Your Choices for New Shingles When You Need Your Home's Roof Replaced
When it's time for a roof replacement for your home, you might want to take the time to examine your choices for shingles. Asphalt shingles are very commonly used but they're not your only choice, and other types of materials may be more durable and even more attractive overall. Note a few of those options here and then discuss these with your roofing contractor.
Asphalt architectural shingles
These shingles are made with the same asphalt material as standard shingles, but they're cut and designed in a T-shape and are applied in two layers, with an asphalt bond between the layers. This makes them stronger and less likely to blow off the roof in the event of a storm. The shape can also be more attractive than standard square shingles.
Concrete shingles
Concrete may not sound very attractive, but concrete shingles can be painted or stained a variety of colours and made to look like many other materials, including various stones. Concrete is naturally fire resistant so it's good in an area with a high risk of brushfire, and it's made from readily available materials including sand and gravel so it's often considered an eco-friendly choice.
Clay tile
Clay that is used for roofing tiles is specially made to be very strong and durable; a clay roof can last for decades and may even outlast the roofing materials on which it's built. Clay is also very attractive as it's tinted a variety of shades and created in a curved form, so it offers a distinct look over other types of flat and monotone tiles. It also has a Mediterranean or traditional look, so clay tiles can make your home stand out and increase its overall kerb appeal very easily. However, it is very heavy so you might need to add some strength to the roofing underneath it and this can add to the cost of your roof replacement job.
Metal
Metal doesn't actually come in shingles but in long pieces that are attached over your roof. The material is actually very lightweight and very durable; it is also naturally fire resistant. A roofer might be able to work with recycled pieces of metal so you keep those out of landfills, and the metal pieces used can be easily recycled if you should ever have your roof replaced in the future. Metal is also much more durable than asphalt and can last several decades longer than an asphalt roof, making it more cost-effective over the life of your home.