A Quick Guide to Different Roofing Materials

A Quick Guide to Different Roofing Materials

For people in Herndon and Northern Virginia, the roof is one of the most important parts of a home. The roof protects the house's occupants from different elements ranging from freezing snow to blazing sunlight. A roof can be made of various materials, depending on your personal preferences. If you don't know which material to use as roofing, here is a quick look at the roofing materials you can choose from.

Wood is one of the materials first used as roofing for homes. Today, there are still a lot of homes that have roofs made of wood shakes because many people like the classic look that wood roofs provide. Wooden shakes are aesthetically pleasing, but they're not easy to install and maintain. Wooden roofs can survive up to 25 years if maintained properly.

Concrete and tile roofing can last twice as long as wooden shakes and is available in more shapes and patterns. Unfortunately, concrete and tile roofs can be also twice as heavy, making them suitable only for roofs that have gentle slopes. If used on roofs with very deep slopes, the tiles must be firmly secured using brackets or nails to prevent them from falling off. Wide roof areas also need stronger internal support to hold the roofing's sheer weight.

Metal roofing can be made of aluminum or steel. These roofs are highly resistant against cracking and are very affordable compared to tile and wood roofing. They are also available in a wider range of patterns and styles, ranging from small metal tiles to corrugated metal sheets. Furthermore, metal roofing is lightweight, making it suitable for most Northern Virginia roof designs.

Considered by many as high-end Herndon roofing material, slate combines the eco-friendly characteristics of wooden shakes, the cosmetic appeal of ceramic and concrete tiles, and the durability of metal roofing. Slate is obtained by cutting away pieces of stone. Unlike concrete, which crumbles easily, slate tiles are solid and are highly resistant to damage. Slate is also the heaviest roofing material available, so they are rarely used on steep roof designs.

If you think you need professional advice, you can ask Herndon and Northern Virginia roof experts for insights regarding each type of roofing. These experts can make roof recommendations based on the structure of your house, the weather in your area, and your available budget.

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