Common Roofing Materials And What To Expect From Them

Knowledge is power. This is especially true when you’re buying a new home, a place you will be living for many years to come. The roof is one of the most important parts of a house; it protects your home from the elements and provides insulation. When performing a home inspection a damaged roof is one of the biggest issues to look out for. In order to buy a home that best fits your needs, you need to know what roofs are commonly made of and the advantages and disadvantages of the materials.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice amongst the common roofing materials. Go take a walk down your street, chances are most of the houses will have asphalt shingles. They are popular for their low cost and because they come in a variety of styles. The bulk of asphalt shingles isn’t actually the asphalt, they are typically made from a fiberglass or recycled paper mat that is then covered with asphalt to reflect the sun and keep your roof waterproof. Fiberglass is cheaper than the paper style, but either way asphalt shingles are your cheapest option.

Wooden Shingles
Wooden shingles, typically called “shakes”, are another popular choice. They’re most commonly made of cedar and come at a higher price than asphalt shingles. Cedar shakes have several advantages such as:

  • Providing better insulation
  • Resisting UV damage
  • Lasting longer
  • Resisting wind damage

The downside is the higher cost and difficulty of installation. If you plan on purchasing a home with cedar roofing make sure you do a thorough home inspection.

Tile
This material is fairly common in our area and is likely to be found on coastal homes. You’ll also commonly find tile in very hot and sunny climates, like the southwest, because of their ability to insulate your home and reduce heat transfer. Tile comes in a variety of colors and can give your home a unique, exotic look, but is perhaps the most expensive of the common roofing materials. That said, the durability of tile is more than enough to justify the extra cost for some homeowners and the insulating ability of tile saves you money on heating and cooling costs.

Metal
Out of all the common roofing materials, metal roofing is unparalleled in durability. Metal roofing potentially has a lifespan of 40 to 60 years, assuming you perform a home inspection every once in awhile and keep up on maintenance. You most commonly see metal roofing in areas such as the south where storms are more intense and wind damage is a major issue. Another added benefit of metal roofing is the light weight that causes less stress on your walls and support structures. Although it’s one of the more expensive materials, if you live in a storm-prone area metal roofing may actually end up saving you money in the long run.

If you’re in the process of purchasing a new home, make sure to have it inspected before finalizing the deal. A detailed home inspection can reveal serious issues that you may not notice at first glance. At Super Inspection Pros we have decades of experience in home inspections, from detailed room-by-room inspections to quick 4-point inspections. Contact us today to schedule an inspection for your potential new home.

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