The Pros and Cons of Different Roofing Materials

Whether you're building a new home or just re-roofing your current one, you have several decisions to make. One of those important decisions involves the type of roofing material you want to use. Above & Beyond Roofing wants to explain some of the pros and cons to different types of roofing materials. Let's take a look at 4 of the most common types of roofing materials that we use for our Lake of the Ozarks roofing projects.

Asphalt Roofs 

Probably the most commonly used type of roofing material is asphalt. Asphalt roofs comprise over 80% of the residential roofing market. Asphalt shingles are easy to work with and are typically very economically priced. Some of the pros and cons of asphalt shingles include:

Pros: 

• Relatively inexpensive 
• Most economical of roofing options
• Plenty of product choices for various styles, color selections and budgets
• Relatively easy to install
• Damage is easily repaired 
• Low maintenance

Cons: 

• Asphalt shingles degrade over time due to sun exposure and the environment
• Basic asphalt shingles are more prone to hail damage 
• Can trap moisture and promote the growth of moss, mildew and algae

Metal Roofs 

While more expensive than asphalt roofing, metal roofs last longer and are more weather resistant. They're available in two different types, either panels or shingles. They can also come in aluminum, copper, stainless steel and zinc. Some of the pros and cons of metal roofing include:

Pros: 

• Offers long lasting durability 
• Lightweight 
• Good at shedding snow and ice
• Fireproof
• More wind resistant than asphalt roofing 
• Some types are made from recycled material and are recyclable
• Has some of the better cool energy efficient roofing characteristic, as the metal reflects radiant heat from the sun, minimizing midday heat gain 

Cons: 

• The look may not be consistent with your home or neighborhood's architectural style
• Needs good corrosion protection
• Steel will rust and is not a good choice in corrosive environments such as coastal locations
• Metal roofs spill water at a faster rate than more textured roofs, so rain gutters need to be sized accordingly to handle the runoff
• Denting is a risk with falling tree limbs, large hail and other debris
• Noisier than other roof types when it rains or storms  
• Known for costing almost 3 times as much as asphalt roofing

Tile Roofs 

Roofing tiles have been in use for centuries internationally, but have become more common in the United States, particularly the Pacific Northwest, over the last 20-25 years. Tile roofs are typically either clay or concrete based. They are another durable option, but they are heavy! Some of the pros and cons of tile roofs include:

Pros: 

• Durable and long lasting 
• Relatively maintenance-free
• Clean look
• Fireproof 
• Offers a range of architectural styles
• Can be used to mimic other types of shingles, like wood or slate
• Good energy efficiency possible, with tiles that have higher reflectance 
• Good insulating value due to the air gap between tiles and the roof decking 
• Many color options available

Cons:

• More expensive than typical asphalt or wood roofs (clay is typically more expensive than concrete) 
• Heavy, so the roof decking and structure need to be engineered to support it
• More fragile than other types of roofing
• More difficult to install than other roofing types
• Color may fade overtime 

Cedar Shake Roofs 

Wood roofing shingles have been around a long time and continue to be a great roofing choice, especially for steeper pitched roofs. Many homeowners love the look of wood shingles. Some of the pros and cons of wooden shingles include:

Pros:

• Visually appealing with nice texture, particularly on steeper roof slopes where more of the roof is visible
• A greener choice, made from sustainable materials and biodegradable once used up
• Generally cooler than other types of roofs that are generally darker in color
• Resistant to severe storms, including strong winds, hurricanes, heavy rains, hail storms, snowstorms, etc. 

Cons: 

• Not fireproof and not a good roof choice in fire-prone areas
• Subject to rot and decay overtime, unless treated periodically with preservative and fungicide
• Weathers to a dull gray appearance
• Requires more maintenance than other roof types, such as keeping clean and removing debris that can retain moisture, promoting decay
• More expensive and more costly to install than other common roofing materials

If you're thinking of starting a roofing project at the Lake of the Ozarks, give us a call at 573-302-0354. We are your locally owned residential and commercial roofing specialist. No matter what type of roofing material you're thinking about, we can help you make the right decision for your brand new roof. Don't need a completely new roof? We also offer roof repairs and free roof inspections at the Lake of the Ozarks!

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"If it needs a roof we can do it ...
from the dog house to your house!"

CALL 573-302-0354 or 573-280-7159

1212 Spring Valley Rd
Osage Beach, MO 65065
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