There exists, within the residential roofing and commercial roofing industries, a wide variety of different materials with which to roof a home. These materials range from grass (thatch) to sod, from glass to clay (tiles). Shingles are currently the most popular type of roofing material in use today, with metal roofing coming up fast from behind to challenge the tried and true. The chances are great if you're getting ready to build a new home that you will ultimately hire a Horsham roofer to install one of these two. It is worth your time to get together with a Horsham roofing contractor and see which one he recommends for your circumstance, and why.
Shingles are the traditional roofing material most people associate with a roof. They are individual pieces of roof protection that are made from a variety of materials that provide an interlocking final layer of protection against the elements. A Horsham roofer installs such shingles over sub-layers of other types of protection, insulation and waterproofing. Shingles are primarily used on roof structures with a steep enough pitch to shed water. They are popularly available as organic shingles - made of paper and asphalt - and as architectural shingles - a fiberglass composite of a fiberglass and asphalt. The top side of both types is sprayed with ceramic granules that come in various colors to coordinate with and complement the home's exterior. In addition, shingles are available in wood, slate and in a variety of metals, including steel, aluminum and copper. Depending upon the material from which they're made, shingles have a lifespan that ranges from 20 to 45 years, and even longer for shingles made of metal.
Shingles are familiar to all roofers and easy to install.
Shingles make for easy roof repairs - damaged areas can be repaired in sections.
They are frequently the least expensive roofing option.
Architectural shingles provide good fire protection.
Relatively long life.
Shingles are vulnerable to damage from inadequately ventilated attics.
Shingles are prone to blow upward in wind storms, permitting water to damage the underlayment underneath.
Organic shingles tend to have shorter lives in areas with great temperature changes.
Some shingle roofs experience trouble with moss and algae growth.
Metal roofing, when correctly installed in an appropriate location is incredibly durable, and will outlast a shingle roof two or three times over. The metal reflects the sun's rays, resulting in lowered heating and air conditioning costs. Many people choose metal today as an alternative to shingles because they don't want to have to worry about their roof ever again, and in many cases, they don't!
Durability.
Available in a virtual rainbow of colors.
Withstands snow, rain and high winds.
Comparatively lightweight, putting less stress on roof sub-structures.
Can be installed directly over an existing asphalt roof.
Highly fire retardant, often resulting in lowered insurance premiums.
Virtually maintenance free.
More expensive than asphalt.
Unfamiliar to roofers accustomed to asphalt shingles only.
Vulnerable to damage from falling tree branches.
May be louder during rainstorms.
Whether a homeowner chooses to roof his new home with shingles or with metal sheeting depends on a number of factors, including personal preference, cost, location and how long he plans to stay in the home. A person building a house for quick resale might choose to install a less expensive roof than one building his dream home. One thing is certain, never before have homeowners been so fortunate as to have so many excellent materials from which to choose!
M&S Roofing and Contracting, Inc.
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