Boise Roofing Contractors: The 7 Best Types of Modern Roofing Materials

What are the best types of residential/commercial roofing materials today? We know. And after you read this guide, you will too.

We, the experts at Point Roofing, have years of experience as Boise roofing contractors. That experience includes both residential and commercial roofing in Boise, Idaho. And we’re accredited with the highest of ratings, both by customers and the BBB.

So now, we want to share with you our expertise to help you make the important decision of which roofing material to choose. Best of all, this guide covers the ideal materials for both residential and commercial roofing.

Whatever your roofing needs are, this guide will help you make the right choice. Read on to learn which type of roofing you need.

Best Materials for Residential Roofing in Boise, Idaho

We’ll start with the 7 best residential roofing materials. If you have only commercial roofing needs, skip ahead to the commercial roofing section.

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing material you can choose for your home, but that doesn’t make them the worst. Installed correctly, they’ll easily withstand all normal conditions that residential roofs generally experience.

They’re made of an asphalt coating on a woven fiberglass matt with ceramic granules on top. This last layer of ceramic granules protects all the roofing beneath from damaging UV rays.

The shingles can be shaped, colored, or otherwise styled to suit the look of any home.

2. Wood Shakes and Shingles

Wood roofing comes in two types, shakes and shingles. Shakes are handmade for a natural, rustic look. Shingles are machine-cut for a clean, uniform look.

They typically cost more than asphalt shingles and aren’t quite as protective. People choose them, though, for a beautiful appearance that distinguishes their home from the others on their block.

3. Slate Roofs

Next, slate roofing is made of quarried stone. It is extremely hard, protective, durable, waterproof, fireproof—built to last. A well-installed (and properly reinforced) slate roof can literally last over a century.

But, as you may have guessed, slate is also extremely heavy. Therefore, it requires lots of heavy labor to install, including extensive systems of reinforcement to keep it from collapsing.

But, once it’s up, it’s up for your life and beyond. Plus, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. For all these reasons, it’s also the most expensive roof you can buy for your home.

4. Clay and Concrete Tiles

Tile roofing is a slightly less durable and less expensive alternative to slate roofing. Although, a high-quality tile roof can last as long (and cost as much) as slate roofing.

What mainly distinguishes tile roofing is its versatility. Your options range from top-of-the-line clay tiles to the much cheaper concrete tiles that are made to look like clay tiles. Because the tiles can be shaped and colored to order, the style options are limitless.

5. Composite Shingles

As a lightweight alternative to the high cost of wood, clay tile, and slate roofing, you can fake it with composite shingles. These are made of artificial materials and designed to look like any other type of roofing material you want.

Besides style options, they come in a variety of quality options as well. Many composite roofing companies design their tiles to be fire/water/fade-resistant. Plus, these roofs usually also come with a 50-year warranty.

6. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is maximumly resistant to weather, water, fire, wind, rot—basically anything that can happen to a roof. Houses, barns, or other residential structures that exist in extreme weather areas would benefit the most from metal roofing. Metal roofs can be expensive, but they have a very long life expectancy.

Metal roofs are becoming very trendy in higher end homes as either an accent or a full roof. It will cost more than asphalt shingles, but the level of protection it provides may be more valuable to some homeowners.

7. Green Roofing

Green roofs, or roofs made of actual living plants, are becoming more popular these days for a number of reasons. They provide unparalleled insulation and roof protection. They also improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce run-off, and last a very long time.

Green roofs are flat, not sloped, and consist of a waterproof membrane topped with a garden of plants. The plants may require some maintenance and possibly a root barrier to prevent roots from piercing into your roof.

Best Materials for Commercial Roofing in Boise, Idaho

Now, here are the best commercial roofing material options.

1. Built-Up Roofing Membrane (BUR)

This is the typical tar-and-gravel roof you see on most commercial buildings. It’s the most common choice for commercial roofing because it’s cheap but it’s also as durable as it needs to be. The roofing is flexible, low-maintenance, and it offers several layers of protection.

2. Metal Roofing

As stated above, metal roofing offers the ultimate level of protection. There are many different metals used to make roofing, giving you many quality/price options to choose from. Commercial metal roofs are also finished with a protective layer to keep the metal from tarnishing or rusting.

3. Modified Bitumen Roofing

Bitumen is very similar to tar. As such, the bitumen is applied to a fabric base, as with asphalt shingles. These piles are then layered, as with BUR roofing.

For a flat roof, they are very protective and are comparable to BUR roofs in terms of durability and maintenance. And, since they’re flat, a bitumen roof is ideal for use as an outdoor floor, like a patio.

4. Thermoset Roof Membrane (EPDM)

EPDM roofs are easy to install/maintain and are very durable and long-lasting. They consist of a single layer of rubber-based material that is extremely resistant to UV rays and certain harmful chemicals. Also, they provide great insulation and they stay flexible even in very cold temperatures.

5. Thermoplastic Roof Membrane (TPO)

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roofing is lightweight and highly resistant to UV rays, weather, most harmful chemicals, and even bacteria growth.

This makes it a good choice for restaurants because of the grease and fat that they sometimes emit onto the roof. The fat alone could damage some roofs and/or cause damaging bacteria colonies to grow.

6. PVC Roofing

PVC roofing is comparable to TPO roofing in its resistance to damaging elements. But it is superior in its resistance to fire. Other than this, it’s more expensive up-front than TPO or EPDM roofing.

7.  Green Roofing

Green roofs are also gaining popularity as a commercial roofing option. These are the same as we described in the residential roofing section.

But factors like energy-efficiency and run-off reduction are arguably even more important for commercial buildings. Plus, it’s a great way for a business to go green.

Speak to Our Boise Roofing Contractors Today

Do you need residential or commercial roofing in Boise, Idaho? Get in touch with the best Boise roofing contractors in the business.

We also serve your Middleton roofing needs and several other locations around Boise.

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