How to Choose the Right Roofing Material for Your Home
Eventually, you will have to address the aging roof that is protecting your home. The roof is a key component in keeping you and your home safe from the elements, including the seasonal weather challenges in the Montgomery County, PA area. Once you have had your roof inspected and have decided to move forward with roof replacement, you need to decide what type of roof works best for your home. Things to consider when choosing the right roof include:
Durability of material
Product warranty
Weight of the system
Pitch of the roof structure
Product sustainability
Appearance and aesthetics
Cost
In the Northeast, there are five common types of roofs that you will typically see. These materials have been known to fare well in our four-season climate. Some of them also have historical references. Each material has its advantages and qualities.
Asphalt Shingles
The most popular roofing material in use today in the Flourtown area is asphalt shingle. This product is cost-effective and comes with warranties ranging from 20 to 30 years. The shingles are lightweight and are relatively easy to install by skilled roofers. These are fire, moisture, and insect-resistant. Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors, including gray, brown, green, and red, allowing you the ability to customize your home’s appearance. Asphalt shingles are a practical and versatile option for roof replacement in Montgomery County, PA.
Wood Shakes
If you are going for a more classic appearance with country charm, it is hard to beat wood shakes. The most common wood used for shakes is cedar. When left untreated, cedar shakes will weather to a soft gray color. The shakes can be protected with a clear sealer that will prolong their original natural wood tone. Wood roofs are intended to breathe. For this reason, they must be installed over a substrate of wood battens that allows for some air circulation beneath them. A skilled residential roofing company in Flourtown, PA understands the nuances of wood shake roof installation.
Synthetic Polymer
The latest trend in roofing is shingles or shakes that are composed of plastics, resins, and recycled materials. These are designed to have the appearance of slate or wood. Composite Polymers are available in a variety of colors and profiles. If you are going for a classic look with a lifespan longer than asphalt or wood at a lower cost than slate, polymers are a good choice. This material is pest-resistant, lightweight, fire-resistant, and low maintenance. Another plus is that polymers are often recyclable.
Metal
You may have noticed a resurgence in the use of metal roofs on residences in recent years. There are solid reasons for this. Metal roofs, such as steel and copper, have been used for decades on structures such as barns, storage facilities, and places of worship. Metal roofs last a long time, from 50 to 75 years in general. The metal is lightweight and installs quickly. Another benefit is that metal roofs are completely recyclable, resulting in a lighter carbon footprint on the environment. The most common metal type for residential roofing in Flourtown, PA is standing seam steel. Steel panels interlock for a secure and waterproof system. These panels are available in many colors to allow for design flexibility.
Slate
If you are looking for a very traditional and stately roof, slate tiles are the way to go. Slate has been used as roofing for centuries. It is attractive, durable, and will last 50 years or more. This material is fire and wind-resistant. Slate is heavy, so it does require a beefier roof structure that you might find in older homes. If timelessness is the look you are going for, slate is a perfect choice.
When you are ready to replace your Montgomery County roof, contact Top Peak Roofing. Our professional roofers are ready to guide you to the most effective roofing solution for your home that is within your budget.