The roofing industry has come a long way. The last few years have seen the rise of several technological breakthroughs that have revolutionized the roofing industry.
Over the last few years, we at Roof Tile Custom Specialists have noticed the trend toward modern roofing materials in Antioch. More and more homeowners are gravitating towards new roofing methods and materials and dumping traditional materials such as clay, concrete, and slate in the process.
Felt, green, and solar roofs are understandably gaining popularity across the country. These roofs help homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and are cost-effective alternatives to many other popular types of roofing, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best option.
Types of Roofs
Some types of modern roofs include aluminum roofs, zinc roofs, flat roofs, copper roofs, green roofs, and single ply. Popular traditional roofing types include clay, tile, lead, concrete, and slate.
Traditional Roofing Materials vs Contemporary Roofing Materials: Which is Better?
Durability
The benefits of traditional roofing materials such as slate and tile go beyond aesthetics. They are famed for their superior durability. Many popular modern roofing materials such as felt are more cost-effective than traditional roofing materials, but are not nearly as durable as their traditional counterparts.
With proper care and maintenance, roofs utilizing traditional materials can last a lifetime (between 60-100 years). In comparison, green roofs and roofs that use contemporary roofing materials such as aluminum usually do not last more than 50 years.
Roofs that utilize contemporary roofing materials develop problems easily and may need frequent repairs within as little as 10 years and may also need to be replaced sooner than expected.
Roofs made from traditional roofing materials, on the other hand, may not need repairs for decades thanks to their superior ability to withstand the elements and stand up to high foot traffic and resistance to corrosion.
If you plan to sell your property in the coming years and want to replace your existing roof, consider a clay or tile roof as clay and tile roofing are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal and ability to increase a property’s resale value.
Costs
While some modern roofing types such as felt are cost-effective, many are not. Solar roofs, for example, cost much more than many traditional roofing types. Of course, there is potential to recoup the cost of a solar roof, but are you sure your property will receive an ample amount of sunlight for a good part of the year?
An increasing number of homeowners with flat roofs are choosing to install garden roofing systems. A garden roofing system undoubtedly brings more character to a building and can drastically improve its aesthetic appeal, but also demands a lot of maintenance.
Maintaining a garden roof is a time-consuming exercise. It involves mowing the lawn and tending to any flowers or plants in it. If you opt for a garden roof, you may end up spending more time maintaining it and less time enjoying it.
The Bottom Line
Traditional roofing materials such as concrete, clay and tile are famed for their superior durability and strength. They also last more than many popular contemporary roofing materials. So, it’s no wonder many roofing contractors still prefer them.
Factors to Consider When Choose Roofing Materials
➢ Home design and color: When choosing roofing materials, consider your home’s architectural style. For example, if you live in a classic home, opt for a tile roof. Another important thing to consider is the color your house is painted with. Roofs that use materials painted with dark colors go particularly well with homes painted with different shades of green, yellow and red. Roofs that utilize materials painted with different shades of brown better complement homes painted with tan, cream and brown.
➢ Local climate: Given the fact that the weather conditions can affect roof performance and lifespan, you should consider local climate when choosing roofing materials. Homeowners who live in an area that receives heavy rainfall would want to opt for a roof that can withstand heavy rains and allows water to drain easily.
➢ Roofing Cost and maintenance: Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing roofing materials. Cost of roofing materials vary depending on quality, brand, and production cost. Though cost is an important factor to consider, instead of basing your decision solely on cost, look for materials that offers maximum value.
When calculating the cost of your roof, remember to factor in maintenance costs. More maintenance means a higher total cost of roof ownership. No wonder many homeowners prefer low maintenance roofing materials such as galvanized steel, copper, cedar, concrete, slate, clay, and aluminum. If you want to achieve a particular look and are thinking of opting for stylish materials such as wood, be prepared to invest more in maintenance.
➢ Weight: Look for light roofing materials as heavy materials can affect the structural integrity of your roof. This is an important factor to consider given the fact that like almost everything else, buildings deteriorate over time.
Confused between two or more equally good traditional and contemporary roofing materials options, let Roof Tile Custom Specialists help. We are a reputable tile roofing contractor in Antioch. We help homeowners weigh different roofing materials, helping them make the best roofing decision for their home. To consult one of our roofing experts, call (925) 634-8700.