Having a good roof over your home is essential for protecting your family, belongings, and the overall investment into your home. A quality roof not only helps to safeguard the integrity of your residence but also adds value and appeal to its appearance. Without a reliable roof, many problems can arise, such as water damage, mold growth, weaker support structure, or higher energy costs. So, you may be wondering what is the most common roofing material for your home, in which case, we’ve got the answer.
While many areas will have factors that will influence the roofing material their home will need, the overall list remains about the same. This post’ll focus more on Michigan’s climate for our roofing materials list.
The Top 5 Most Common Roofing Materials for Homes are:
- Asphalt Shingles
- Metal Roofs
- Wood Shakes and Shingles
- Clay or Concrete Tiles
- Rubber Roofing
We’ll go over each roofing material and provide more details below.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials for homes due to their affordability, durability, and fast installation process. Asphalt shingles are available in various colors and styles, making them an attractive choice for many homeowners. They also provide reasonable protection against UV rays and wind and hail damage.
For decades asphalt shingles have been the most popular choice for roofing by a wide margin. More than 80% of homes in America have asphalt shingles installed. They remain one of the best choices for roofing materials.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are gaining in popularity because of their durability and energy efficiency. They can last up to 50 years, much longer than standard three-tab asphalt shingles and other low-quality roofing materials. Metal is also lightweight, so it’s easy to install and maintain. It reflects heat from the sun during summer months, helping to reduce cooling costs while providing good protection from the elements.
There are some problems with metal roofing, however, that can turn many homeowners away. The biggest problem for many homeowners is noise when there is heavy rain. While the sound can be soothing to some, it can be an absolute headache for others. Before you have metal roofing installed, be sure to address the noise issue beforehand.
Wood Shakes and Shingles
Shakes and shingles are also popular choice for Michigan’s climate. Wood is a natural material that is aesthetically pleasing and provides good protection against the elements. It also has insulating properties which can help to reduce heating and cooling costs. And wood shakes look great on the roof and can give the home a warm, inviting appearance.
The main downside of wood shakes and shingles is the cost. They are more expensive to install and maintain than most other roofing materials. Also, they require a higher level of maintenance since they need to be sealed and stained every few years to prevent mold growth. The time frame required to install wood shakes can be much longer than other materials, especially if you decide on more exotic wood shakes and shingles on your home.
Clay or Concrete Tiles
Clay or concrete tiles are a popular choice in Michigan’s climate. They are incredibly durable and can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance. Clay and concrete tiles also provide reasonable protection against the elements and insulation benefits which can help reduce energy costs.
The downside of clay and concrete tiles is their cost. These types of roofing materials are more expensive than most other roofing materials. Also, they require a higher level of maintenance since the tiles can become brittle and crack over time due to freeze-thaw cycles in Michigan’s climate.
Rubber Roofing
Rubber roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their low cost and durability. They are also easy to install and maintain, making them an attractive choice for many homeowners. Rubber roofs are typically made of recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly option.
The downside of rubber roofing is its appearance. Many people don’t like the look of a rubber roof on their home as it has a different aesthetic appeal than other roofing materials. Also, rubber roofs can wear down over time and require more frequent repairs than other roofing materials.
Choose a Reputable Roofing Contractor
Regardless of the roofing material you choose for your home, be sure to research before selecting. Consider the pros and cons of each material and the cost to install and maintain it. Talking with a reputable roofing contractor such as All Point Construction is best. They can provide pricing quotes and timeframes for whatever roof you choose. For more information, be sure to call them at 734-407-7110.
