It can be daunting for many new homeowners to pick the best materials that will serve as their roofs. After all, there are so many choices out there, and many companies are offering their services as roofers if you live in San Diego.
If you are still building your property, you may want to sit down and write the things you wanted to see after everything is finished. When it comes to the roofs, you need a lot of things to consider, including the following:
- Choosing between asphalt roof shingles or metal sheets
- Consider concrete or slate tiles
- The overall look and design of the roof
If you are mulling over the things that you need to do for the roof, you may want to contact a company to help you out. Whether it’s a repair job or a complete replacement, drawing the design should initially be one of the steps you need to do.
Working with the professionals in San Diego can help you understand the basics and your options. You can get in touch with them by visiting sites like Gen819 Roofing San Diego – San Diego roofing company and knowing more about the services they offer. They will help you through the process and give you a design that fits your tastes.
Before calling the experts in your area, it’s also important that you need to do your research. The following will help you out in terms of the materials you should use to contemplate a retrofit or a new installation.
Types of Materials to Know
Asphalt Shingles
The shingles are among the most popular materials in many residential homes in San Diego and the US. Many homeowners prefer these shingles for a reason. Since the early 90s’, they have proven that they can withstand weather elements and are durable. They are also reliable and easy to install.
The asphalt shingles are affordable, and you can get your dream roof that suits your budget. In an average home, the shingles can last up to 2 decades, and they are useful in many areas where there isn’t a lot of rain or the snow is not too heavy. You can read more about asphalt shingles on this site here.
The materials can consist of two bases, which are fiberglass and organic. The unique design helps to reflect the sunlight away from the inside of the house, reducing the need for air conditioners in the hotter months. The shingles can also be resistant to hail and wind damage while providing waterproof support. Aside from their budget-friendly and durable features, you can also choose many styles and colors when it comes to asphalt shingles.
Slates
The slates come from metamorphic rocks, and they are generally more expensive. They are upscale and sophisticated, and they improve the value of a property. Each piece is resistant to fire and rot, so the roof is more resistant to the weather. The life expectancy is about a century, and they require little to no maintenance.
While the natural appearance and durability adds value to the slates, they also have their disadvantages. Their weight is heavier, and they require more support from the foundation of the home. This is best suited to larger homes made with concrete. It also requires an expert and experienced roofer to install slate slabs so that the work will be high-quality and there will be no breakage.
Each shingle can be brittle and susceptible to damage if you walk on them, so it’s important to have extra care when cleaning the gutters. The right professionals know how to maintain them, so they’ll continue to look marvelous for years to come.
Wood Shakes
Wood shakes come from cedar split logs, and they vary in size. They have a distinct and natural look to them that is ideal for classical homes. These kinds of shingles were popular in colonial times because of a lot of reasons.
They can keep the sun’s ultraviolet rays from penetrating the home, withstand harsh weather, and reduce the costs of cooling the rooms. The efficiency factor makes them a more practical choice for properties that receive a lot of sunlight the whole year-round.
Additionally, the cedar shakes are considered eco-friendly. They provide insulation that brings down the costs of electricity every month. The process of making them will minimize their impact on the quality of the water runoff.
However, they are not fire-resistant, but many companies apply a coating to prevent flames from engulfing them. If you decide to use wood shakes, ensure that they are coated for more safety.
There are other benefits of using wood shakes. However, you need a contractor with lots of expertise on these to install them properly. They are more expensive than asphalt, but they are energy-efficient enough for many to decide on getting them. Know more cedar shake alternatives here: http://www.roofingmagazine.com/asphalt-roofing-solution-provides-cedar-shake-alternative/.
Metal Roofs
Metal sheets have grown in popularity in recent times. This is because they are easy to install, lightweight, and environmentally friendly. They are in trend today in San Diego residential homes because of their upsides to many homeowners.
At the top of the list of their advantages, the metal sheets are long-lasting. They have expected life spans of about 20 to 50 years, and they last longer. They are a sustainable alternative to asphalt because they don’t require fossil fuels, and you can install a system to harvest rainwater.
The sheets are energy-efficient because of their reflective properties. You can recoup your initial investments by lowering your monthly energy bills on HVAC. The metal reflects the solar rays instead of absorbing them, so you’ll have a pretty much cooler home during the summer months. The installation can be tricky, so it’s important to get an expert who understands the metal well.
Clay Tiles
These are produced by baking clay that has been molded. The manufacturers often change the temperature and the time to heat the clay to create various textures and thicknesses. The colors can range from brown, orange, yellow, and white in addition to the sizes and shapes.
These are often durable, and they don’t fade easily. They can last from 40 to 80 years and are commonly found in many Spanish homes. They are often parallel in rows and overlapping with each other to prevent rainwater from pooling.
Many choose clay tiles because they are visually appealing, but they are not suitable for areas with fluctuating weather. They tend to erode fast, and the high winds can ruin the tiles over the years. You can always consult the professionals to see which materials are right for your house.
