All You Need to Know About Roofing Materials: Part 2

Roofing Materials in Edmonton

Are you heading for a roof replacement? This is a major project that usually doesn’t happen cheaply, and finding the roofing material that will last and fit your budget can feel half impossible. At Sargeant’s Roofing, we enjoy sitting down with our clients and selecting the material and palette that allow our clients to proceed into the future with confidence, knowing their roofs will last for decades to come.

Sometimes, people aren’t aware of just how many options they have. Most people think of asphalt shingles when they think “roof.” We discussed asphalt shingles in our last blog, and we want to share some of the other options you have when it comes to that all-important layer between you and the elements. Read on to learn more!

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Meta roofs come in steel, copper, aluminum, or zinc alloy. They can be painted any color you need, and often can be recycled when they wear out after 30 to 50 years. Copper roofs, when left uncoated, develop a beautiful green patina over time. When you invest in a metal roof, it will arrive in sheets or shingles and installed with hidden or exposed fasteners. Lightweight and able to handle steep or low roof slopes, they absorb only a third of the heat asphalt shingles absorb, making them a pretty compelling option. That being said, they are fairly rare because they are expensive and require specialized installation knowledge. If you do decide the invest in a metal roof, you can keep it going strong by checking it for sealant and fastener issues. You should also keep an eye peeled for bent, distressed, or out-of-place panels/shingles.

Wood Shake Shingle Roofing

In our last blog, we discussed wood roofing which is different from wood shake roofing. Wood shakes are a lot thicker than wood shingles and have an easier time standing up to UV rays and weather. Treated correctly, they can be very fire-resistant. While they have a lifespan of 35 to 40 years, they require more maintenance than most other roofs. The shingles must be kept clear of moss and debris, and you’ll replace damaged shingles pretty consistently.

Clay Tile Roofing

As we head into more and more expensive roofing materials, we can’t forget clay tiles. These roofs can last over 100 years, as evidenced by old tile roofs on California missions. If you travel across South America and Spain, you’ll find roofs that are even older, and still in good shape. While asphalt shingles shed and wood shingles decay, clay tiles can crack. To preserve them, avoid walking on your roof. If it develops and moss, buff it off and coat it with a clear primer. Make sure you replace any broken or cracked tiles.

Slate Tile Roofing

If you want the ultimate roof, slate is the way to go. It lasts more than 100 years; there are slate roofs from Shakespeare’s time still in place and doing fine. This is because slate shingles are slabs of actual stone carefully laid to shed water. If you’re thinking you want slate, you’ll need to assess the framing of your home. Slate isn’t only the toughest roofing material; it’s also the heaviest. If you have the right framing and the budget to afford a slate roof, know that you’ll need to replace broken tiles immediately to keep the roof strong. You’ll also need to ensure the flashings are properly installed. It’s not worth investing in an eternal roof if it’s going to eternally drip on you.

When you need a roofer, it’s important to find a team that will put your interests first in everything. Contact our roof replacement and repair team in Edmonton today!