If you’re like many people, you probably don’t give your roof much thought. Sure, you see it daily and you can watch water cascade off of it on rainy afternoons, but unless that rain is dripping into your home, your roof is something that is largely taken for granted.
A roof is an integral part of a home and is the first and only line of defense we have against the weather, so it is important that there are quality roofing materials protecting that investment. Quality roofing products are those that last a long time, have a great warranty to back them, and do a stand up job of keeping our homes protected from the elements while looking impressive on top of the house. They must also pass code, be fire retardant, and generally go with the architecture of your home and those in the neighbourhood.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for those looking for a new roof because they are durable, long lasting, have great fire retardant properties, are easy and fast to install and come in an array of colours and shapes that complement any house. Manufacturers are not only offering the regular 3-tab variety, but a thicker, more textured shingle that they call architectural shingles that give you more choices but with the trusted attributes of asphalt we’ve come to know.
Slate and other stone are gorgeous roofing options lending a style and grace to your property. Since slate is natural and non-absorbent it lasts for generations while repelling water in style, but it is heavy, expensive and harder to install than other materials. Today there are engineered slate options that are a third of the weight and a lot cheaper than the real thing, though the quality is there for your peace of mind.
Wooden roofs are a natural option that weather beautifully and with proper maintenance can last for a long time. It used to be that you needed to add a fire retardant material to the roof on a regular basis, but now you can get pre-treated shakes that will easily pass code while offering homeowners that look that they are striving for.
There are many quality roofing materials on the market today, with more and more options becoming available. Things like metal, felt, rubber and engineered materials that are gaining popularity are continually entering the market for your roofing dollar. Which one is right for your house is between you and your roofer, but quality roofing materials matter, to you and to your home.