Believe it or not, there’s more to roofing than you think. In a place like Jacksonville, Florida, you’re probably used to seeing every variety of roofing there is under the sun, literally and figuratively. Each different roofing material has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to you to weigh them out and pick what works best for you. Putting a roof over your head is a big deal, mostly because you’ll be stuck with whatever you choose for as long as you’re living in the house. For the sake of everybody in the household, you have to make the right decision. We’ve got a strong grasp on the ins and outs of roofing materials, so don’t worry too much. Take our list into consideration, and let us help you make a choice on what best fits your needs:
Asphalt
Asphalt is probably the first roofing material that comes to mind as it is the most common by far. Asphalt shingles are cheap and easy to repair, and they are universal when it comes to looks. Regardless of the style of your home, asphalt shingles will likely look good. The downside of asphalt shingles is they are cheap for a reason. They can last as little as 10 years in very hot environments like Florida. The lower end of asphalt shingles will probably need to be replaced even more often. If your goal is to be environmentally conscious, look for a different material because very few recycling plants will take asphalt shingles.
Wood
We can’t overlook the fact that wood shingles are beautiful. Wood shingles add a charm of natural beauty to your home. If treated, these can last up to double the lifespan of asphalt shingles. Also, they are twice as effective at insulating when compared to asphalt. You’re definitely going to want to get the wood treated, even though it might be more expensive than asphalt. Repairs and maintenance for wood are costly, but treatment can reduce cost in the long run.
Metal
If you’re beachside, you’re very familiar with metal roofing. Metal roofing is popular because of its extreme durability. Metal roofing has a Class A fire rating and can last 100 years. Another bright side of metal roofing is it can keep your house a lot cooler because of its reflective qualities. Really, the only downside of a metal roof is the price tag, which can make home improvements a challenge if you happen to need them.
Clay, Concrete, Slate
If homeowners had an unlimited budget, chances are they would go with some sort of tile roofing. Tiles can add a rich, detailed look that’s hard to imitate, and this makes them highly desirable. Drive through Jacksonville and you’ll see many beautiful Mediterranean homes with clay tiles and historic European homes with slate tiling. Not only are these tiles beautiful, but they are also the most durable. They have a lifetime durability, outlasting basically every other part of the house. Luxury comes with a price tag, as these tiles are the most expensive on this list and are not easy to install or maintain.