We need a “roof over our heads” in order to feel safe in this world, and it is important that we choose our roof wisely. A good choice in roofing material will not only get you a good roof that will last you a lot longer, but it will also help you save money that you would otherwise have to spend in getting a roof replacement or roof repair job done. Of course, the blame does not fall entirely on your roof here; you are responsible for maintaining your roof and taking care of it. Very durable roofs can give out early if they are not maintained well, so you will have to pull your weight too in order to get a good, long-lasting roof.
Now, there are a number of different kinds of roofs, but for the sake of this article, we will limiting ourselves to shingled roofs. Shingle roofs are a popular choice among people when it comes to roofing, and are found very commonly on residential buildings. Shingle roofs are known for their finish and are considered to be durable roofs. If you are considering getting a new roof, there is no harm in dabbling with the idea of getting a shingle roof. In fact, you can reach out to any reliable shingle roofing company and have them come in for a consultation with you.
There is no one kind of shingle roofing. There are a variety of options in materials when it comes to shingle roofing, ranging from concrete, asphalt, wood, to tile and so on. However, for this article, we will be doing a comparison between two of the more popular shingle roofing materials, and these include asphalt and clay shingles.
Asphalt shingles are considered to be the most popular option among shingles and other roofing options. They are the perfect marriage between durable and affordable. Asphalt shingles will last a long time and get the job done. You do not have to break into your savings for them either, making it a win-win situation. Asphalt shingles come with a variety of options, including organic asphalt shingles and fiberglass asphalt shingles. Out of these two, fiberglass is the more popular option since it is water-proof and fire-resistant.
If you are looking to upgrade your asphalt, you can take the expensive route and opt for luxury asphalt shingles instead. These are much thicker and their surfaces are laminated to resemble wood or slates. While a regular shingle roof can last you at least 15 years and longer, luxury asphalt shingles can last you up to 50 years, depending on how well you maintain them. Asphalt shingle roofs generally do not require a lot of maintenance. However, once shingles start cracking, turning brittle or chipping, you will need to get them replaced individually or else they will end up weakening your entire roof over time.
Clay tiles, or what we most commonly refer to as Spanish tiles are also another popular option in roof shingles. These are red/pink clay tiles that we are very fond of seeing. These clay tiles can be designed and cut in a number of different ways, and this includes curved, flat and fluted shapes. You can also opt for clean-edged, woody shapes, European villa or contemporary designs as well, so you have a lot of room to play around with different ideas when it comes to clay tiles. These tiles are not only beautiful, but they also happen to be fire-proof and very durable. Clay tiles do not require a lot of maintenance, and are naturally fire-proof, resistant to rot and insect damage, and are able to withstand different kinds of weather conditions, making them very ideal. However, if one of your tiles does get damaged, it is recommended to get it replaced as soon as you can, or else it can end up decreasing the overall strength of your roof. A clay tile roof will last you up to 50 years and even longer. However, they are definitely the more expensive option out of the two.
Now that you have all of the facts laid out in front of you, you can make a better and more informed decision. If you are still unsure and have more questions, consult with experts on the subject, have them look at your roof and give you their feedback on the various materials. Then take their suggestions into account, along with your own thoughts on the matter, and make your decision.
