Residential
When it comes to residential or commercial roofing, the jury can be split. Some people think; hey, a roof is a roof, can you fix it or not? Others may know there are some difference but may not be aware as to what those differences are exactly.
Well, to start, residential roofs are the most commonly known system in the roofing industry and general public. They usually consist of multi-family homes, single family homes, mobile homes, duplexes, condominiums, apartments townhouses and so on.
Another thing that maybe important for you to know is materials. Lucky for you we can clarify a little bit of that right now, so when it comes to making a decision yourself, you’ll have some info to go on.
Here are some of the more commonly used materials in residential roofing.
Asphalt Shingles
When it comes to the most popular kind of materials for residential roofs, you have to start with asphalt shingles. There are 3 types of asphalt: strip shingles, dimensional shingles and luxury shingles. Each with their own price point, lifespan, and aesthetic. Because of their durability and sustainability for the cost; it makes asphalt shingles a go to choice for the vast majority when it comes to residency .
Tile
Next up are tiles. Tiles have an overlapping design, to keep out snow, rain and other elements, and they are typically made with clay or slate. While they do have a longer life span than shingles, lasting up to twice as long, tiles tend to be more expensive. At least in the beginning, but they usually make that investment worth it in the long run. Other downsides include, difficult installation, heavier in weight, and they’re not a fit with every slope.
Metal
Metal roofing is another popular option, more so in commercial, but its definitely made its mark with the residential industry. Many residential properties appreciate that its more durable against strong winds, heat, snow and they’re non-combustable to flames. They also last nearly 3 times as long as asphalt shingles, up to 50 years longer. Now, they are more costly than some other roofing options, but the good news is they do have a high ROI.
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are thin photovoltaic sheets that overlay on top of your existing shingles or replaces them all together. They also maybe the youngest when it comes to roofing materials. Solar shingles have become popular among home owners because of their incredible ability to absorb sunlight and convert that in electrical energy. This can be a very expensive option, but it’s obviously a game changer because of the energy and money it saves you. For most, it has an high ROI.
Now these are just a few of the materials used in residential properties, there are more out there. Also, it is important to understand the difference between each type, so you get something that fits your needs, but don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by that. If you manage to hire a good contractor then there should be no issue with them learning your needs, and suggest the right products that fit that mole, while explaining to you why that’s the case.
At A&E, we mainly tackle shingles and metal, but for someone looking to explore more options like the solar shingles mentioned above, or further options, then there are contractors that definitely master in these fields.