Are you on the lookout for residential roofing options this 2019? A brand new roof is every Brantford Ontario homeowner’s dream for the new year. With a new roof in place, any home beautifully transforms in appearance. Not to mention, it becomes more resistant to the changing weather.
What we, Straight Arrow Roofing, want to show you today is a list of roofing material options. We also prepared a selection of unique roof shapes to choose from. The right material and shape combination helps you get the best value for your money.
Before you build, read this guide! Dig in.
Residential Roofing Options: Different Material Types and Shapes
Types of Roof Covering Materials
1. Asphalt Roof Shingles
Out of the many residential roofing options in the United States, asphalt shingles are commonly used. Their base mat comes from organic materials while the topmost part is coated with shingle granules. The granule surfacing can come in a different color – red, blue, green, brown, and more.
People love asphalt shingles because they don’t just look great, but they also offer ample protection from the elements. When it comes to the types of roof shingles, you have two common options — regular and architectural shingles.
Related: Architectural Shingles Vs Regular Ones: What’s The Best?
2. Wood Shingles and Shakes
Here’s what wood shingles look like. Note that they’re thinner and cleaner in appearance.
We may assume that people no longer use wood for roofs but in reality, many still do. Wood boasts of natural beauty. They’re luxurious and classy. Wood can come in two options — shakes and shingles. Shakes come from split logs which make them thicker and rugged. On the other hand, shingles appear to be thinner and feature clean cuts.
In terms of costs, you pay higher if you get wood roofing. These residential roofing options are expensive — if you’re concerned about roofing materials prices.
3. Metal Roofing
Next up is metal roofing. What’s to love about metal roofs? Metal roofing outperforms most materials in terms of lifespan. While asphalt shingles last up to 30 years, metal roofs reach as long as 40 years or more. How long a metal roof lasts depends on the metal type. Copper lasts the longest– 100 years. Steel roofs reach 50 years.
On top of their long service life, metal roofs don’t stress your roof. This is because metal roofs weigh less. They also resist fires and reflect the heat of the sun.
Read: The Best Metal Roof for Residential Properties
4. Clay Roof Tiles
Clay tile roofing existed since the 19th century. Yes, these roofing systems have proven themselves to be extremely durable. They do last a hundred years or more. Can you guess their biggest advantage based on their lifespan? Correct — durability. Plus, clay material never ever decays. Don’t forget, they also make environmentally-friendly choices.
While clay roof tiles top your list, here’s one drawback they have: they weight a lot. If you choose clay roofs, it’s important that you check your roof structure. Your structure should be able to handle their excessive weight. Your roof should also have a higher slope to accommodate them.
5. Slate Roofing
Here’s the final roof we’ll discuss. Slate roofs come from homogeneous rock that originates from volcanic ash. As you may guess, slate roofing possesses a timeless appeal. However, like clay roof, slate weighs heavily. Therefore, you have to make sure that your roof structure is strong.
Slate roofs used to dominate the industry. Their use started to decline when asphalt shingles came into existence.
Unique Roofing Shapes to Choose from
When looking at residential roofing options, definitely put style in mind. It’s not enough to know what material you want because not all roofing layouts welcome a certain material. Here’s what we mean:
1. Gable Roofing Style
Want the most classic roof style? Go for gable. A gable roof consists of two planes that meet at the ridge. As a child, surely, you’ve drawn a gable roof. Gable roofs shed rainwater well since they have no flat surface where water can accumulate.
Possible Roofing Materials: Asphalt shingles, metal roofing, wood shakes and shingles, slate roofing, clay roofing
2. Shed Roofing Style
Skillion roofs are like pitched flat roofs. They’re cost-effective to build and perfect for minimalists.
Also called a skillion or lean-to roof, a shed roof has one slope that leans on one side. Think of a flat roof that’s pitched. Shed roofs are easy to build because they don’t involve a lot of materials. If you think of installing solar panels, know that you can on a shed roof.
Attic spaces are not possible with shed roofs, unfortunately. They don’t offer huge space at the top. However, if you’re the minimalistic type, there’s no reason not to love skillion roofs.
Possible Roofing Materials: Metal roofing, membrane roofing
3. Hip Roofing Style
Compared to gable roofs, hip roofs are better residential roofing options. We say this because hip roofs have four slopes that meet downwards at the walls. This makes them more structurally sound. They’re more able to withstand high winds.
If you’ve seen a Dutch roof, you can incorporate this roofing style into a hip roof. This will add a slight variation, making it a Dutch-Hip roof. Hip roofs also provide ample space at the top for an attic. Some houses convert attics into usable bedrooms.
Possible Roofing Materials: Asphalt shingles, metal roofing, wood shakes and shingles, slate roofing, clay roofing
Read More: Denver CO House Roof Styles: Ideas to Try This 2019
4. Flat Roofing Style
You’d agree with the fact that flat roofs commonly exist on commercial buildings. But nowadays, more homeowners use them. Why? For one, flat roofs cost less. They also make your home look futuristic if that’s what you want. Note that you can’t install traditional residential roofing options on flat roofs.
Possible Roofing Materials: EPDM rubber roofing, TPO, PVC, and tar-and-gravel roofing
Ready to Build a New Roof?
We hope that we gave you helpful roofing options that meet your need for durability, appearance, and cost-effectiveness. We’re Straight Arrow Roofing, a roofing company that serves the needs of homeowners in Brantford ON. For years, we’ve provided quality workmanship and residential roofing systems that last.
If you want more information, get in touch with us. We’ll conduct a site inspection and give you a FREE estimate.