Roofing Material Explained

Houses are comprised of many different parts. The foundation is what holds everything up, the walls create different rooms and the roof is what keeps Mother Nature at bay. Roofs are vitally important to keeping everything else in your home in the best possible condition. A leaky, damaged roof can allow the elements inside your home where they can undermine the overall stability. When you’re in the market for a new roof, you’ve got some very big decisions to make. Finding the right roofer in Fort Lauderdale is no small task. Most roofers in Portland, like Elements Roofing for example, specialize in almost all types of roofing materials. From shingles and tile to metal and gravel, Elements can do it all.  Along with finding the right roofer, deciding what sort of roof you want to install is just as important. Here is a rundown of the most popular choices when it comes to roofing materials.

Plain old shingles

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular choice when it comes to roofing materials. Not only are they cost-effective and relatively quick to install, they also work great! When installed correctly, a new shingle roof can last for up 20 years. Maybe even longer if regular repairs and maintenance are observed. Asphalt shingles come in two varieties; organic and fiberglass. Organic shingles are generally paper based and covered with asphalt and tar for waterproofing purposes. Fiberglass shingles are essentially the same, but with fiberglass mats rather than paper. Fiberglass is more durable than paper and is also more resistant to fire and water damage.

Classic Tile

Roofs back in ancient times were often made from clay tiles. They were popular for their water-resistance and for the look they achieved. Modern homeowners often go with tile roofs to recreate the look of ancient buildings. Roofing tiles today are made from either clay or concrete and can be molded and dyed into almost any shape or color. Tile is far more durable than asphalt, generally lasting for up to 50 years with regular maintenance. The drawback is, however, the price, as tile is much more expensive. It is also more difficult to install and takes an experienced crew like those at Elements Roofing.

Metal Is King

If you’re really looking for the most durable and long lasting roofing material, metal is truly the way to go. Steel and aluminum are the most popular choices and they come in a large variety of colors and textures to achieve almost any look you want. Metal roofs are incredibly water resistant and can have a life span of 50+ years. They are also great insulators so you’re home heating or cooling bill will probably go down a little bit after installation. Metal is better at resisting damage from wind and rain so you won’t have to worry about leaks and damages.

A roofer in Portland will be able to install all of the above styles, but only Elements Roofing has the experience and know how to get the job done right. If you need a new roof, consider your options carefully before rushing into a decision.