Materials and Roof Types to Choose From

If you’re having a new roof installed, then one of the important decisions you have to make is what material you want to use. There are various popular roof materials that each have their pros and cons, so let’s look at some of the best for you to choose from.

Asphalt

Asphalt is a popular roofing material because it is durable and versatile, commonly used on roads and driveways as well as roofs. Its durability means that it can stand up to a variety of weather conditions, and asphalt shingle roofs commonly last between 20 and 30 years before needing replacing. Another option is an asphalt roll roof, which does not last as long as shingles but is lower cost and easier to install. This is common for flatter roofs on sheds and garages, for example.

Metal

Metal roofing is another durable option, with aluminum and lightweight steel being two of the most commonly used metals. Copper is another good option, but is costlier. Standing seam roofs and corrugated panels are popular, and metal sheets can even be stamped out to replicate the appearance of shingles. This means that there are lots of styles to choose from with metal roofing, and these types of roofs can last 50+ years if cared for properly.

Wood

Wood is commonly used in shingles or shakes, with materials like cedar, redwood, and yellow pine being popular choices. While wood can be prone to environmental damage, some materials are naturally moisture-resistant, including cedar and redwood. Wood is a more eco-friendly option compared to others as it is a natural material and can easily be recycled or composted, and it can produce an extremely attractive style. Wood roofs can last around 30 years or even more when properly maintained, although they are not the best choice in areas that experience wildfires.

Clay

Red clay roof tiles create a classic look and are extremely durable, often lasting 50+ years. These can be a great choice for your home’s resale value as they add to the curb appeal and buyers know that the roof likely has a lot of life left in it. It is, however, heavier and often more expensive than other popular options. Similar options to clay include concrete and cement tiles.

If you’re looking for roof installation or repairs around Greensboro, Winston Salem, Clemmons, Kernersville, and Lewisville, NC, then contact Artisan Roofing Company for our expert services.

There are lots of different types of roofs that you could choose for your home, garage, or business premises. Each has its own functional and aesthetic advantages, largely depending on your own style preferences. Let’s look at some of the different roof styles available at Artisan Roofing Company.

Gabled

A gable roof features two sides that slope downward, with the other two sides completed by vertical walls extending up to the peak of the roof. This is a relatively simple yet attractive design that’s seen on many houses, and you get the benefit of having more attic space within the gable. There are many varieties of the gable roof, including clipped gable and Dutch gable.

Gambrel

A gambrel roof is similar to a gabled roof with its two vertical walls, but the sloping sides of the roof don’t meet at a sharp peak at the top. Instead, there are two additional sloping planes at a shallower angle, meeting together at the top at less of a peak. Again, this roof type helps to maximize attic space, and it is a common roof style for barns.

Hip

A hip roof has four slides that slope downward, essentially like a pyramid on top of your house when considering a square house with four walls. All the walls of your house are then sitting beneath the eaves on each side of the roof. This is a popular aesthetic, which could improve the curb appeal of your home. It is also a sturdy construction that’s suited to strong winds and rain, although it is slightly more complex than other popular options, such as gable roofs, which also makes it slightly costlier.

Mansard

A mansard is kind of a cross between a gambrel roof and a hip roof, with four steep, sloping sides, each leading up to a shallower slope meeting together at the peak of the roof. This style is particularly good for maximizing attic space, ideal if you want a bedroom or something similar in the attic space. The extra complexity of this design can also make it slightly more expensive than other options.

Shed

A shed roof has just a single surface that slopes downward at quite a steep angle. This is a simple and cost-effective design, and the slope still ensures that water can run off the roof easily.

Flat

A flat roof is similar to a shed roof, but pitched at less of an angle, although they are not entirely flat, as the name suggests, so water can still run off. This roof style is more common for commercial and industrial buildings than it is for residential homes.

For roof repair, installation, replacement, and more, contact Artisan Roofing Company for our professional services around Greensboro, Winston Salem, Clemmons, Kernersville, and Lewisville, NC.