5 Common Roofing Materials to Consider for Your Custom Home
May 10, 2022When it comes to building a custom home, a roof is one of the most important features. But, picking the right roof and material can be daunting. Here are some common roofing materials to consider for your custom home:
1. Slate
Slate shingles offer an elegant, upscale look to any home. They are heavy-duty, very durable once installed, and hold up against snow and rain. Slate is resistant to bugs and can last up to 100 years if you keep up with proper maintenance.
However, slate shingles are quite expensive. And, installation is pricey, too. Because slate shingles are durable, installation and repairs of slate shingles are more complicated than some other materials when something occurs, so keep that in mind as you compare materials.
2. Ceramic and Clay
Ceramic or clay shingles are typically half-cylindrical and overlap over one another. They can give a home a Mediterranean or Spanish-style feel and are one of the classic Hacienda architecture design ideas. Ceramic and clay shingles are a great option if you live in a very warm climate since they do not retain as much heat as some other roofing materials.
Just like slate shingles, ceramic and clay tiles require a pretty labor-intensive installation process. Since these tiles are very fragile, repairs can be tricky. Even simple tasks like chimney upkeep can be more tedious due to the fragility of the tiles. Keeping these extra expenses in mind is important as you decide on what material you may pick.
3. Metal
Metal roofing can sound more industrial and not well-suited for homes, but metal roofing is incredibly versatile. Metal roofing can be made to look like other types of roofing, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for durability.
You can even paint metal roofing, so your options are wide open. Metal roofing is also very energy-efficient as it absorbs less heat than other materials. It also can last up to 50 years and the maintenance level is quite low.
4. Wood
Wood shingles are a classic material that you often see on Cape Cod or Colonial-style homes. In fact, cedar shake shingles are one of the classic Cape Cod architecture design ideas. These shingles start out looking very light in color, but as they weather over time, they turn a nice gray.
The drawback to wood shingles (or shakes) is that the upkeep is more intensive than other materials. You need to be careful of mildew and rot, and insect infestations. However, it’s relatively easy to replace individual shingles.
5. Asphalt Composite
Asphalt Composite shingles are one of the most common roofing materials. This type of roof is durable, easy to maintain, and cost-effective. Nearly every roofing company is familiar with this type of roofing and installation is relatively simple.
Just be careful if you live in an extreme weather climate. Hot climates can scar the shingles and so they usually perform better in cooler climates. Keep in mind that the constant freezing, thawing, and refreezing of cold weather can cause the shingles to crack, and lead to water damage, mold, and mildew. But, replacing single shingles is fairly easy, so with general maintenance, this type of roofing is a good choice.
These are just a few of the most common roofing materials to consider for your custom home to help you choose the right roofing for your new home. If you’re ready to get started designing and building your own custom home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090. We’ll help you bring your dream home to life!