What Are the Different Roofing Repair Materials?

The more you spend on your roofing materials, the longer your roof will last. For example, slate, copper, and clay tile roofs can last up to 50 years, whereas asphalt shingles last around 20 years. (These are averages, of course.)

A roof replacement often needs to happen sooner than you expect. This is because adverse weather conditions, such as hail, snow, and hurricanes, damage your roof, and the materials a roof is made of may not be of top quality.

Keep reading to find out what materials are used in roofing repair or the different types of roofs available on the market today.

Wood Roofing

This classic roof material looks beautiful and provides a rustic, natural aesthetic to your home. It is also durable and highly energy efficient.

However, it is hard to maintain—maintaining a wooden roof can be time-consuming and costly. And, if this type of roof is not maintained adequately, it damages easily, making it ineffective at protecting your house.

Wood roofs are also among the pricier roofing options.

Built-Up Roofing

If you live in a city where flat roofs are typical, you are probably familiar with Built-up Roofing (BUR).

Since membrane roofing was invented, BUR has become less common. But it does provide excellent protection against water, UV rays, and weather. It's also inexpensive and low maintenance.

When it comes to roofing repair, BUR is easy to remove and replace when needed.

BUR installation is labor intensive, and the process can produce toxic fumes—one of the reasons why it is being replaced by membrane roofing.

Solar Tiles

If you were considering installing solar panels on your roof, you could install solar tiles instead. This new and exciting roofing technology can help you save money on your electricity bill, something every homeowner can appreciate nowadays.

But these high-tech tiles come with a few cons.

They are hard to install and expensive. Also, if you live in a home shaded by trees or in an area with low sunlight hours, you will not be able to generate enough power to make the investment worthwhile.

Asphalt Shingles

Most modern homes will come with asphalt shingles as the primary roofing material. There is a good reason for that; they are easy to install, affordable, and easy to repair or replace.

They are durable, typically lasting decades. However, once the granules on the asphalt tiles wear, your roofing contractor will need to replace the entire roof.

Synthetic Composite Shingles

If you are searching for a high fire rating on your roofing material, synthetic composite shingles are the ultimate choice.

They are lightweight and affordable, featuring high durability and impact resistance. They also come in various colors and styles.

Membrane Roofing

If your home has a low-pitched or flat roof, membrane roofing should be your roofing material of choice. It is made with a synthetic rubber material called EPDM. It is reliable, affordable, and easy to repair.

However, leaks and punctures in membrane roofing are common, and the installation process is more difficult if you have a chimney.

Green Roofing

If you do not have enough space in your backyard for a vegetable garden or landscaping, why not use your roof to add some green space?

A "living roof" is an excellent way to add more oxygen to the atmosphere, help you "go green," and grow vegetables to feed your family. In addition, these roofs prevent damaging water runoff from ruining your foundations.

Though a living roof requires a lot of upkeep and maintenance, many homeowners find them worth the effort and extra cost.

Rolled Roofing

If budget is a big issue, rolled roofing is the most inexpensive roofing material on the market today.

It has a lifespan of about ten years because it is less durable than other options. It is available in a limited range of colors: black, tan, gray, and green.

If this is the only roofing material you can afford to pay for outright, speak with your roofing contractor about financing options. This way, you can invest in a long-lasting, more aesthetically pleasing roof material.

Concrete Tiles

This durable option mimics asphalt, slate, or even wood shingles, making it attractive for homeowners looking for a traditional aesthetic on a budget.

However, concrete is heavy and can strain the structure of your home. Concrete also absorbs water, meaning it requires extra upkeep and maintenance.

Slate

Slate tiles are a beautiful, natural roofing material. They are durable, attractive, and last a long time.

They are expensive, though, and need to be installed by a specialist roofing contractor. They are also heavy; sometimes, a home cannot support their weight.

Clay Tiles

Another natural roof material to consider is clay tiles. They are molded from earthenware clay and fired at high temperatures.

If you live in a city with a hot climate, clay tiles can help keep your home cool during the day.

Even though they require less maintenance and upkeep in the long term, they are expensive to install. Because these tiles are fragile, roofing contractors struggle to work with them.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is unbeatably tough and is renowned for its superior UV and moisture protection.

This roofing material comes in a wide variety of colors, styles, and costs, making it ideal for homeowners seeking flexibility in their exterior decor.

Use an Experienced Roofing Contractor for Your Roofing Repair

Do not attempt to DIY the repair or replacement when your roof is giving you trouble. Your roof is a complicated structure and must be treated with respect. DIYing it or hiring inexperienced roofing contractors might seem cheaper, but it will cost you in the long run.

Contact a roofing contractor like Wooley Brothers Inc. in St. Cloud, FL, for professional advice on roofing repair.

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