Ready to replace your roof? As soon as you’ve decided and started looking into new roofs, you’ll see many different types of roofs and materials you can choose from in California. Which one should you go for? Here’s a rundown of the different types of roofs in the state and why you may want to choose them.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are some of the most commonly chosen options for Californian roofs. They’re one of the most affordable options out there and are very versatile. You can install them reasonably quickly and have a roof ready to withstand the elements.
Benefits
Asphalt roofs are one of the cheapest roofing materials out there. Being lightweight, they won’t put much weight on the roof deck. That makes them an attractive option if you’re on a budget and trying to keep costs down. They’re quick to install, too, as they’re straightforward to get nailed down onto the roof. While they’re a cheaper roofing material, they’re still resilient against the weather. Thanks to their makeup, a fiberglass mat is saturated in asphalt, then covered with colored mineral granules. You can get all kinds of colors, so you can pick one that suits your home.
Drawbacks
One of the most significant drawbacks to an asphalt shingle roof is its short shelf life. Typically, they’ll only last for 25 years when well taken care of. They also have a low insulation quality, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is fast becoming a popular option in California, as it’s now used for residential homes and commercial use. These roofs can be made with various metals, including copper, aluminum, and steel.
Benefits
The most significant benefit of metal roofs is how long they last. You’ll see that they can last up to 70 years when well cared for, so you won’t have to worry about replacing them again for a long time. Another key benefit is that they are rated as Class A fireproof. That’s the highest rating you can get, so they will be a great asset to protect against fire in your home. Another great benefit is that metal roofs can be made to mimic other roofing materials, should you so choose. For example, they can be made to mimic slate or clay tiles without the weight.
Drawbacks
Metal roofing can be quite expensive to have installed, so that’s something you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re putting your budget together. However, it can be worth it as they last for so long.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood shingles and shakes have become quite popular in recent years regarding Californian roofs. They offer a unique appearance and look great on many types of homes. A wooden shake has a rougher, more handmade look, while a shingle will be made with machinery.
Benefits
One of the main reasons to consider wooden shakes and shingles is the unique look they’ll give your home. You can’t deny that they’ll offer a lot of curb appeal for your property.
Drawbacks
While this material has been quite popular, concerns have arisen about how safe they are for your home. Being wooden, of course, they aren’t going to be fireproof like other roofing materials on the market. You’ll also see that there’s a risk of mold when there’s heavy rainfall. Some shakes and shingles are pressure treated with fire retardants to make them safer, so if you want a roof like this, make sure you’re looking for shingles that have been treated.
Clay and Concrete Tile
Among the different types of roofs, these are the most common roofing materials that you’ll find all over California. They have a real character that’s easy to spot. Clay tiles are made from natural clay fired in a kiln, whereas concrete tiles are made from cement and sand to match the look of clay tiles.
Benefits
As you’d expect, these roof tiles are very fireproof, so you can install them knowing that your home will be safe with them. They also give your home character, and if other homes around your area have the same kinds of tiles, then you’ll want them too to blend in with the neighboring houses.
Drawbacks
The main drawback with tiles is that they’re another quite expensive roofing option. That’s something that you’ll need to factor in if you’re thinking of using them. However, you can reduce costs by going for concrete tiles rather than clay ones. They’re usually cheaper, so that’s something to keep in mind. They’re also cumbersome, so if your heart is set on tiles, your roof may need to be reinforced to take the weight.
Slate Roofing
Finally, slate roofing is prevalent in California. This dense natural material is non-absorbent, so it works well at repelling water. Being natural, it’ll also come in various colors, making your roof unique.
Benefits
Slate is beautiful, and you can get a ‘weathering’ slate that changes color over time when exposed to the elements. If you want your roof to stay mostly the same color, though, you can get a ‘permanent’ slate too. Whichever you choose, there’s no denying that it will look great.
Drawbacks
As you’d imagine, the slate is quite heavy. As well as that, it is expensive to have installed due to the weight and the work required to get it onto your roof. Like with tiles, you may need to have your roof reinforced if you want to use it.
There are many different types of roofs to choose from and many roofing materials that you can use to re-roof your California home to keep it safe and protected. These are some of the most popular options out there right now, so you can take your pick and see which one would work for you.
