Posted on October 7, 2021 by Phillip Camerer

From the cost of insulation to the durability of the materials, there are a lot of decisions to be made when looking into repairing or building a new roof. Whether it is roofing shingles or metal, each one has its own style, advantages, and disadvantages. It’s also important to note that certain materials would be best depending on the climate as some materials have special properties like fire resistance or load-bearing for regions with lots of snowfall.

What Kinds of Shingles are Available?

The most popular choice for roofing material is shingles as they fit most roof styles. The cost of roofing shingles is cheaper to install than a metal roof but they require more maintenance depending on the climate. There are also multiple types of shingles such as:

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt type of shingles which typically lasts 15-30 years is the most popular option. They have good fire resistance and have pretty fair wind resistance. They are not very durable but most types of asphalt shingles are moderately inexpensive.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles typically last 15-25 years and due to being made from natural materials, wooden shingles have a short lifespan and require routine maintenance to help keep your roof looking like new. They have good resistance to the wind but poor fire resistance and are moderately affordable. Keep in mind that as the wooden shingles age they weather to a silver-grey which is a unique feature of wooden shingles!

What Kinds of Roofing Tiles are Available?

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles which typically last 50+ years are usually used for an Italian/Spanish style of roof. They are long-lasting and low maintenance but are brittle and easy to break. They have excellent resistance to fire but have low wind resistance and are the more expensive choice compared to other types of shingles. Clay tiles do require reinforced framing for support due to the weight of the shingles which also increases the cost.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles which typically lasts 50+ years, are long-lasting and low maintenance but can easily break. They have excellent resistance to fire but have low wind resistance and are moderately affordable. Concrete tiles also do require reinforced framing for support due to the weight of the tiles. Concrete tiles can even resemble clay tiles, wood shingles, or slate and are available in a variety of colors!

What Kind of Roofing Material Should I Put on My Commercial Building?

Shingles are not recommended for buildings with a flat roof. Instead of shingles or metal, a better option is a modified bitumen or even a green roof. The green roof not only helps to provide insulation but also helps reduce stormwater runoff on top of being eco-friendly!

Metal Roofing

The metal roof style has seen a rise in popularity over the last few years. While the cost of metal roofing is more expensive compared to the cost of roofing shingles, a metal roof will last 50+ years with proper installation and maintenance. Not only are they able to withstand wind and hail damage, but they can also reduce the amount of heat absorbed due to a UV coating to reflect the sunlight. A beneficial feature of a metal roof is that it can be added over an existing shingle roof or be cut to size for odd-shaped buildings! The wide color selection is another benefit of a metal roof as well as the types of materials which a roof can be made out of such as steel, copper, or aluminum.
While a metal roof doesn’t require as much attention as a shingled roof, it is still recommended for a biannual inspection to preserve the lifespan of your roof. If you need an inspection or have any questions, give Phillip Camerer Roofing a call today! Interested in other types of roofing choices? Check out our website for more details on the different types of materials we have used for our clients!