Types of Roofing
Are you considering buying or building a home in South Carolina? One of the biggest things to look at is the roof. You want a good roof over your head, and I will help you find one! But understanding the types of materials used in building your new home can make a major difference in appeal, versatility, maintenance, and cost to you! Here are some of the basics:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common kind of roofing used today. This roofing material is durable and affordable. Asphalt shingles come in different thicknesses, and have different rankings. The most common types are 20 year, 30 year, 40 year, or 50 year shingles. The longer-lasting shingles are a greener choice, because there is less waste produced over time. Least common is 50 year shingles, which tend to cost three to four times as much as a typical 20 year shingle.
There are two basic types of asphalt shingles: three tab and architectural or dimensional. A dimensional shingle has a lot of color variation, and looks more like a hand-applied individual shingle than a strip shingle.
Cedar Shakes
Clay Tile Shingles
Clay tile shingles were common at one point in warmer climates like Florida and California. I have not seen many tile roofs in Anderson but I have seen them. A clay tile roof can be overlapping or interlocking, and has a lot of fireproof and durability qualities. They don't absorb the sun's heat as much as other types of roofing. However, a tile roof is not as suitable for a climate in the frost zone - they are prone to breaking, and water damage can also occur. Clay tile has also become more expensive.
Concrete Roofing Tiles
Concrete is very flexible, that is, before it dries! A concrete roofing tile can be shaped to look like late, wood, or clay. They last a long time and are good at reducing heat build up. They do require specialized application, and are more expensive than shingles, but can be another option for a different look.
Slate Roof Tiles
Slate is a natural stone product, which must be mined and shaped into shingles. They are often seen in black, gray, red, purple, and green colors. Slate has a lifespan of 100 or more years with proper application - however, cost for a slate roof can be 10 to 12 times that of a 20 year asphalt roof.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing can be more expensive than asphalt, and because it is not as commonly used, labor costs can be higher as well. It is gaining in popularity in the Upstate. Metal roofs are low maintenance, durable, and highly resistant to fire. Metal roofs can be a great green building option since most metal roofs have at least some recycled material, and aluminum roofs can be 100% recycled.