A newly built home. PHOTO | COURTESY
When fitting or replacing a run-down roof, careful consideration should be given to the available types of roofing materials in order to give a house the much-needed makeover.
Unfortunately, due to the many types of roofing materials to choose from, it becomes difficult for the average homeowner to make an informed choice of material.
To help you out, here are the most popular roofing materials.
Best roofing materials
1. Metal shingles/shakes
Metal shingles or shakes are a great choice for homeowners seeking the benefits of metal roofing materials without having to instal real metal roofs.
Metal shingles. PHOTO | COURTESY
Made from stamped metal and finished with mineral granules or a baked-on coating, metal shingles can be designed to look like wooden shakes, asphalt shingles, or slate or clay tiles.
These roofs typically cost $7 to $10 per square foot to install. They can last 30 to 50 years.
2. Standing seam metal roof
This is the most popular type of metallic roofing materials.
Standing seam roof is named so because the steel or aluminium panels are designed to meet in raised seams that interlock to keep moisture out of the building.
Metal roofing materials are increasingly popular in regions that experience heavy snowfall and areas that are prone to wildfires since metal roofs are fully fireproof.
Standing seam metal roof. PHOTO | COURTESY
One of the drawbacks of these types of roofs is that they can only be installed by individuals with special skills and not every roofing dealer is capable of installing them.
Fitting a standing seam metal roof costs $6 to $12 per foot.
Metal roofs can last 30 to 50 years, with some types lasting for 75 years.
3. Rolled roofing
Rolled roofing is made up of long rolls of mineral-infused and asphalt-infused material topped with mineral granules.
Each roll is about 100 square feet of roofing and roughly 3 feet wide.
Rolled roofing. PHOTO | COURTESY
Rolled roofing materials are ideal for low-slope residential houses as well as out-structures such as sheds, shops, and other utilitarian buildings.
4. Slate shingles
These are easily the best roofing materials available in the market.
Slate roofing is made up of thin sheets of natural stone that give it an extremely lengthy lifespan of 75 to 200 years. It is ideal for homeowners looking for stylish roofing.
Slate shingles. PHOTO | COURTESY
However, installation of slate shingles requires specialized skills – which are not easy to come by. It costs $30 to $75 per square foot to fit a slate roof.
5. Asphalt composite shingles
Asphalt shingles roofing materials are quite popular in the United States.
Made from a fiberglass base covered with asphalt and mineral granules, asphalt shingles come with a warranty of 20-30 years – …….
Source: https://www.constructionkenya.com/9771/types-of-roofing-materials/