To have a roof in good condition is critical to our living conditions. Roofs provide us with safety and stability. But to know which type of roofing material to use can get difficult. If your roof is damaged or you are planning on getting it replaced, you need to know about the different options.
Although many homeowners give little or no thought about their roof, no one can live without it. There are a few popular roofing materials used for Canadian homes. So here is all you need to know about them.
Wood Shingles
Wooden shingles are great environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional roofing shingle materials. Not only do they give you a more unique and traditional look but they have a lot of advantages. They are rot proof, insect resistant, and come in a variety of shades.
Wood shingles are available in two types: cedar and pressure-treated lumber. The pressure treated wood is sturdier and more weather proof. However, this wood type is not that good-looking. Cedar wood is pretty expensive to purchase and install compared to the other type. Also, it needs a bit more regular maintenance. Both types on the other hand keep the moisture out which minimizes decay.
With the right maintenance, wood shingles typically last 30 years before needing to be replaced.
Different Type of Roofing Materials: Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular types of roofing materials. They are known for their affordable prices, easy installation, and energy efficiency. Due to heavy snow storms, Canadians should always look for something that can withstand them. Shingles are relatively heavy, making them a good choice in Canada. Plus they don’t get affected by the fluctuations in temperature.
There are two kinds of asphalt shingles; organic and fiberglass. Organic shingles are not made out of sustainable materials as many people might think. The organic refers to a non-synthetic material that distinguishes them from fiberglass. Organic asphalt shingles can last up to 20 years with proper installation and maintenance. As for fiberglass, they are a more modern version of the organic shingles. Fiberglass shingles use glass instead of paper layers.
Fiberglass shingles compared to organic shingles are lighter, more resistant to heat, and less expensive. Before they are installed, a professional roofer will install a layer of felt so you can get these shingles installed.
Subtypes have varying durability, but mostly all types of shingles need to be replaced every 20 years. No one wants to keep investing in a huge roofing project, that’s why you need to ensure it’s going to last you for a long time. Have a professional take a look to tell you what type of roofing material is suitable for your house. A specialist will be able to make the right recommendation.
Slate Shingles
Slate is one of the oldest materials used for roofing. The shingles are 100% natural stone with no additives. For the right type of classic home style, slate shingles tie in well with the house. You can also say they are aesthetically pleasing. And they come in a variety of colors.
Durability is one of the strong points. Slate is unaffected by insects such as termites or carpenter ants. Also, because it’s a dense stone, it absorbs relatively little water. As a stone, it’s fireproof. This protects the home from burning due to sparks or embers landing on the roof.
One thing you need to keep in mind is that slate shingles are heavy. This means not every home will be able to support the weight. Also, there are specialists to install this type of roofing material so be sure to hire a professional.
An important thing to know about the slates is that they are expensive to purchase and install, but they require zero maintenance. Often they come with a 100-year warranty. Slate shingles are a great option for homes in extreme climates.
Tile Shingles
Tile shingles are not very popular amongst Canadians. That is likely due to their distinctive color and their price. Nevertheless, they are extremely durable and need to be replaced only every 50 years. Much like the slate shingles, some homes aren’t built to handle the weight of them. Request a professional to come and look at your house to tell you if it is suitable to install or not.
Different Type of Roofing Material: Metal Roofs
If your house has a steep roof then this type of roofing material is for you. Metal roofs come in two forms; solid metal or individual tiles. The tiles come in different materials. They are typically made out of galvanized or stainless steel, copper, titanium, or aluminum. On the other hand, metal roofs are on the pricier side of the spectrum. The cost of the project depends on the type of metal you are using. On the bright side, and what might sell you on this material is it can last up to 50 years.
Now that you are more informed about the different types of roofing material, you should be ready to start your roofing project. Contact a professional and start building your dream home today!
