San Diego homeowners who need a new roof have a great selection of roofing materials to choose from that will meet anyone’s personal tastes as well as their budget. Depending on the type of roofing you’re interested in, there are various points to consider such as the total cost per square foot, how easy it is to maintain, whether it will help reduce your energy costs and whether it is environmentally friendly. Naturally, a new roof will be a significant purchase – keeping it maintained will ensure that it lasts for many years. To help guide you through the process of choosing between different roofing materials, it is always best to contact a San Diego roofing company for assistance. They can provide the best recommendations possible and install your new roof as well.
Asphalt or composition shingles are the most commonly installed type of roofing since they are inexpensive and easy to install when compared to other roofing types. They’re readily available in a wide range of colors and are generally well-suited to a variety of homes, plus they are fire-resistant. On the downside, asphalt shingles are typically vulnerable to being torn off in high winds and they don’t last very long when compared to other roofing types – an average asphalt shingle roof will last approximately 15-30 years. In addition, they are not very environmentally-friendly, but some manufacturers offer shingles made with recycled materials.
When it comes to attractive roofing options, wooden shakes are very popular. The shakes are produced from a range of different woods that vary in price, including cedar, redwood and pine. Increased energy efficiency is a benefit of wooden shakes since wood is an excellent insulator and air can flow under and around the shakes more easily. On the negative side, wood is susceptible to rot and insects which can add significantly to your maintenance costs over time. Wood shakes are also naturally vulnerable to fire, although some manufacturers offer wooden shakes that are designed to be fire-resistant.
Clay tiles are very popular, especially in the Southwestern US. Typically, a clay tile roof will last for a very long time since it won’t rot or burn and will not attract insects. Additionally, a light-colored clay tile roof can reflect a good portion of the sun’s heat, making your home much cooler. On the downside, clay tiles are very heavy and your home may not be able to support the weight, plus tiles can be easily broken if anyone needs to go up on your roof.
Much like clay tiles, slate is invulnerable to rot, insects and fire, plus a slate roof will last for a very long time – as long as 100 years or more in some cases. However, a slate roof is also very heavy and may not be suitable for every home, along with the issue of breakability. Color choices can be limited due to slate being a natural material, plus it is often one of the most expensive materials used for roofing.
Metal can be a very attractive and unique choice for a new roof that has many advantages – it is very light, is invulnerable to rotting or burning, has excellent heat-reflecting properties and is low-maintenance as well. It is also a fairly low environmental impact material since steel used for roofing is generally recycled. It can be very expensive in comparison to other roofing types, nonetheless.
Learn more about roofing. Stop by Justin Krutz’s site where you can find out all about roof maintenance and what it can do for you.