06 November 2006

Roofing Materials - What Are Your Choices?

Need to Find a Roofing Contractor? We Can Help:




Roofing Material Choices:
Whenever someone describes their home, they sometimes call it the "roof over their heads." That's because humans need protection from the elements - and your roof is that protection.

Your roof takes a beating. The roof of a house must withstand the power of rain, snow, hail, temperature changes, and the heat and light from the sun.

Throughout the ages, we have always used a multitude of materials to cover our homes. Grass, mud, wood, stone, you name it... it has served as the roof on a home. There are still many choices on what to use to protect your home. Roof Contractors have many quality materials to choose from, beyond the standard asphalt shingle.

When it's time to find a roofing company to install a new roof on your home, you'll have to decide what will work best for you, your home's style, and your budget. Some roofing materials are more durable than others. Some are more expensive. Some are the right fit and look for the type of home you own.

Asphalt Shingles
Most home have asphalt shingles (about 3/4 of the houses in the U.S.) They are very economical and durable, with some brands lasting 20, 30, or even 40 years. The warmer the climate (and more sun exposure), the fewer total years you can expect to get out of the shingle. If you live in Florida, your 20 year shingle will probably last between 13 and 15 years. Asphalt roofing shingles can be purchased in many forms: strip shingles, laminated shingles, or interlocking shingles.

Wood Shake Roofs
Another roofing option is wood shake (and wood shingle.) The most common are made of cedar and, with the right coatings, can be very durable and economical.

There are also fiberglass shingles which are laminated and very durable and can be made to duplicate the look of wood or slate shingles. Some brands of the fiberglass roof shingles are guaranteed for 50 years.

Many are going with slate, clay tile, or even concrete roofs. These can be extremely durable but also expensive. They also may require a heavy roofing infrastructure to hold the extra weight.

Metal Roofs
Another option are metal tiles, metal shingles, or metal shakes. They last a very long time and require virtually no maintenance. They're also very lightweight and can be installed over top of an existing roofing material.

If your home is in need of a new roof, you can use ConstructionDeal.com to help match you to a roofing contractor today. You'll save time and money by not having to search at random from your phone book.

By getting multiple bids from as many roofing contractors as you want, you get the right bid for your budget! Contact us today at 866-663-4711,