When it comes to roofs, there are a lot of choices. But which one is the best? It depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular roofing materials to help you decide.
Asphalt shingles
Roofing in Ontario is often done using asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are made of paper or fiberglass that is then covered with a thin layer of asphalt and embedded with small granules, which serve the purpose of reflecting UV rays away from the roof, thereby reducing sunlight damage. Being relatively lightweight, durable, and cost-efficient, they are a common choice among homeowners.
Wood shingles and shakes
Roofing in Ontario often involves wood shingles and shakes. Wood shingles are flat, rectangular-shaped pieces usually made from cedar and cut from blocks. Shakes are similar but thicker and irregularly shaped, created when the block is split into two pieces by hand along the grain of the wood. Traditionally these materials were used in residential construction because they tend to be both cost-effective and long-lasting. Comparatively speaking, high-quality wood shingles last up to 25 years while good-quality shakes have a life span of 40 years or longer. Roofs constructed with these materials require maintenance over time to retain their colour, strength, and weather-resistant properties for maximum longevity.
Metal roofing
Roofing in Ontario has become increasingly diverse over the years, with more and more homeowners opting for metal roofing. Metal roofing is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also offers significant durability while being extremely lightweight. In addition to its excellent longevity and low maintenance, metal roofing offer superior energy-saving capabilities, as it can reflect heat away from your home on even the hottest of days. While some common misconceptions exist about metal roofs being noisier than other types of roofing systems, advancements in manufacturing technology have virtually eliminated this problem. With all these benefits combined, it’s easy to see why metal roofing is becoming a popular choice for Roofing in Ontario!
Slate
Roofing in Ontario is made easy by the use of slate, a fine-grained metamorphic rock that has long been prized for its beauty and durability. Its non-porous surface and lightweight nature make it an ideal material for roofing, allowing one to sustain heavy rains, sleet, hail, snow, and other extreme weather conditions.
Tile
Roofing in Ontario has been getting a lot of attention lately, thanks to the potential heat savings from choosing tile. On hot summer days, a tile roof will stay significantly cooler than an asphalt or natural wood shingle roof, which helps to keep a home’s cooling costs down. When properly installed and maintained, a tile roof should provide decades of dependable performance and superior protection against the elements.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America and can last 20-30 years. Wood shingles and shakes offer a more traditional look for your home but require more maintenance than other types of roofing. Metal roofing is fire resistant and can also last 20-30 years with proper care. Slate, tile, and solar shingles all have a longer lifespan than asphalt or wood shingles but may be cost-prohibitive for some homeowners.
If you’re not sure which type of roof is right for your home, contact us today and we’ll help you find the perfect solution.
