Installing a new roof is a big investment and is very important as it protects your home and the near and dear ones who stay with you. Roof installation is not something that can be done quickly in a short span of time. The basic roofing materials that you choose often depend on the location. Sometimes the pitch of the roof also affects the type of roofing material you can choose. In the case of steeply pitched roofs, you can use wood shake shingles but they are not suitable for flat roofs that are low pitched.
When it comes to residential roofing there is a wide choice which includes:
Wood shakes or shingles: These are attractive shingles which are little high on the price. They are durable but not suitable in areas prone to fire.
Asphalt composition shingles: These are easily available and quite cheap but not very attractive because of their flat appearance. These are most commonly used for roofing
Slate roofing: This is an expensive roofing option for the high end which is very attractive but it is heavy. It is slippery to walk on and difficult to repair when damaged.
Metal Roofing: This roofing has become very popular in recent years and is made of aluminum or steel. They are durable and fireproof and need specialty contractors for installation. They have a long life and are cost-effective. There are different types of metal roofing available like raised seam panels, and products that look like composite shingles.
Ceramic tile or clay: The Spanish red tile roof is commonly used in Southern California. It is slowly being replaced by composite materials and metal that resembles the Spanish tile. Presently there are other roofing materials available which are fire retardant like the ceramic tile but are lightweight. This shingle is known as half-barrel because it looks like a cylinder cut into half lengthwise.
Composition Slate: These are synthetic tiles made from recycled materials. They look like stone tiles but are lighter and less prone to damage.
