Choosing the Right Roofing Material for Your Home's New Roof
When your home needs a new roof, you might take the opportunity to consider the materials available to you. Asphalt shingles are typically the most popular choice for a home's roof, but they're not the only choice. Other materials may be better for the environment and more durable overall, and they may even look better. Note a few choices you have for roofing materials so you make the right decision for your home.
1. Metal
A metal roof is very fire resistant and resistant to high winds, so it can be good in tropical areas where storms and hurricanes are a risk. It can also be good in bush lands or deserts where there is a higher risk of fire. Metal is also completely recyclable and can be recycled without heat or any process that might create pollution, so it's one of the most eco-friendly choices you can make for your home. Metal roofs last longer than asphalt roofs as the pieces won't warp and become brittle over time, so while metal may be more expensive to install, it can mean fewer re roofing repairs over the life of your roof.
2. Plastic polymer
Plastic shingles can actually be formed to look like asphalt, wood, or other such tiles, while being more durable against harsh weather. The polymer is very lightweight, making it a good choice for large or flat roofs where the weight of the roof is not so easily dispersed along a slope. Some polymer pieces for roofs are made from recycled materials and the plastic itself is recyclable, so it can be a very eco-friendly choice.
3. Clay tiles
Clay tiles are often chosen for their appearance; they can give your home a distinct Mediterranean look. They are also made from natural materials that are easy to recycle. They need very little maintenance but can be brittle and break over time; they are also very heavy and may need additional bracing of the home's frame for installation.
4. Wood shingles
Wood shingles are also typically chosen for their appearance; they can give a home a very natural look. They're often chosen for craftsman-style houses or log cabins. However, wood shingles are not very fire resistant and need to be treated with fire-resistant coatings, which can increase the price of the installation. Wood is of course easy to recycle; shingles can be made from recycled wood and can be recycled without heat and other extreme processes when they need to be replaced, so they're very eco-friendly.
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