Roofing Types...there are a lot of them!

Tin Roofing

Tin roofing is actually tin-coated rolled steel, and it takes the best attributes from each of these metals to create a very durable roofing product. Tin roofing can last up to 60 years. Steel is known for its durability and resistance weight, denting, and other common problems suffered by softer metals, but it corrodes easily. Tin on the other hand is nearly immune to corrosion from rain and snow. Together you get a roofing option that can last for more than a century when maintained. Tin roofing isn’t cheap, but it is an excellent investment on a home you plan to keep for a while. It’s also lightweight and can be installed over other roofing options like shingles.

Metal Roofing

Metal roof types are actually a more broad category of roofing that includes things like copper, steel and tin, but most of the metal roofing that you’ll find in stores today is galvanized steel that’s rolled out into large panels. Metal roofing is known for being lightweight and highly durable, but steel roofing is normally coated with paint, ceramic or epoxy in order to protect it against corrosion. Metal roofing can last from 20 to 60 years depending on which metal roof type you choose.

Metal roof types are available in long panels and in more stylish tiles. It’s environmentally friendly and can normally be recycled easily unlike some other options such as asphalt or rubber roof types. Metal roofing isn’t cheap, but it’s known for lasting longer than other more affordable options are. It’s typically installed with weather-resistant screws that seal against a rubber gasket to keep moisture out.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam metal roofing is the most common and most popular form of metal roof types. Standing seam roofing is made of large panels of thin metal that has a series of structural folds to add to the strength of the material. Panels overlap one another from start to finish to create one seemingly continual folded metal surface. Standing seam metal roofing is known for lasting 50 years or more in the top quality installations and it can be painted or coated. Standing seam metal roof can last from 15 to 60 years on average.

Rubber Roofing

Rubber roofing comes in rolls or as shingles that can be installed over the roof of a home quite easily. They are generally black or dark in color and are composed from mostly recycled materials. While your roof will look similar to an asphalt shingle roof when you go with rubber shingles, you’ll actually be providing a new life for old tires and other rubber products that would simply be thrown away otherwise. Rubber roofing is about as durable as shingles are, but cost a bit more. Luckily it requires less maintenance over its lifespan, and that’s why many people decide to go with a rubber roof. Rubber roofs can last from 15 to 25 years with upkeep.

Copper Roofing

Copper roofing has a signature look that’s classy and brilliant. There’s no mistaking the gleam of a copper roof and since copper is corrosion resistant many copper roofs are composed of uncoated copper. The roofing is typically made from panels but there are tiled copper roofs as well. The roofing is one of the most expensive options available and it’s difficult to install properly, but many people believe the trouble is more than worth it. Copper roofing typically lasts for 70 or 80 years and will last even longer in ideal conditions. With maintenance, copper roofs can last 60 years or more.

Corrugated Metal Roofing

Corrugated Metal Roofs are typically sold in a metal material but is also offered in a polycarbonate and asphalt material. The roofing comes in long panels that are folded back in forth to create ridges for added strength. They are highly rigid and offer effective protection for the home. The roofing will last from 15 to 30 years depending on what it is made out of. It’s simple to install and usually pretty lightweight, making it possible to apply over an existing roof. A corrugated metal roof can last from 15 to 30 years.

Tar and Gravel Roofing

A tar and gravel roof is typically used on a flat or low pitch roof to keep water away from the home. While this roofing isn’t used nearly as often as it was in the 50’s and 60’s, it is still put on some homes around the world. To make the roof layers of tar paper and liquid asphalt are spread out onto the roof. The final top coat of the roofing is made from a layer of asphalt with gravel pressed into it while it’s hot. The roofing is known to be durable, but it does require more maintenance than other forms of roofing. Prepare to replace gravel regularly and to clean off any accumulated debris. Tar and gravel roofs can last past 20 years.

Maintenance of Your Roof

Most roof types are relatively low maintenance until they begin to fail. You simply put these hardy materials in place and wait for them to start going bad so that you can replace a portion of or the entire roof. If you’re trying to avoid maintenance as much as possible stick with a metal roof, or a roof like slate that isn’t likely to have many problems throughout its lifetime. Materials like rubber roofing, asphalt shingles and even clay tiles require more work. You’ll have to make spot repairs now and then, and in the case of asphalt shingles you’ll also have to replace the entire roof sooner than you would with most other options.

Shopping Within Your Budget

Before you start to choose between roof types that you want to put on your home, first figure out exactly what your out of pocket budget is. If you are taking out a loan it will be more difficult determining what you have to spend on your new roof. Get estimates for different roofing types you’re interested in to see what quality and cost works best for you.

Hire a Quality Roofer

You can spend a great deal of time picking out the very best type of roofing and not get much life out of it if your roofer puts it on improperly. Not only will that cut the life of your roofing short, but it will also put the rest of your home at risk. So take the time to find a quality roofer, like A1 Roofing and Siding, the best Clear Lake area roofing company, who knows about all roof types.

Look for reliable local roofing contractors, like those at A1 Roofing and Siding to do the job right, and check their reviews to see who is known for doing a quality installation. If you plan on installing a metal roof, make sure the roofer you speak to has experience will all metal roof types. Finally, get quotes from your top choices to see that A1 Roofing and Siding will beat them all! With that information you should be able to that we're the best Clear Lake area roofing company to choose.

By learning about all the different roofing types and about how to find an experienced installer, you can get the best roofing for your needs and budget.