RESIDENTIAL ROOFING
Basic Types of Roofing, Benefits, and Costs
Every type of roof has an average lifespan. This means that every roof will eventually need replacing. If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may be a little torn between all the options available. There are various styles, colors, and materials to choose from. That’s where Titan Roofing comes in. We can lend a helping hand to get you a new roof that perfectly matches your home.
Some roofing materials will cost more than others, and you’ll want a roof replacement that falls within your budget and comes with as little hassle as possible. When you factor in the region, labor, and the season, we can easily give you a clear idea of what each roofing material would cost you. Here are some common roofing materials we use here in the Central Texas area.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles have been around for over 100 years and are the most popular roofing material on the market. Created in the USA in 1903, asphalt shingles are highly fire-retardant and come with a coating of mica, talc, or sand to help them stick together. Their popularity is largely due to their versatility, durability, and affordability. They come in a wide range of colors, and they are able to withstand the blazing hot summer temperatures in our region.
At one point in time, asphalt shingles were essentially cotton rags with a top layer of asphalt. However, innovation gave way to more readily accessible wood paper or pulp felt. This, in turn, evolved to fibrous glass, which is less prone to rot than its organic predecessors. Today, up to 95% of asphalt shingles have this fiberglass felt.
The average lifespan for asphalt shingles is 20 years. However, with proper maintenance, they can last up to 30 or 40 years. The drawbacks of asphalt shingles include poor resistance to foot traffic and their vulnerability to damage in high wind areas. This is certainly an important consideration in the San Antonio area, as severe and sudden storms accompanied by wind are not so uncommon.
Slate Shingles
If you’re looking for a classy, modern look, slate shingles might be the roofing material for you. They have been around since the 1700’s in America and were extravagantly expensive for decades. However, new processing methods have made them much more affordable. The benefits of slate shingles include their superior fire resistance, natural appearance, durability, and their sheer gorgeousness. And they have an average 100-year lifespan to boot!
Slate shingles can withstand high winds, as well as heavy rains and hail as large as four inches in diameter. They come in multiple styles and colors, making them a great upgrade for your home. However, their biggest disadvantages include a relatively high installation cost and their lack of resilience to foot traffic.
METAL ROOFING
Metal roofing is common in commercial settings, but is also popular among homeowners
Metal roofing is common in commercial and industrial settings, but is also popular among homeowners. It is low-maintenance, lightweight, and versatile in design. For our “go green” clients, metal roofing is an environmentally friendly choice. You can also have metal roofing in just about any color imaginable, and they can be designed in multiple styles like sheets, panels, shingles, and even tiles.
Initial installation of metal roofing may cost a bit more than asphalt shingles, but it will resist wear and tear from harsh weather and last for an average of 40 to 70 years. A metal roof can also increase the appeal of your home, as well as its value in the long run. Although installation can be tricky for inexperienced roofing crews, Titan Roofing experts can handle the job with ease.
The Benefits of Metal Roofing
The higher installation price of a metal roof may be a turnoff for some. However, the long-term benefits of metal roofing include:
- No roof removal: While removing an existing roof is preferred, it is not necessary. We can place it over what’s in place, especially if you have asphalt shingling. This means much less mess to clean up after installation. However, this can cause vapor and water to build up over time.
- Cost-effectiveness: When you compare the life cycle of an asphalt shingle roof of 12 to 20 years to the expected 40- to 70-year lifespan of metal roofing, the higher upfront costs don’t seem so bad. Why settle for 20 years of life when you can get something that lasts twice as long?
- Superior safety: Metal roofing is highly resistant to corrosion, fire, and insects. You’ll never have to worry about termite infestation or your roof catching on fire. You’ll also find that water drains off a metal roof quickly and easily.
- Increased energy efficiency: Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, so your home will stay cooler. This can mean that you save up to 25% on your cooling costs. This is especially helpful in the San Antonio region where we can experience many 100+ degree-days per year.
- Easy upkeep: Maintaining a metal roof isn’t difficult as long as you check its coating regularly and periodically do a look-see for signs of needed repair. To ensure the coating is in good shape, you need to keep the roof free of debris. Then, if you find debris, remove it, and see that the coating may have suffered, a layer of coating on the area will protect against further damage. You can reach out to Titan Roofing and speak with one of our roofing experts to explain this process more thoroughly.
Ceramic Tile Shingles
Ceramic tile shingles have also been around for centuries. In Mesopotamia, for example, you can see ceramic tile shingling that is thousands of years old. This type of roofing material will give your home a comforting and cozy look, and it is highly weather and fire-resistant with an average lifespan of 50 to 75 years. In addition, ceramic roofs are impervious to insects and rotting.
Tile shingling does come with disadvantages, including potential fading due to extreme heat and sun exposure, and their proneness to damage from hail and flying debris. Moreover, ceramic shingles are quite heavy and may require extra construction for support, and they are two to three times more expensive than asphalt shingles.
FLAT ROOF SYSTEM
Flat roofs come with inexpensive installation and easy accessibility
For instance, flat roofs really work well with mid-century modern ranch-style homes. Today, flat roofing systems are most common with commercial properties, but not so much in residential settings. This is largely due to their high-maintenance nature, especially in our area where hail, heavy rains, and extremely hot temperatures are realities.
Although flat roofs are slightly sloped for drainage, it’s important to keep them clear of limbs, leaves, and other debris to prevent water from accumulating. The average lifespan of a flat roof is around 15 years. Therefore, this type of roofing is typically not recommended for residential installation. It is simply too vulnerable to collapse due to severe weather events in addition to a relatively short life expectancy.
Wood Shakes
Although it may come as a surprise, wood shakes are actually environmentally friendly. Yes, they are made from trees, but most wood shakes are prepared in a way to have less of an environmental impact. This is especially true if you choose to use refurbished or recycled wood for your roof upgrade.
Furthermore, wood roofs have little to no harmful byproducts to collect in rainwater runoff and travel to the soil and groundwater. Another great advantage of wood shakes is that they have a useful lifespan of 50 years with proper maintenance. Although a bit expensive to install, they have a stunningly rustic feel and a beautiful finish. Wooden shakes can be made from cedar, cypress, spruce, California redwood, and different types of pine like southern yellow pine. They are split from logs, with a thick butt end to give them a signature look.
There is a vast array of different roofing materials to grab your attention, as well as a multitude of decorative designs to enhance your home. Even though asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material due to their lower installation costs, your choices certainly don’t end there. You truly can express yourself with your roof, from an industrial look to a more rustic one. We at Titan Roofing are always excited to help our clients find a roof they can be proud of and enjoy for many years to come.
CONTACT US
Contact the Titan Roofing Experts Today
If you’re trying to decide on the right roofing material for your style and budget needs, use our online Contact Form to schedule a free consultation and roof inspection. And we will always be completely honest concerning your level of need when it comes to getting a new roof. If roof repair will be more economical for you, we will not hesitate to share that information with you. Our team of professionals will help you choose the perfect roof for you, which will include a 10-Year No Leak Guarantee!