Residential Roofing Alternatives

The roof is, of course, a vital component of any home or residence not only because it protects the residents from outdoor elements, but also because it is a major factor in creating the home's overall aesthetic look and style. There are several alternative and attractive options to choose from.

Three common roofing material alternatives are composition shingles, wood shingles and clay tiles.

Composition Shingles

This type of roof is attractive and not terribly costly. Because of this, it is a very common choice among homeowners. There are a couple of different types. Three tab composition shingles are the most cost economical and offer a flat, streamlined look that matches well with different home styles. The dimensional, or architectural, composition shingles emulates the look of a tile roof and, again, look well with many home exterior styles. One other major advantage to installing composition shingles besides the low cost is their extreme durability. Once installed, they require very little maintenance. Most new composition shingle installations will come with at least a 20 or 30 year warranty.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles or shakes may not be as durable as composition shingles, but they are preferred by many homeowners because of their aesthetic appeal and character. Because they are highly preferred from an aesthetic standpoint, they are considerably more expensive than composition shingles. Of course, both shingles and shakes are made from wood. Shingles are saw cut, making their look thinner, smoother and uniform. Shakes, on the other hand, are made by splitting blocks of wood. They are thicker and, when installed as roofing, offer a very rugged and rustic look. Be mindful that any wood roofing that has not been treated properly will make the roof highly susceptible to the elements, mold, insect damage and rot. Many different varieties of wood can be used. Unlike composition shingles which are easy to install, wood shingles take more expertise and often require the skills of a professional contractor which, of course, adds to the overall cost.

Clay tile

Clay tile roofs are hallmarks of Mediterranean style homes and are commonly seen on traditional buildings in Greece, Spain and Italy. Many homes in the Southwestern region of the United States, such as Arizona and New Mexico, often feature this roof style. Therefore, homeowners who wish to evoke that style and aesthetic will likely prefer this type of roof. The most familiar style is the red terra cotta colored tile, but there are other shades and styles available on the market. Clay is incredibly durable and is not susceptible to rot, insect or fire damage. However, it is incredibly heavy and, despite its strong ability to withstand the aforementioned damage dangers, is also quite fragile as a material, making it vulnerable to breaking or cracking during routine inspection or maintenance.