Types of Roofing
Introduction
Are you in need of a new roof or thinking of replacing your existing one? The good news is, there are many types of roofing to choose from. However, with so many types of roofing available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. Fear not, as Burlington Roofers is here to help guide you through the different types of roofing and their benefits. Below is a list of 7 different types of roofing, including their pros and cons, approximate cost, and lifespan.
Things to Consider
When it comes to choosing the perfect roof for your home or business, you need to consider several important factors. These factors can greatly impact the lifespan of your roof, the amount of maintenance it requires, its energy efficiency, and more. Here are some specific things to consider:
- Budget: Of course, you need to factor in the cost of the materials and installation when choosing a new roof. The price can vary greatly depending on the type of roof you choose, so make sure you select a roofing option that falls within your budget.
- Climate: The climate in your area is another key consideration. If you live in a region with harsh winters or frequent storms, you’ll want a roofing material that can withstand heavy snow and high winds. Alternatively, if you live in an area with a hot and sunny climate, you’ll want a roofing material that reflects sunlight and heat to keep your home cooler.
- Style: Your home’s overall aesthetic and architecture should also be taken into account when choosing a roof. For example, if you have a traditional or rustic style home, a natural material like cedar shingles could be a great fit. On the other hand, if you have a more modern home, a sleek metal roof might be a better choice.
- Maintenance: Different types of roofing require varying degrees of maintenance. While some options like metal roofing require little to no maintenance, others like cedar shingles need to be cleaned and treated regularly to maintain their appearance and prevent damage.
- Longevity: Finally, you should think about the lifespan of the roofing material. While some materials like slate and metal can last upwards of 50 years, others like asphalt shingles have a much shorter lifespan. Make sure you choose a roofing material that fits your long-term needs.
By keeping these factors in mind and working with an experienced roofing contractor like Burlington Roofers, you can select the perfect roofing material for your property that will provide the best protection and style for years to come.
1. Asphalt Shingles
This roofing type is the most popular in North America, and for good reason. They’re affordable, durable, and come in a wide range of styles and colours to suit any home’s aesthetic.
Pros:
- Affordability: Asphalt shingles are one of the most budget-friendly roofing options, making them a great choice for homeowners on a budget.
- Easy Installation: Compared to other roofing types, asphalt shingles are easy to install, which means less time and money spent on labor costs.
- Variety: Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of colours and styles, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home’s aesthetic.
Cons:
- Longevity: While asphalt shingles can last up to 30 years, they don’t have the same lifespan as some other roofing types, like metal or slate.
- Climate Sensitivity: Asphalt shingles can be prone to cracking in extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Environmental Impact: Asphalt shingles aren’t the most eco-friendly roofing option, as they’re made from non-renewable resources.
Approximate cost in Canadian dollars: $3.00 to $7.00 per square foot.
Longevity: 20-30 years
Conclusion: Asphalt shingles are a great option for homeowners who want an affordable and easy-to-install roofing option. While they may not be the most long-lasting or eco-friendly option, they’re a popular choice for a reason.
2. Clay and Concrete Tile Roofs
- This roofing type has been popular for centuries and is known for its durability and timeless beauty. They are popular in hot and sunny climates and give a home a Mediterranean look. They can be made from clay, concrete, fibreglass, or slate and are usually given a waterproof coating or glaze.
Pros:
- Longevity: Clay and concrete tiles are one of the longest-lasting roofing options, with a lifespan of up to 50 years or more.
- Aesthetics: Clay and concrete tiles are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, making it easy to create a unique look that complements your home’s architecture.
- Fire Resistance: Clay and concrete tiles are fire-resistant, providing an extra layer of protection for your home.
- Recyclable material makes this an eco friendly option.
Cons:
- Weight: Clay and concrete tiles are heavier than other roofing types, which means your roof’s structure may need to be reinforced to support the additional weight.
- Cost: Clay and concrete tiles are more expensive than some other roofing types, but their longevity can make up for the initial cost in the long run.
- Fragility: Clay and concrete tiles can be brittle and breakable, making them more susceptible to damage from extreme weather conditions like hail.
Approximate cost in Canadian dollars: $10 to $20 per square foot.
Longevity: 50 years or more.
Conclusion: Clay and Concrete Tile Roof is an excellent option for homeowners who want a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing roofing option. However, their weight and cost may not make them the best choice for every home. Make sure to consult with a professional to determine if your home’s structure can support this type of roof.
3. Wood Roofs
This roofing type adds a natural and rustic charm to any home, but it does come with some unique challenges.Wood roofs usually come as wood shingles or wood shakes. The difference being that shakes are hand cut and thus more rural looking while wood shingles are cut precisely with machines. Cedar is the wood of choice because it is the most resistant to rotting and degradation from insects.
Pros:
- Aesthetics: Wood roofs, including both Wood Shingles and Wood Shakes, provide a unique and attractive look that can complement a variety of home styles, from traditional to contemporary.
- Insulation: Wood is a natural insulator, making wood roofs great for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Environmentally Friendly: Wood is a renewable resource, making it a more eco-friendly option than some other roofing materials.
Cons:
- Maintenance: Both Wood Shingles and Wood Shakes require regular maintenance, including cleaning and treating, to prevent rot and mold growth.
- Fire Risk: Wood roofs are more susceptible to fire than other roofing types, so it’s important to take fire safety precautions and install fire-resistant materials underneath the wood.
- Cost: Wood roofs are one of the more expensive roofing options, with higher installation and maintenance costs.
Approximate cost in Canadian dollars: $6 to $15 per square foot.
Longevity: 25 to 30 years.
Conclusion, Wood Roofs, including both Wood Shingles and Wood Shakes, are a great option for homeowners who want a natural and rustic look for their home. However, they do require regular maintenance and may not be the best choice for those living in very moist locations or areas with a high risk of wildfires. Make sure to consult with a professional to determine if a wood roof is the right choice for your home.
4. Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are quickly gaining popularity among homeowners due to their durability and low maintenance.
Pros:
- Durability: Metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more, making them one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike other roofing materials, metal roofs require very little maintenance and are resistant to damage from harsh weather conditions, moisture, and rotting. Once installed a metal roof can be maintenance free and possibly be the last roof you ever need.
- Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs can reflect the sun’s rays, reducing your home’s cooling costs in the summer.
Cons:
- Noise: Rain, hail, and other falling objects can be noisier on a metal roof compared to other roofing materials.
- Cost: Metal roofs are one of the more expensive roofing options, with higher installation costs compared to some other roofing materials.
- Dents: While metal roofs are durable, they can be susceptible to denting from heavy objects, such as falling branches.
Approximate cost in Canadian dollars: $7 to $14 per square foot.
Longevity: 50 years or more.
Conclusion, Metal Roofs are an excellent choice for homeowners who want a durable and low-maintenance roofing material that can last for decades. While they may be noisier and more expensive than some other roofing types, the longevity and energy efficiency benefits make them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners. Consult with a professional like Burlington Roofers to determine if a metal roof is the right choice for your home.
5. Slate Roofing
These roofs provide a timeless and elegant look that is perfect for traditional and historic homes
Pros:
- Aesthetics: Slate roofs have a unique and attractive look that can add value and curb appeal to your home.
- Longevity: Slate roofs are incredibly durable and can last for up to 100 years or more.
- Fire Resistant: Slate is a natural fire-resistant material, making it a safer option for homes in areas with a high risk of wildfires.
Cons:
- Cost: Slate roofs are one of the most expensive roofing options due to the high cost of materials and installation.
- Weight: Slate is a heavy material, and not all homes are structurally sound enough to support the weight of a slate roof.
- Maintenance: While slate roofs are durable, they can still be susceptible to damage from falling branches or heavy objects. Repairs can be costly due to the specialized expertise required to work with slate.
Approximate cost in Canadian dollars: $15 to $20 per square foot.
Longevity: 100 years or more.
Conclusion, Slate Roofs are an excellent choice for homeowners who want a timeless and elegant look that can last for generations. However, the high cost and weight of the material make them a less practical option for some homeowners. Consult with a professional to determine if a slate roof is the right choice for your home.
6. Rubber Roofs
The last roofing type on our list is Rubber Roofing, also known as EPDM roofing. This type of roofing material has been gaining popularity due to its affordability and eco-friendliness. Rubber roofing can come in sheets, which are less attractive but easier to install. Sheets are typically used for flat roofs where aesthetic is not as much of a concern. They are also available as shingles that mimic the look of asphalt shingles for example.
Pros:
- Affordability: Rubber roofing is one of the most affordable roofing options on the market, making it a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.
- Eco-Friendly: Rubber roofing is made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It also keeps heat out in the summer and keeps heat in during the winter making it an energy efficient choice.
- Easy Installation: Rubber roofing is relatively easy to install, which can reduce the overall cost of installation.
Cons:
- Durability: While rubber roofing can last for up to 50 years, it is more prone to punctures and tears than other roofing materials. There is also risk of leaks if the roof is not sealed properly.
- Appearance: Rubber roofing is not as aesthetically pleasing as some other roofing types, which may not appeal to some homeowners.
- UV Resistance: Rubber roofing is not as UV resistant as some other roofing types, which can cause it to deteriorate over time.
- Being a newer roof type in the market for peaked roofs only some experienced and specialized roofing contractors are able to install them.
Approximate cost in Canadian dollars: $4 to $8 per square foot.
Longevity: 50 years.
Conclusion, Rubber Roofing is an affordable and eco-friendly option for homeowners on a budget. While it may not be as durable or visually appealing as some other roofing types, it can still provide adequate protection for your home. Consult with a professional to determine if rubber roofing is the right choice for your home.
In Closing:
In summary, choosing the right type of roofing for your home is an important decision that can affect the overall look, feel, and value of your property. There are a variety of roofing types to choose from whether you are looking for a classic and timeless look or a modern and eco-friendly option. When deciding on the right roofing type, it is important to consider your budget, your home’s structural requirements, and your own personal style. It’s important to consult with a professional roofing contractor to ensure that your chosen roofing type is installed correctly and to the highest standard.
At Burlington Roofers, our team of experienced and professional roofing contractors can help you choose the right roofing type for your home and install it to the highest quality. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on your roofing project.
Remember, a well-installed and high-quality roof can provide many years of protection and peace of mind for you and your family. So invest in your home’s future by letting us put a safe and affordable roof over your head!
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