Roofing Material
Having a roof over your head is something most of us take for granted…until a hailstorm hits or the roof simply caves in after years of faithful service. When your roof springs a leak or meets its timely demise from Upstate New York’s harsh winter weather conditions, you need to know the types of roofing materials used for Albany-area homes and commercial buildings. Whether you need a basic roof repair or you’re considering a full roof replacement, this guide explains the pros and cons of each roofing material.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular of all roofing materials because they are budget-friendly and also because they have a relatively long lifespan. Interestingly, an asphalt shingle is not entirely asphalt; it contains some asphalt with a felt-based coating or fiberglass topped off with granules of ceramic.
Uses: Asphalt shingles are ideal for both residential and commercial roofs. Due to the fact that they are shingles, they can be nailed to decks of roofs quickly and easily. While shingles of asphalt roofing can also be used for commercial buildings, asphalt sheets are sometimes used instead in order to easily and affordably cover large areas.
Pros: Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive to produce. The savings is passed down, making them a very economical choice. The shingles are easy to install and go with practically any home or commercial building style and color. Asphalt shingles typically last about twenty years which is longer than some types but less than some other, more expensive options. They are simple and affordable to replace when a repair is in order and when the time comes to totally redo the roof, they rip off with ease. While yesterday’s asphalt shingles were far from being eco-friendly, measures are being taken to ensure they are more so these days.
Cons: Asphalt shingles tend to be vulnerable to wind uplift. They are prone to cracking when exposed to extreme temperatures or excessive temperature shifts. In addition, the shingles can be pesky where leaks are concerned. Asphalt shingles aren’t the most unique of the material options so some feel originality is lacking. While they are a good bargain if you don’t mind redoing your roof in twenty years, they are not a great choice for those who wish to go thirty years or more before dealing with a new roof.
Uses: Asphalt shingles are ideal for both residential and commercial roofs. Due to the fact that they are shingles, they can be nailed to decks of roofs quickly and easily. While shingles of asphalt roofing can also be used for commercial buildings, asphalt sheets are sometimes used instead in order to easily and affordably cover large areas.
Pros: Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive to produce. The savings is passed down, making them a very economical choice. The shingles are easy to install and go with practically any home or commercial building style and color. Asphalt shingles typically last about twenty years which is longer than some types but less than some other, more expensive options. They are simple and affordable to replace when a repair is in order and when the time comes to totally redo the roof, they rip off with ease. While yesterday’s asphalt shingles were far from being eco-friendly, measures are being taken to ensure they are more so these days.
Cons: Asphalt shingles tend to be vulnerable to wind uplift. They are prone to cracking when exposed to extreme temperatures or excessive temperature shifts. In addition, the shingles can be pesky where leaks are concerned. Asphalt shingles aren’t the most unique of the material options so some feel originality is lacking. While they are a good bargain if you don’t mind redoing your roof in twenty years, they are not a great choice for those who wish to go thirty years or more before dealing with a new roof.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofs generally come in tiles. Slate is comprised of metamorphic rocks that come from sedimentary rock formed from clay and ashes from volcanoes. Slate roofs have been around for centuries and are a fabulous choice in many instances. They are durable and natural but they can be on the pricey side to and therefore are practical for some buildings and purposes but may not be in all instances.
Uses: Slate roofs are excellent for both residential and commercial buildings, especially those located in high wind or hail regions or in areas that tend to have extreme weather. This type of roof is not cheap though so homeowners and business owners must decide whether the investment is practical in their given situation.
Pros: Roofs comprised of slate are ideal for climates that experience extreme weather like high winds and excessive heat or cold. They can handle up to 4” hail stones which is a lifesaver in areas that are prone to hail. Slate roofs are highly durable and have an astoundingly long life that ranges between seventy-five to two hundred years, often depending upon whether soft or hard slate was used. Another positive point about slate roofing material is that it is all-natural and sustainable, a big plus for the economy. It is also very aesthetically pleasing.
Cons: Slate roofs are costly. It is one of the most expensive materials for roofing. The installation isn’t cheap either. A slate roof can cost double or triple what an asphalt shingle roof costs when the material and installation are figured in. Another not-so-great attribute is that although slate roofs do last a long, long time and are known for being strong, they have a tendency to become brittle which calls for costly repair.
Uses: Slate roofs are excellent for both residential and commercial buildings, especially those located in high wind or hail regions or in areas that tend to have extreme weather. This type of roof is not cheap though so homeowners and business owners must decide whether the investment is practical in their given situation.
Pros: Roofs comprised of slate are ideal for climates that experience extreme weather like high winds and excessive heat or cold. They can handle up to 4” hail stones which is a lifesaver in areas that are prone to hail. Slate roofs are highly durable and have an astoundingly long life that ranges between seventy-five to two hundred years, often depending upon whether soft or hard slate was used. Another positive point about slate roofing material is that it is all-natural and sustainable, a big plus for the economy. It is also very aesthetically pleasing.
Cons: Slate roofs are costly. It is one of the most expensive materials for roofing. The installation isn’t cheap either. A slate roof can cost double or triple what an asphalt shingle roof costs when the material and installation are figured in. Another not-so-great attribute is that although slate roofs do last a long, long time and are known for being strong, they have a tendency to become brittle which calls for costly repair.
Tin Roofing
Tin roofs are quite popular - second in line behind asphalt roofs. Tin roofing is composed of rolled steel that is coated with tin. There are two main types of tin roofing - standing seam and flat-lock. Flat-locked requires forming the pieces of time and soldering them into place, a task definitely reserved for the experts. Standing seam metal tin roofs are more common and don’t require the painstaking installation that flat-locked does. Both are attached to sheathing of wood with blind nail clips.
Uses: Tin roofs are great options for residential homes with flat roofs and commercial buildings where the weather is extreme. They are also a good choice when you want an option that will last a considerable length of time.
Pros: Although they do run considerably more than asphalt shingles, tin roofs are relatively inexpensive both to purchase and to have installed when compared to other types. They are very strong and last a long time, up to forty years, on average. Tin roofing holds up well in extreme weather, like torrential downpours and excessive winds. They are extremely eco-friendly with thirty to sixty percent of the material made out of recycled materials, generally. Tin roofs are fairly easy and inexpensive to repair and to maintain. The sound of rain on a tin roof is one of the most therapeutic noises in existence...to some.
Cons: The sound of rain on a tin roof is not relaxing to everyone. If you are bothered by the noise, a tin roof is not for you. Metal roofs in general are more expensive than asphalt shingles and some other options on the lower end. Installation can cost a pretty penny in the event you elect to go with the flat-locked variety.
Uses: Tin roofs are great options for residential homes with flat roofs and commercial buildings where the weather is extreme. They are also a good choice when you want an option that will last a considerable length of time.
Pros: Although they do run considerably more than asphalt shingles, tin roofs are relatively inexpensive both to purchase and to have installed when compared to other types. They are very strong and last a long time, up to forty years, on average. Tin roofing holds up well in extreme weather, like torrential downpours and excessive winds. They are extremely eco-friendly with thirty to sixty percent of the material made out of recycled materials, generally. Tin roofs are fairly easy and inexpensive to repair and to maintain. The sound of rain on a tin roof is one of the most therapeutic noises in existence...to some.
Cons: The sound of rain on a tin roof is not relaxing to everyone. If you are bothered by the noise, a tin roof is not for you. Metal roofs in general are more expensive than asphalt shingles and some other options on the lower end. Installation can cost a pretty penny in the event you elect to go with the flat-locked variety.
Copper Roofing
Copper roofs have been used for years and years. They are well-loved for being top-notch - both in price and in style and durability. Copper is a natural element that doesn’t require coating or finishing. It is stunning and efficient just as it is. When you want a roof to practically last forever, copper is your best bet. Copper roofing is available in shingles, sheets, or panels.
Uses: Copper roofs, as a rule, are typically reserved for upscale homes and elegant commercial buildings although they are definitely desirable anywhere.
Pros: Copper roofs have aesthetic values that are practically priceless. They don’t require painting or pampering. They go with most any look and feel and make a statement all their own. Copper is ultra-durable. A copper roof can withstand the elements and typically lasts sixty to one hundred years with little or no maintenance needed. Copper is also anti-microbial so you can literally eat off of your roof if you so desire. It is eco-friendly as well plus it can be conducive to a low electric bill.
Cons: Copper roofs are expensive. They also tend to turn green with age which is either appealing to you...or not. If you do need your copper roof repaired, you’ll pay for it, in material and in labor.
Uses: Copper roofs, as a rule, are typically reserved for upscale homes and elegant commercial buildings although they are definitely desirable anywhere.
Pros: Copper roofs have aesthetic values that are practically priceless. They don’t require painting or pampering. They go with most any look and feel and make a statement all their own. Copper is ultra-durable. A copper roof can withstand the elements and typically lasts sixty to one hundred years with little or no maintenance needed. Copper is also anti-microbial so you can literally eat off of your roof if you so desire. It is eco-friendly as well plus it can be conducive to a low electric bill.
Cons: Copper roofs are expensive. They also tend to turn green with age which is either appealing to you...or not. If you do need your copper roof repaired, you’ll pay for it, in material and in labor.
Tar Roofing
Tar roofs don’t have a lot to offer in the aesthetics department, but they shine in other areas. They definitely aren’t perfect for all situations but for some, they are the ideal fit. Tar roofs typically consist of tar and gravel that are “built up”. The material is made by alternating asphalt with felt or fiberglass which is applied to heat to give it durability.
Uses: Tar roofs are popular for flat buildings, both residential and commercial. They are a good option for function as opposed to beauty.
Pros: A tar roof is likely to last a good long time and isn’t one of the more expensive roofing options so the fact that it is so durable and long lasting makes it highly economical. Repairs and maintenance are inexpensive as well. Tar roofs generally last about twenty-five years and stand up well to heavy rains and extreme weather conditions. They are easy to install too.
Cons: If you’re going for an aesthetic appeal, count this option out. Tar roofs are heavy so you may have to strengthen a structure before using this option. They are known to have a certain smell about them too so you might was to sniff before you commit to one.
Uses: Tar roofs are popular for flat buildings, both residential and commercial. They are a good option for function as opposed to beauty.
Pros: A tar roof is likely to last a good long time and isn’t one of the more expensive roofing options so the fact that it is so durable and long lasting makes it highly economical. Repairs and maintenance are inexpensive as well. Tar roofs generally last about twenty-five years and stand up well to heavy rains and extreme weather conditions. They are easy to install too.
Cons: If you’re going for an aesthetic appeal, count this option out. Tar roofs are heavy so you may have to strengthen a structure before using this option. They are known to have a certain smell about them too so you might was to sniff before you commit to one.
Why the Roof Material Matters
Choosing roofing materials for residential or commercial properties is a huge decision because each type of roof comes with different pros and cons. Once you’ve selected the ideal type of roof, be sure to hire a professional roofing company that’s both reliable and uses the quality materials you requested. Checking the length of time that the roofing service has been around and reading third-party reviews is helpful for sifting through roofing contractors to find the diamond in the rough. Cost is certainly a factor, but don’t be fooled by cheap pricing because any quality roofing material costs more than the cheap knock-off versions. If the roof repair or replacement cost sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. By doing some homework of your own and researching roof material options, you’ll be in a better position long-term.