The roof of a building is like the icing on a cake. It’s a decorative top layer that protects what’s underneath, and there are various kinds to choose from! There are roofing materials of different styles and compositions to choose from, but what kind is best for you?

Classic Shingle Roofing

Classic shingles are the go-to for any cozy home. If you take a cruise down any typical neighborhood, chances are you’ll mostly see shingles of all different types. They could be made from wood, asphalt, or even fiberglass.

Customization

The small plates offer a great range of flexibility which makes it a doable option for buildings of any shape or size. This is because they can be arranged in any formation, so the possibilities only end at the limits of your own imagination. Shingles can even be cut and altered to fit your custom project, adding even more points in this category.

Resistance

No matter where you live, shingles give all-round protection for nearly any climate. They provide moderate resistances to:

  • Moisture for moss growth
  • Ultraviolet rays
  • High winds
  • Heavy rain
  • Insect infiltration

Cedar shingles offer the benefits listed above plus an extra bit of strength due to its tougher composition, allowing your home to take a couple hits before posing a structural hazard.

Value

Shingles are typically priced much lower than most other types of roofing due to its low production cost. This is one of the main reasons why you will see them on most common homes. Not only that, but homeowners who live under cedar shingle roofing are likely to receive lower electricity bills because wood is a natural insulator.

Appearance

When you imagine an average home, chances are you’ll imagine it with shingle roofing. It’s a standard choice that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon because it gives houses that classic look to last a lifetime. Wood can be painted or stained to match literally any exterior theme, giving you an open canvas of possibilities. When you opt in for shingle roofing, you can make any home a cozy looking one.

Metal Panel Roofing

When you think about it, metal roofing actually seems like a no-brainer. It’s tough, weather resistant, and incapable of catching fire. Why wouldn’t you switch out your roof material to this shiny alternative right this second? Metal roofing is mostly used for commercial businesses, but the components have evolved over the years to appear home-friendly for more general use.

Longevity

Metal has proven to last through the test of time, and the same holds true for roofing. This option can last anywhere from four to seven decades, letting you live your life without worrying about replacement roofing anytime soon. Many business owners will opt in for metal roofing to cut down on overall costs and focus on their trade.

Durability

Because of its smooth, nearly impenetrable form, metal roofing can withstand winds of up to one hundred and forty miles per hour. It also reflects ultraviolet rays back towards the sky, leaving your home practically untouched and free from the heat. This also means less chance of fire hazards. And since there’s nothing for moisture to hang on to, you can officially say goodbye to mold and fungi. If that wasn’t enough, metal is also great at shielding against hailstorms. In a report by Verisk, around 6.2 million homes were damaged by hail in 2020 alone, meaning that it’s a danger to consider no matter where you live.

Maintenance

The installation time for metal roofing usually goes by quicker than shingles since there is less to work with. As an added bonus, metal requires much less maintenance so you can save money on upkeep and repairs.

Metal Qualities
Aluminum
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Corrosion-resistant
Steel
  • Durability
  • Long-lasting
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Low maintenance
Copper
  • Color-changing
  • Long-lasting
  • Lightweight
  • Corrosion-resistant
Zinc
  • Color-changing
  • Long-lasting
  • Corrosion-resistant

Sleek Tile Roofing

Take a look at some higher-end houses online and you’ll mostly see slate tile roofs. Due to the higher cost, it’s no wonder that they’re usually found on more extravagant buildings. But there’s a good reason as to why this option is well worth the budget.

Lastingness

Out of all our options, slate tile roofing is the longest lasting of one hundred years and over. As an even greater investment, this style also tacks on to a home’s overall value when it comes time to sell. If you want to leave your home to any grandkids as a wonderful gift, tile roofing would be the perfect bow to tie it all together.

Endurance

Being made from 100% stone, slate tiles are built thick and sturdy so they can confidently endure heavy impacts head-on. On top of being super tough, this material is also resistant to fire and mold. You can sleep soundly knowing that you have a reliable fortress to protect you.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, you can lower the cost of your house insurance by upgrading to stronger roofing material. Because of the high endurance of slate tiles, this option is sure to help you cut down your monthly bill.

Aesthetic

Sleek and modern is what’s trending, and slate tile roofing checks each and every box without even trying. For those looking to style their home with a minimalistic interior, walking up to a house with a contemporary roof is a welcome taste of what’s to come past the front door.

The Final Verdict

All types of roofing are fantastic depending on your personal needs. If you’re still unsure of what option is right for you, take a look at the following chart for a brief summary of each style:

Shingles Metal Tile
The go-to for practical, cost-effective homes and an overall classic or traditional look Mostly used for commercial use because of the durability and weather-resistance for protecting equipment and inventory. Great for higher-end housing in terms of both look and functionality at a higher budget.

When you’ve figured out which type of roofing you want or need some expert help in deciding, Lansford Roofing in Pasadena has licensed contractors who will gladly point you in the right direction and get you set up. Contact Lansford Roofing today to take the first step towards better roofing!