Help in Choosing Roofing Materials

When you need to replace your roof, you have a variety of options for materials. Each substance has its own benefits and drawbacks. In addition to cost and appearance, many homeowners also want to consider the environmental impact of their roofing choices. Different materials can have quite different impacts on the environment.

Composition Shingles: Made from asphalt or fiberglass, composition shingles are the least expensive and most popular roofing option. They come in a variety of colors and shapes and are fire resistant and durable. You can walk on them without damaging them. However, shingles have a relatively short lifespan (15-30 years) and the manufacturing process is not particularly environmentally friendly, although some shingles are made from recycled materials.

Wood Shakes: Many homeowners like the look of wood shakes; they can give a home a nice weathered appearance, but they are more expensive to install than many other options and are higher maintenance. In order to make them fire-resistant they must be pressure treated or sprayed with a fire-retardant chemical that only lasts for a couple of years. Shakes require a fair amount of maintenance, but can last up to 30 years if probably maintained. However, they are also subject to rot, mold, and mildew and sometimes do not last long. They cannot be recycled and can have a high lifecycle cost.

Clay Tile: Clay tile can look beautiful on Spanish influenced, Mediterranean, or Southwestern style homes. It is long lasting and comes in a variety of colors and styles. It's fireproof and low maintenance, and can last a long time. However, tiles are heavy and should only be used with roofs that have been reinforced to withstand the weight. The tiles themselves are expensive and installation can be pricey. Also they are fragile and can be broken if you walk on them, making chores like cleaning the gutters challenging.

Metal Roofs: An increasingly popular choice, metal roofs are extremely durable and can be formed into shapes that resemble shingles or other patterns. They are particularly energy efficient since they reflect the sun's rays, so they can help your home stay cooler in the summer. Many metal roofs are made from recycled materials and they can be installed over the current roof, eliminating the need to send the old materials to the landfill. In many ways metal is the green choice. They are lightweight and fire resistant, as well as durable (lasting at least 50 years). However, they can be expensive and are complicated to install; some kinds need to be painted periodically.

Concrete: Concrete tiles are a relatively new option that many homeowners are unfamiliar with. However, fiber reinforced concrete can be shaped to mimic the look of shingles, shakes, tile, or slate roofs, but they are lighter weight than tile or slate. Concrete is versatile and extremely durable, with a life expectancy of 50 years. It does not require much maintenance and is insect and fire resistant. However, the quality of some concrete tiles has been uneven and it can be expensive.