Your roof has a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal and can make or break its value. With so many different roofing materials available today, roofing contractors in Fostoria, OH, understand that homeowners often feel overwhelmed by all the options. Endless styles and possibilities are available to suit every design preference: natural materials like slate and wood as well as asphalt, sheet metal, plastic polymers and more.
Roof replacement is a big investment, so it pays to do your homework and understand the pros and cons of the materials you’re considering. When you’re considering residential roof replacement in Fostoria OH, you should ask the following questions:
- How is this roofing material made?
- What are the major pros and cons of the material?
- What kind of maintenance is required?
- How durable is it? What about repairs?
- What home styles will the material complement?
- Now much will materials and installation cost?
- How can I save money on a new roof?
Let’s cover three of the most popular roofing options here: asphalt shingles, wood shakes and metal roofing — all three being strong contenders among homeowners who’re looking to have their roofs replaced.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material, with around 80% of homes featuring them. While that number has been shrinking as homeowners opt for more energy-efficient and durable metal roofs, asphalt shingles continue to dominate the market. Nothing can beat the excellent balance they offer between affordability and performance.
There are two types of asphalt shingles:
Fiberglass: These are fitted with an underlying fiberglass mesh mat. Lightweight and tear resistant, the mat is covered in asphalt and topped with colored granules that reflect rather than absorb heat from the sun.
Organic: Made of paper that has been saturated in asphalt and covered with granules, these shingles are heavier than fiberglass shingles but are more stable in high winds. Many manufacturers have discontinued this product because of the shingles’ tendency to dry out, losing their moisture resistance.
Why Choose Asphalt Shingles?
- Great fire protection
- Look good on most any home style
- One of the most affordable roofing options
- Available in a broad selection of colors and styles, including affordable three-tab and architectural shingles that mimic shakes and slate
- Easy to install, with no structural modifications to the home necessary
- Repairs are generally easy and cost-effective
However, asphalt shingles do have a few drawbacks:
- They have a shorter lifespan than other options like metal or slate, so lifetime costs are higher.
- While asphalt shingles can generally last around 25-30 years, the sun can cause quicker deterioration in some cases.
- Prone to cracking as a result of rapid temperature changes.
- Poor attic ventilation will trap heat and shorten asphalt shingle lifespan
- Few recycling facilities take asphalt shingles; they are considered one of the least eco-friendly roofing options
- Shingles in shady areas must be treated with anti-algae/anti-stain treatments to prevent mold or algae.
Wood shingles and shakes
Cedar, redwood, cypress and pressure-treated pine shingles and shakes are among the most beautiful wood roofing options available. They add a natural, rustic beauty to any home.
Many homeowners are confused about the difference between wood shingles and shakes. The main difference is that wood shingles are machine cut, while shakes are hand-cut. Because wood shingles are machine-cut, they feature cleaner edges and a smooth surface, resulting in a more uniform appearance. Hand-cut from blocks of wood, wood shakes are more rustic in appearance. They are also a bit more expensive and are thicker than wood shingles.
Here are the features homeowners love most about wood shakes and shingles:
- Versatile option that can provide a rustic appeal or a neat and tidy one depending on your preferences
- Some woods, like cedar and redwood contain oils that make them naturally resistant to moisture and insects
- With treatment, they have a Class A fire rating
- Considering that they typically five to 10 years longer than asphalt shingle roofing products, they’re competitively priced with asphalt over their lifespan
- Insulation values of wood are twice that of asphalt shingles
- They’re typically made from salvaged trees – those that have fallen over from age or were toppled by a storm
- The material can be recycled into wood chips, mulch or compost
The not-so-good things about wood shingles and shakes to keep in mind include:
- Without treatment, wood shakes will only qualify for a Class C fire rating.
- The material is prohibited in areas that are prone to wildfire.
- High maintenance material, with regular cleaning needed to prevent algae and moss from growing; debris need to be cleared to allow the wood to breathe
- Faults in installation can lead to the quick deterioration of the roof, which often includes serious leaks
- Repairs, when required, will be expensive
Metal Roofing
If you’re looking for a roofing material that you won’t have to worry about replacing for many decades, consider metal. With a lifespan of about 50 years, your metal roof may be the last one you ever invest in.
The most common metals used are aluminum, lightweight steel and zinc. Copper metal roofs are beautiful but costly. Manufactured as rolls and rigid sheet roofing with either vertical-seam panels or modular press-formed panels, they are available in a variety of appearance options and can be made to look like shingles, shakes and tiles.
Why go for a metal roof?
- The material can mimic shingles, shakes, slate and tile
- Available in dozens of colors
- Can last 50 to 100 years, and is typically warranted for 30-50 years
- Because metal reflects solar radiant heat, your home will be cooler and your energy costs lower than if you had an asphalt shingle roof
- Most metal roofing profiles have a Class A fire rating
- Can shed rain and snow better than most other materials
- Most metal roofs are made of recycled materials and are 100% recyclable at the end of their service life
- Lightweight, but highly impact resistant
- Many residential metal roofs are designed to meet the most-stringent building codes and wind uplift standards.
Metal’s potential disadvantages:
- More expensive than asphalt shingles and wood roofing, though arguably makes up for it with its durability and longevity.
- Can become dented when hit with a heavy object, although many metal roofing styles are rated to withstand large hail
Look to have new roofing installed? If you need help choosing a new roofing system and making sure it’s best for your home, give Clear Choice Exteriors a call. We specialize in roofing as well as emergency roof repair in Fostoria Ohio.