Your roof isn’t what it used to be. Not only is it starting to look worn, but it’s actually having functional issues as well. As such, you’re thinking about making a replacement.
Now, you’re trying to make a decision. You’re trying to decide on the best roofing material for your Boise, Idaho home.
There are quite a few roofing materials available, each of which provides something different in terms of aesthetics, expense, and functionality. Need help choosing one? Read on for some guidance.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the material that most people think of when they think of residential roofing. They’re the most used residential roofing material in existence.
These shingles are not of low quality. While they don’t possess the look or durability of higher-end materials, they still last for around 20 to 25 years and still offer an attractive aesthetic.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are very similar to standard asphalt shingles. However, unlike asphalt shingles, they contain polymers that improve their durability. Generally speaking, Boise roofers will tell you to expect them to last between 25 and 30 years.
Available in a number of styles and colors, they can look good with many different home designs. Whether you’re living in a small ranch house or a large mansion, architectural shingles can accommodate you.
Cedar Shakes
Next, we’re going to discuss cedar shakes. Durable and possessing a unique aesthetic, this material can thrive through 30 to 40 years of wear and tear. Note, however, that in order for them to thrive, they must be sealed to prevent water and sun damage.
That said, they provide a great deal in the way of insulation, preventing heat and cold from seeping in through their respective roofing structures. As such, their maintenance costs are effectively offset.
Aesthetically speaking, cedar shakes are as unique as can be. Pronounced and staggered, they create a textured look that is designed to catch the eye.
Metal Panels
Another roofing option is metal panels. Metal panels provide a unique aesthetic to go with their above-average durability. Easy to install and maintain, they come with few supplemental costs.
Metal panels can last for a long time. If you’re using aluminum or steel, you can expect it to thrive for around 50 years. If you’re using zinc or copper, 100 years of use isn’t out of the question.
A problem that you might run into with metal is the problem of excess noise. Rain, sleet, and hale can make quite an impact on a metal roof, resulting in repetitive tapping sounds.
Rubber Shingles
Rubber shingles are designed to look exactly like stone but at a fraction of the cost. These shingles provide an attractive and high-end aesthetic to their respective homes.
Reasonably durable, rubber shingles last between 40 and 60 years. All the while, they require little maintenance, meaning that their upkeep costs remain low.
That said, they generally need to be patched up every few years. Failure to patch up rubber shingles in a timely manner will almost certainly result in structural roofing damage.
Slate
If you really want to furnish your home with a high-end look, you should consider going with slate. Slate is one of the oldest roofing materials in existence, as it’s essentially just shaped stone.
Just as you would expect from a stone material, slate is exceedingly durable. At a minimum, it will last around 125 years. At a maximum, it can exceed 200 years.
Aesthetically unique, it will undoubtedly set your home apart from the others in the neighborhood. Note, however, that it’s very heavy. As such, you need to ensure that your roof structure can handle it before it’s installed.
Slate roofing is most commonly seen on luxury houses, churches, and other large buildings. That said, it can be used on buildings of all sizes. So, if you feel like separating your home from the others in the neighborhood, you should give slate some serious consideration.
Clay Tiles
While clay tiles are more common in the southwestern United States, there’s no reason that they couldn’t be used by Boise roofers. Providing a unique aesthetic and loads of durability, they’re built to thrive through over 100 years of use.
Clay tiles require very little maintenance, as they’re resistant to both rain and sunlight. Generally speaking, they only need to be cleaned from time to time. As such, they’re one of the top set-it-and-forget-it roofing materials in existence.
There are two common problems with clay tiles: 1. They’re vulnerable to physical trauma, and 2. They’re aesthetically limited. That said, if you like the aesthetic, these are a great option.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles offer excellent durability at a reasonable price. Generally speaking, they can last between 40 and 70 years.
One common issue to consider with concrete tiles, however, is that they tend to absorb water. As such, they have higher maintenance needs than clay tiles. For instance, they must be sealed every 5 years or so. This cost causes an increase in their overall price.
While they’re similar to clay tiles, concrete tiles have a much different aesthetic. First of all, they’re gray as opposed to orangish-red. Second, unlike clay tiles, they’re not placed staggered on top of one another.
Utilize the Services of the Best Roofing Companies
Have you now decided on the best roofing material for your home? Need more help selecting the right roofing material for your home? Looking for reputable Boise roofers to help you install your new roof? If so, Point Roofing & Restoration has you covered.
Our team is well-versed in the roofing installation process, having installed roofs on a large variety of Boise area homes. Regardless of the material you wish to utilize, our team can accommodate you.
If you’re thinking “where are the best roofing companies near me?” and want to get started right away, contact us now to discuss your needs!
