With all product prices and home repair costs going through the roof, coupled with worsening weather conditions, keeping a roof over your head becomes literally difficult. It is hard to find a roofing material that is inexpensive, durable, and does not cost a lot to repair. Luckily, you are in the right place, because we have your cost-efficient roofing options covered.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles usually last for about fifteen to thirty years, and are, by far, the most popular roofing material ever, due to their cost effectiveness. When shopping for asphalt shingles, however, you should never choose the cheapest ones. The asphalt shingles that cost least in any shop tend to score just as low in durability. Look for shingles that have a satisfactory slate and hail rating, which is a great indicator of overall durability and impact resistance.
Since asphalt shingles are so common, their quality varies greatly, and the slate and hail rating is often the only indicator of quality. However, manufacturers of roofing materials are not legally required to report the hail rating of their products, so stay away from materials without any hail or slate rating.
Wooden shakes and shingles
Wooden shingles are more expensive than asphalt. They are usually made of fire-resistant woods, such as redwood and cedar. As a roofing material, they last between 30 and 50 years.
While they last a lot longer than asphalt shingles, wooden shingles are not as durable. They are fire-resistant and can even be sprayed with fire retardant, but this material is not fireproof. Like asphalt shingles, a great hail rating is necessary when choosing wooden shingles and shakes, as they are prone to cracking.
Wood shingles are naturally twice as energy-efficient as asphalt shingles. Wood is a natural insulator, and improves air circulation inside the home. Especially when painted to become a cool roof, which reflects sunlight without absorbing the heat, wood shingles and shakes are one of the most sustainable and energy-efficient roofing materials in the market.
Metal
Metal roofing materials tend to be slightly more expensive than wood and asphalt shingles, but they last about 30 to 50 years. They usually come in the form of metal sheets made of copper, steel, aluminum, or zinc alloy.
Metal roofing materials are also significantly more durable than asphalt and wood shingles, and often require no re-roofing at all. They are also non-combustible and protect your home from external fires. A metal roof is resistant to small embers that may land on it. Since it is lighter than other roofing materials, a metal roof will not cave in during a fire, but it can still reach its melting point.
The material is impact-resistant and is sure to withstand inclement weather. Metal roofs also require a lot less maintenance than other roofing material options. Since metal is a natural insulator, metal roofs are very energy efficient, as well. During warm weather, a metal roof keeps your home cooler, and warmer during cold weather.
Metal roofs are also extremely sustainable. Most metal roofs are created from recycled materials, and the roof itself is recyclable, too.
The roof is essential to your home, so you need to find the best material for it. Before you mind the costs, think about which roofing material can best protect the people living under that roof.
