The Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Type of Roofing

There are so many different types of roofing companies out there that it can be intimidating trying to find one that works for your home.
​
Each roof has its own pros and cons that can help you make an educated choice. Look at how each roof is different before deciding which type to choose.Asphalt ShinglesAsphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing. This roof type lasts for 20 to 30 years on average.Asphalt shingles are what most people choose to buy for their roofing because of how versatile they are. These shingles can come in a variety of colors and shapes and can be made to look like more expensive roofing types.In addition, asphalt shingles are very affordable. Homeowners with a tight budget may find asphalt shingles are a good fit for them.
MetalMetal roofing is extremely durable and has a long life span of 40 to 100 years. The lifespan of a roof depends greatly on which type of metal is used.

If you’re looking for a long-lasting roof, copper will last the longest.

One of the downsides of metal roofs is that if they are not properly insulated, they become very noisy when it rains. Make sure you have proper insulation installed if you choose to purchase a metal roof.
Wood ShakeWood shake roofs last for 20 to 40 years and have a beautiful look to them. Wood shakes look very natural and are environmentally friendly, so this is a great option.
Cedar roofs are the most popular type of wood shake roof because they reduce energy consumption and last the longest.

Cedarwood contains natural oils that repel pests and helps protect against weathering. One downside to wood shingles is that they cannot be installed on flat roofs, and not all contractors will install them.

If you have a sloping roof, cedarwood shake might be a good choice for you.
Slate RoofSlate roofs last longer than any other type of roofing material and have an average lifespan of 40 to 125 years. Slate roofs are made of stone roofing shingles and are one of the older types of roof designs.

Many older houses have slate roofs, as this used to be the most popular roofing type. Slate roofs have a beautiful, classic look to them and are also environmentally friendly.

Slate roofs do, however, add a lot of weight. Make sure that your roof can handle the added weight of a slate roof or have your contractor reinforce your roof before beginning work.
EPDMEPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. This type of roof is made out of a rubber-like substance and is the most common roofing used on commercial properties.

EPDM is gaining popularity as a residential roofing type because of its flexibility. This roof type does well in both warm and cold climates and is a great choice for houses undergoing either extreme. They also do well in high winds, making them good for most areas.

Reflective roof coatings can be added to EPDM roofs to save energy. Ask your roofing contractors what options are available to make this roofing system more energy efficient.

When choosing a roof type, there is a lot to take into consideration. You need to make sure your roof will last long enough, have the look that you want, and be durable. Make the right choice and carefully weigh your options before settling on a roofing type.