When it’s time to replace your roofing system, you’ll find so many material options to choose from. The material that’s most ideal for your roofing project will depend on the slope of the roof, local building codes as well as the style of the home you’re building. We’ll go over the most common roofing materials used in residential buildings.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles can be made of organic or non-organic (fiberglass) components. Unlike the non-organic shingles, which are produced using fiberglass, the organic shingles are made using recycled paper and wood fibres then saturated with asphalt. They also have a mineral coating which helps to prevent weathering. Fiberglass shingles offer a lot more flexibility and strength compared to their organic counterpart. The main advantage of asphalt shingles is that they come in a wide range of colours and can last 20 to 30 years. A specialty type of asphalt shingles, which is known as dimensional shingles, can last up to 40 years.
Wood shingles and shakes
Roofing shingles can also be made from a special type of wood species known as Western red cedar. This type of wood is highly resistant to decay and is often used on the siding and roofing. It comes in different grades depending on its resistance to decay. Wood shakes, on the other hand, are sawn or split by hand and have a more natural and textured look. Shakes are also made from cedar but they are separated by weight.
Metal roofing
Metal roofing now comes in a wide range of colours, shapes, and styles. The most commonly used metals for roofing shingles include aluminium, copper and stainless steel. Unlike concrete, metal roofing is lightweight and is less likely to crack or split over time. It can last for more than 50 years and is suitable for both steep and flat roofs.
Slate roofing
One of the most highly used roofing materials in the region is slate. It’s an extremely durable material that is known to last more than 100 years. Since slate is very heavy, the building should be able to handle the extra weight. It can be difficult to install a slate roofing system due to this weight. Even though the hard rock is split into thin slabs, the professional roofers Mississauga will need to use special tools and have the skill to install this material properly.
