Understanding Residential Roof Installation
A roof is one of the most important parts of any residence. Residential roof installation done right can mean quiet nights, security, safety from rain, ice, hail, and even hurricanes. To make the right decision about your roof, you’ll need to decide between asphalt shingles, a metal roof, clay tiles, and slate. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
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What Are the Three Types of Asphalt Shingles?
Three major categories of asphalt shingles are commonly used during residential roof installation. These types are:
- 3-Tab Shingles (Strip Shingles): These are the most basic and economical type of asphalt shingles. They are single-layered and have a consistent, flat appearance. While less expensive, they generally have a shorter lifespan, typically around 15–20 years.
- Architectural Shingles (Dimensional or Laminated Shingles): These are thicker and more durable than 3-tab shingles. They are constructed with multiple layers of asphalt, creating a multidimensional texture and appearance that can mimic the look of wood shakes or natural slate. Architectural shingles typically last 25–30 years or more.
- Luxury Shingles (Premium or Designer Shingles):Â These are the highest-quality asphalt shingles, designed to replicate the appearance of natural materials like slate or cedar shakes with exceptional realism. They are the heaviest and most durable shingles, often offering enhanced wind resistance and a lifespan of 30 years or more.
At first glance, it may seem like luxury shingles are always the right choice for roof installation, but the reality is more complicated. If you live in a less windy area or are limited by your budget, strip shingles are perfectly acceptable, but you’ll need to replace them sooner.
What Are the Two Biggest Concerns With a Metal Roof?
Thankfully, you won’t need to worry about cats or fiddlers, but there are concerns when you choose a metal roof for your residential installation. The two main concerns are noise and thermal expansion. Metal is durable and has fewer gaps than tile or shingle roofs typically do, but its toughness raises both of the concerns mentioned.
Noise can be a significant problem for metal roofs, making rain, hail, and small falling objects sound like small hammers. If your roof installation project involves a metal roof, be sure to invest in adequate insulation. This will not only help dampen the sound, but also slightly help protect your home from the second concern with metal roofs: heat.
Thermal expansion occurs when an object heats and cools repeatedly, year over year. It is a powerful force capable of leveling mountains over millennia and certainly causing damage to your roof. When metal heats up, it expands and contracts when it cools. Because of this, metal roofs are prone to cracking after heating and cooling cycles. Not only that, but bolts and screws can come loose and panels can break from the frequent changes in size.
Make no mistake—when installed by an experienced roofer, metal roofs can last the better part of a century. Their aesthetic is also unique and modern, and it can be exactly what your home needs to stand out. In short, a metal roof can be the right choice for some jobs, but for roof installation, you should at least consider the impact of noise and thermal expansion on the roofing services project.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Clay Tile Roof?
Clay tile roofing can last well over 100 years if properly maintained and has been a staple of residential roof installation for millennia. Humans have shaped clay tiles since the late Stone Age to keep rain out of their buildings. This longevity is a key advantage of clay tile roofs. Consider that the average American homeowner stays in their home for an average of 12 years, and you’ll quickly see that a clay tile roof can add significant value.
So why wouldn’t you always choose a clay tile roof if it is so durable and long-lasting? While clay tile roofs have a long history, there are some disadvantages. The first and foremost of these is the weight. Because clay is heavy, installation costs can be relatively high initially. This is not only because of the cost of moving the material to the job site, but also because certain structures may not be rated properly for the weight of clay tile.
Despite the disadvantages, clay tiles may be right for your home if you want a timeless look that’s also fire-resistant, long-lasting, and cheap to maintain.
What Are the Benefits of a Slate Roof?
Similar to a clay tile roof, slate roofs are very long-lived. Slate is a stone and has natural durability to match. Many also adore the gray coloration. When you’re considering a home, many factors come into play, and slate roofs have many advantages, including:
- Extreme Weather Resistance: A slate residential roof installation frequently and easily thwarts blizzards, rain, hail, and high winds. Slate’s weight and sturdiness make it an excellent choice for roofing material in environments where harsh weather is typical.
- Visual Appeal: Slate is ideal for the visually minded and has an undeniable aesthetic appeal. It’s also highly resistant to insects, mold, and other irritants, so this appeal is rarely tarnished.
- Low Environmental Impact:Â Because slate occurs naturally on the Earth and requires minimal processing, it can be an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious homeowner.
- Fire Resistance: Rocks don’t typically burn. If you want a flammable roof, do not choose slate. This adds fire protection to your home that can’t be overstated.
Start Comparing Residential Roof Installation Quotes Today
Residential roof installation isn’t a process to take lightly. When choosing how to cover your new residential roof, you need to weigh budget, aesthetics, climate, and desired lifespan to make the right choice.
If budget is your primary concern, asphalt shingles offer a practical and widely available solution. Metal roofs are a strong contender for a longer-term investment and greater durability. If you prioritize historic charm and extreme longevity and are prepared for a higher investment and structural considerations, clay tile or slate will deliver exceptional results.
Choosing a new roof can be challenging, but selecting an expert in residential roof installation isn’t something you must do alone. If you’re wondering how to find qualified roofers in your area, American Home Quotes can help. With our home services network, you can always act confidently on any home improvement project. Call 1-877-299-0515 to a quote for skilled roofers today.