FYI - Choosing the Best Roofing Material

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Guide to Choosing the Best Roofing Material

There is a wide array of materials available to use as roofing material. Factors to be considered are the expected life of the roof, the thermal quality desired, architectural compatibility with the existing structure and aesthetics. The best choice will be based on both subjective and objective considerations.

roof repairProbably the most common roofing cover worldwide is asphalt shingles. They are relatively inexpensive and require no great skill to install. There are two types: so-called organic and glass fiber. For longer life, the shingle should be algae-resistant. Also note that asphalt shingles usually last longer in a relatively constant climate as thermal shock can cause damage. Asphalt shingles vary widely in quality and typically any warranty cannot be transferred as property.

Other, more durable options are ceramic tile, slate or copper. Granted, they can be very aesthetically pleasing but the appearance comes at a dear price. The installation of these materials requires a high level of skill and experience which is reflected in its overall cost.

The fact of the matter is that homeowners, particularly if they are planning make their residence a "forever" home, are better advised to consider stone coated metal tile roofing. A durable roofing material, it's available with a 50 year lifetime warranty that is fully transferrable. Extremely lightweight, it can be installed over any existing roof surface. In the case of catastrophic storms such as tropical cyclones and tornadoes, stone coated roofing is highly wind resistant and performs much better than asphalt shingles. With a virtually endless selection of colors and textures, metal tile roofing is versatile - it complements almost any architectural style including mission, southwestern, colonial and contemporary. It's sure to satisfy the requirements of any Homeowners Association.

A stone coated metal tile roof is made from lightweight steel that resists corrosion. The metal is then coated with stone chips bonded by an acrylic coat. These roofing tiles are usually attached with corrosion resistant screws after interlocking with adjoining tiles to which they abut.

It should be remembered that while metal roofs save energy due to their reflective capabilities, the installation still needs an approved underlayment between the metal panel and the plywood decking. The underlayment must have a higher temperature stability rating than the metal - otherwise, the underlayment will break down and probably melt. To retain heat in winter and cool in summer, make sure you properly insulate your home and use energy saving windows.

Stone coated metal roofing combines the durability and aesthetics of more expensive roofing material with much lower installation and maintenance costs. It's a sensible and practical choice for any homeowner in any climate.

By - Rudi S Smith