Comparing The Commonly Used  Roofing Materials

Roofing materials are often the last stage of every building construction. This is the top layer of the roof, the structure which covers the dwelling, and which is usually composed of tiles or slates. If you live near Edwardsville, IL, and plan on remodeling your roof – this information may be useful for you.

This plays a key role in the aesthetics and appearance of our houses, but especially in protecting them against bad weather, poor sealing, and even poor thermal insulation. Indeed, it is the first element to be in permanent contact with the outside.

However, roofing materials are rarely properly thought of by many when building or renovating a house. In general, much more time is spent imagining spectacular living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms than on what should protect us from inclement weather. That is why adequately comparing the different roofing materials for our house is so important to avoid problems in the future.

The type of roof to be installed generally varies according to the region, the climate, the dwelling itself, or even the tastes of the inhabitant. The roof varies whether it is a condominium, a house, or an apartment.  Thus, some types of roofing materials to consider include:

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

It is one of the most commonly used roofing materials since it is cheap and does not require a complex installation. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles and can even simulate wood. If you live in Madison County near Edwardsville, IL – Hackethal Construction can give you a free quote today.

Wooden Roofs

Wood material was used hundreds of years ago, characterized by its nobility and elegance. In general, pine, redwood, or cedar wood is used for this purpose. 

The main advantage of wood is its durability, which can reach 25 years. However, it should be noted that they can cost more than twice as much as a tile roof. In addition, although it has great wind resistance, it requires periodic maintenance.

Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are known for their beautiful rustic look, that will last you several years. Life expectancy looks incredibly attractive but comes at a heavy cost. Sometimes, it is hard to find a contractor that does this type of roof because of its difficult installation.

Something also to consider is the weight that slate shingles have on your building. If you are thinking of making the move from a basic asphalt or shake roof to a slate shingle, you will need to make improvements to your framing to counteract the weight which will lead to a heavier cost.

Metal Roofs

Among the cheapest options is the metal roofs, which can be installed through panels or in tiles made of steel, copper, or aluminum.



Among its main advantages is that they require almost zero maintenance and are also very durable: a metal roof can be preserved for 50 years without major inconveniences.

EPDM

EPDM, on the contrary, does not require maintenance and will last between 40 and 50 years.

However, the installation is a little more expensive. The price for an EPDM roof varies depending on the country and manufacturing company.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Roofing Materials

The roof is a major component of every building that protects it against external weather conditions and, like the foundation of the house, it plays a fundamental role in the integrity of its structure. Thus, we would be looking at the things to consider when choosing a roofing material so that you always choose the best material for your project. In doing this, you need to answer some of the questions below:

Not all roofing materials can be used on every roof design. It is crucial that before you choose a material for your roof, you look at the shapes and angles of your work. Some roofing materials such as cement tiles offer a wide variety of accessories, which allow the different construction details of multi-pitch roofs to be solved aesthetically and functionally.

Additionally, the slope of your roof is also an important factor to consider since not all roofing materials can be installed with the same slopes. 

What is the Climate Where Your Building is located?

Weather is the number one challenge when it comes to roofing, and our weather has become increasingly extreme in many parts of the country. Strong winds, heavy rain, and hailstorms take their toll, particularly on low-quality materials. Paying careful attention to the location of your project and the weather conditions that can be generated in your area allows you to choose the shingle that offers the best performance for the protection of your project.

For example, in coastal areas, cement tile may be the ideal product as it does not corrode or rust, thus ensuring a better investment and duration of your roof. The most common roofing materials used in Edwardsville, IL are asphalt and metal roofs.

What are the Installation Requirements?

Designing and installing a new roof is not cheap, so it is important to identify your budget in advance as this will affect the design of your roof, as well as the materials and installation used.

Additionally, to maximize your investment, you must review the durability of the materials, their maintenance, and the conditions of the manufacturers' guarantees so as not to get bad surprises and choose the cover with the most benefits that suit your budget.

To avoid wastage of material and resources, it is extremely important to consider using professional and experienced installing companies like HACKETHAL CONSTRUCTION. Having your roofing material installed by a company with good records and expertise will help you avoid common problems that come with a badly installed roof.

Other things to consider include:

• Ask the municipality to find out what kind of roof can be installed (if there are any restrictions from the municipality or if the building is classified as heritage)
• Compare different types of roofs
• What is the lifespan of the roofing material?