5 Roofing Systems That Will Make Your Neighbors Jealous

Choosing a Roofing System 

When the time comes to select a new roof, some important factors to consider include the type of material, style, color and amount of the investment. There are various materials available and they offer varying benefits like ENERGY STAR ratings, esthetic appeal, cost, life span and more. A knowledgeable roofing contractor can help you understand the benefits of the different materials and weigh your options to find the best fit for your individual taste, budget and home.

Asphalt Shingles
The majority of homeowners choose asphalt shingles due to low cost, straightforward installation and resiliency. Standard asphalt shingles are available in many color choices, which make them a nice choice for any architectural style. They are available in traditional 3-tab shingles or thicker laminated “architectural” shingles. Asphalt shingles are made of either a paper fiber mat (better suited for cold weather and wind resistance) or fiberglass (offers better fire and moisture resistance) impregnated with asphalt and coated with mineral granules. Typically, asphalt shingles will offer you one of the lowest priced options. On the other side, asphalt shingles have a lower insulative value and a shorter lifespan than many other roofing materials now available.

Observed Life Span: 15 to 30 years

Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood shingles and wood shakes are available in a range of woods including cedar, redwood and pine. Wood shingles are machine cut, while wood shakes are hand cut for a more rustic look. It is possible to purchase fire-resistant treated Class A wood shingles for an additional cost. Wood shingles and shakes can add attractive architectural details to bungalows and historic properties. Wood is a natural product and thus greener in some ways but sustainability can still be an issue. Although very attractive, wood roofing systems are high maintenance, can have poor fire ratings and tend to rot, split and mold over time. If you like the look of wood, but want something more affordable and less maintenance, you might consider metal roofing or synthetic shingles that mimic the look of wood without the drawbacks.

Observed Life Span: 10 to 20 years

Metal: Steel, Aluminum, Tile and Copper
Metal roofing offers some of the coolest roofs available, both in architectural style and temperature. Available in copper, aluminum, and stainless steel, metal roofs often contain a significant percentage of recycled material. Metal roofing provides high thermal/solar reflectance and incredible durability, lasting on average nearly twice as long as wood or asphalt. Metal shingles are significantly lighter than most other roofing materials and very resistant to bad weather and wind lift. Metal shingles are available in many styles and generally mirror the look of traditional roof coverings like shingles, slate and tile. With metal, you can get the architectural style you want with the price you want in an environmentally friendly material you can feel good about. This makes metal roofing systems a good choice for nearly any style home.

Observed Life Span: 30 to 50+ years

Recycled Synthetic Shingles
Recycled synthetic shingles, which are created from plastic or rubber, can be a great alternative to natural wood shingles or shakes. The shingles are shaped to mirror the look of wood or slate. Unlike traditional wood shingles, recycled synthetic shingles are UV-resistant, more moisture insensitive, can be more fire-resistant and have a longer lifespan. Some of the available recycled synthetic shingles offer a comparable lifespan to fifty-year asphalt shingles.

Observed Life Span: 30 to 50 years

Clay & Concrete Tiles
While clay tiles are non-combustible and very durable, they are very heavy and require additional roof framing. Clay roofing tiles are available in lighter colors, which can reflect over 50% of solar energy and adhere to cool roof standards. Concrete roofing tiles can offer a great look and value to your home. Concrete tiles are versatile and come in many design options - colors, shapes and textures - to give homeowners many choices. Roof tiles are made from natural clay or concrete. Tile roofing materials are very durable and offer minimal maintenance. They are naturally fire-resistant, offer a significant level of insulation and have high impact and wind lift resistance. Tile is appealing primarily for homes in a Mediterranean, European or Mission style.  The downsides of natural clay and concrete tile are weight and price.

Observed Life Span: 30 to 50+ years

We are extremely proud of our Roofing Division, as they always maintain the same high quality standards Windows on Washington is known for.   We carry a variety of quality products ranging from Certainteed for asphalt roofing to Decra for steel roofing because we are committed to serving all of our customer's roofing needs. If a roof replacement is not necessary, you can be sure that we will not push you to replace it and instead offer you the appropriate solution or fix. Contact Windows on Washington for a roof inspection today!