clean and goes with other aesthetic designs of the interior. 2. The interior designer charges: It is almost impossible to have a modular kitchen without consulting an expert interior designer. It is the designer who measures the area, brainstorms with the user about the load on the kitchen and the style, suggests the right materials to do the modules, and chalks out the layout plan. They even graphically show the exact view of the kitchen after the final finish using special designing software. However, all these come with a charge, and one has to pay the designer. Gone are the days when one used to rely on the local mason, carpenter, and electricians to decorate and organize the home and the kitchen area. It is time to take trained professional help before designing or rebuilding your kitchen. 3. The quality of the material used: The quality of the material used to make a kitchen modular is another factor that comes into consideration for the cost. There are materials to fit every pocket and solely depend on the budget and the taste. For example, the tiles for use are available in various grades and shades, and prices. The tabletop can be of granite, marble, or any other alternative material. Each of these variables changes the cost of making the kitchen modular. 4. The appliances and the gadgets used: The instruments and the electrical devices used in the kitchen are part of making the kitchen modular. The type of chimney used the size of the refrigerator, the capacity of the microwave oven, the mixer grinders, and dishwashers add up to the modular kitchen cost. It depends on the personal taste of the user and the size of the family. The rich and affluent can spend many lakhs on them, whereas the middle class can do with the essential items. 5. The plumbing cost: One of the high costs of making the kitchen modular is the plumbing cost. The laying of pipelines for freshwater and the drainage should be correct so that there is no bottleneck for water flow. The sink in the kitchen and the taps should be of the right size and design to fulfill specific purposes of use. 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How To Have The Right Reception Desk For Your Company

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What Items Are Most Commonly Stolen During Break-Ins?

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