When designing your new roof, you must consider which roofing material is best for your home.
The roof of your custom home substantially impacts its safety, aesthetics, and durability. When designing your new roof, you must consider which roofing material is best for your home. The roofing material influences how your roof looks, the overall curb appeal of your home, and how well your roof will withstand the elements over time. Consider the pros and cons of each roofing material as you build your custom home with Robin Ford Builders.
Asphalt Shingles
The most common and least expensive roofing material, asphalt shingles are widely used and in various colors.
Pros:
- Available in many colors, it is easy to find and replace
- Light-colored asphalt shingles provide light reflectance to improve the home’s energy efficiency.
Cons:
- Asphalt shingles may not last as long as other roofing materials.
- They provide little insulation properties, and the quality can vary
- They are not considered sustainable materials, although they can be recycled
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles can provide a natural look to your roof. These shingles are machine-cut and have clean edges and a smooth surface; shakes are hand-cut from wood blocks and much more rustic.
Pros:
- Available in many woods like redwood, cedar, cypress, and pine
- Wood shingles can last longer than asphalt
- Treated wood roofs have a Class A fire rating
- They are recyclable, and many are made from salvaged trees
Cons:
- Untreated wood shingles only have a Class C fire rating
- Locations where wildfires are frequent may not benefit from wood roofing materials
- If untreated, these materials can be high-maintenance
Concrete Tiles
Concrete roof tiles are created with a lightweight blend of concrete, making them rough but easy to install. Some have wood or clay fibers blended to add strength without adding weight.
Pros:
- Concrete tiles can last as long as 50 years without replacements
- They are fire and insect-resistant
- Concrete tiles are recyclable and available in many styles
- Light-colored tiles reflect sunlight and increase your home’s energy efficiency
Cons:
- These tiles are still heavier than most roofing materials, so they ended extra framing and support
- If roof tiles break, repairs are tricky
Metal
Metal roofing material has advanced beyond the metal roofs of the past. Today’s are highly durable and made of zinc, steel, copper, and aluminum.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Many have Class A fire ratings
- Most are made of recycled metals, and the roof is recyclable
- Metal roofs shed snow and water quickly
Cons:
- It is more expensive than asphalt and wood, especially for copper. However, the cost is offset by its durability.
- The material can dent when impacted, and repairs can be costly.
Slate Tile
Slate tiles add a European style to your custom home. This roofing material has been used on European structures that are hundreds of years old.
Pros:
- Your home has a luxurious, international appearance
- Slate is low-maintenance, durable, reusable, and recyclable
Cons:
- Natural slate is hefty and needs extra framing support
- Improperly installed slate can develop moisture problems
- Slate can break when walked on
Clay Tile
Clay tile roofing material is often found on Spanish or Mediterranean-style homes. Usually, the tiles are also glazed or coated with waterproofing material.
Pros:
- Clay can last 50 years or more
- Clay tiles are resistant to pests and fire
- Tiles are recyclable
Cons:
- Clay is heavy and requires extra support
- It is often the most costly material
- Tiles can break easily
When you are ready to design your custom home, call Robin Ford Builders to select your favorite roofing material.
Robin Ford Can Help You to Build the Custom Home of Your Dreams!
With over 30 years of award-winning custom home-building experience, Robin Ford and his team of expert craftsmen have earned a stellar reputation for their commitment to quality. Click here to learn more about our financing options and how we can help you find a home within your budget.
As an Indoor airPLUS Partner, ENERGY STAR® Partner, Certified Green Professional, and Maryland’s only proud member of the exclusive Southern Living Custom Builder Program –Robin Ford Building and Remodeling, Inc. is equipped to build you a home that your children’s children will want to own.
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