If you are looking to get the best roof for your home, you cannot just get any roof– it must be high quality and able to withstand a series of Minnesota weather conditions.
Have you had your current roof inspected recently? A professional roofer can let you know whether your current roof needs repairs or replacement. If and when the time comes for you to choose a new roof, take into account things like longevity, appearance and cost, as well as any structural issues with the previous roof.
You can read about some common materials used for roofing in this post…
Asphalt Shingles
Created in the United States in 1903, asphalt shingles have been popular for many decades. Since today’s asphalt is fire retardant, it has proven to be a good choice for roofing material(s).
Asphalt shingles are presently made from fiberglass and covered in asphalt. Some parts of shingles have protective covers with asphalt on both sides, while others have asphalt coverage only on one side. “Asphalt shingle top” is often covered with stone materials such as schist, quartz, or mica. The back area of most asphalt shingles have components of mica, talc, and sand. These elements help shingles to adhere together on the roof.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing systems have been in existence for quite a long time, and mostly used in industrial and commercial settings. This roofing system, however, has gradually become a prime choice for residential home roofing, too.
Metal roofing systems don’t require much maintenance. They have a competent style and design, are eco-friendly, and their materials are light in weight. Since they are versatile, they can be designed in various styles and produced in any color needed.
Metal roofing styles can include panels, shingles, tiles, and sheets. Metal roofing may be expensive upon initial installation, but it lasts for years, withstanding wear and tear problems brought about by bad weather conditions while enhancing the value of your home’s curb appeal.
Installing metal roofs while using sheets and panels can be a bit tricky– not every roofing professional is experienced in installing this type of roofing system.
Slate Tiles
Slate tiles or shingles are very classy, with a beautiful contemporary look. Slate tiles date back to the 1700s when homeowners in the United States first used them on their rooftops.
Slate is a stone, and it comes from regions with lots of volcanic ash or clay. When it first came into existence, slate was extremely expensive– only the very rich had slate roofs centuries ago!
Recently, slate tiles have become less expensive and therefore a great choice for your roofing material. Aside from being naturally appealing, slate is durable, fire resistant, and has a life span of 100 years.
Slate roofs naturally withstand high winds, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall. They are available in various designs and colors, too.
Flat Roof System
Flat roofs are said to be very economical as well as accessible (since they’re flat). Although not visually appealing, they are found on many homes, including ranch houses built after World War II.
Flat roofs have their peculiar charm, and nowadays they are more often used on industrial and commercial buildings than on residential homes.
Since these roofs have flat surfaces, they have a significant slope that allows water to drain away. To maintain flat roofs, leaves, debris, and other stuff must be cleared off the roof to avoid the build-up of snow and ice.
Flat roofing materials are not that long-lasting. You can only have them on your building for about 15 years and then you’ll need to get a replacement. In a few cases, this type of roofing material is not recommended for residential homes because it may not be able to withstand certain weather conditions like heavy snow.
Conclusion
The best roofing material for you to use is mostly dependent on your budget and your climate. Roofing professionals in your area can help you make the right roofing choice. In Andover, MN, call Born Carpentry at 612-747-8003 to talk about roofing materials and inquire about roofing inspections, repairs and replacements.
