Which Type of Roofing Is Right For Your Home?

The type of roofing material you choose for your home will affect your home's functionality and appearance for many years to come. Many homeowners find it difficult to pick the right type of roofing for their home. Knowing the difference between the various types of roofing materials, understanding the costs involved with a new roof as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each can help homeowners make their decision.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the standard roofing material found in many parts of the United States. They are relatively lightweight, easy to install, and come in different colors. In addition, roofers everywhere have some experience with asphalt shingles, so it's not hard to find a roofing company that can do work on a roof with this type of material. Best of all, asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive. Many homeowners can re-roof their entire home with asphalt shingles for a cost of about $4,000.

There are, however, a few downsides to asphalt shingles. In areas that are shady and wooded, this roofing material can easily grow moss and become damaged in a way that requires roof repair. Asphalt only lasts about 20 years, which is a relatively short period of time in the roofing world. Homeowners who install a new roof on their home may need to start saving for a replacement roof shortly thereafter to ensure that they have enough to cover the roof the next time it needs to be replaced.

Metal Roof

Metal can last a long time, so homeowners who get proper metal roof installation done on their home can expect their roof to last as long as fifty years or more. Metal also comes in a range of colors, and can even be shaped to mimic different types of roofing materials. Homeowners who want a shingle shake roof that is designed to last a long time can get a metal roof that's been molded in the shape of shingles.

One of the great downsides of metal roofing is that it can be costly to install. Metal roofing costs approximately $12,000 to install. In addition, some homeowners think that metal roofs are louder than other types of roofs. If the home is properly insulated, a metal roof should be nearly as quiet as other types of roofs.

Cedar Shake Roof

Wood is a very traditional roofing material, so cedar shake roofs have a special kind of charm. When properly maintained, synthetic cedar shake roofing lasts longer than asphalt shingles while presenting an old-world charm that many homeowners love. Homeowners who get a cedar shake roof are usually people with old-style homes seeking authenticity. Cedar shake is also environmentally friendly if the homeowner uses recycled cedar shake.

As with other roofing materials, there are a few downsides. Cedar shake rooftops are flammable and require a lot of maintenance. They must be periodically cleaned in order to prevent debris from trapping moisture against the shingles, which could cause them to rot prematurely. In addition, cedar shakes need proper airflow in order to stay dry, so homeowners must periodically trim overhanging or nearby branches that would prevent the sun from drying the roof.

Talk To An Expert

If you're a Soldotna homeowner who needs to pick a new roofing material for your home, the type of roofing you select will have an impact on the appearance and necessary maintenance your home needs in the future. To ensure that the roofing material you choose is right for your needs, contact a roofing expert in your area today.