Reroofing Your Home? 4 Materials to Consider

Posted by Edmonton Homes.ca on Thursday, September 19th, 2019 at 9:12am.

What You Need to Know About Roofing MaterialsMost homeowners go through the experience of reroofing their home at least once. While many people will choose to install the same type of material that was on their home previously, some choose to switch. Knowing the difference between these types of materials can help you decide for yourself what kind of roofing to install. Here's what you need to know.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt is one of the most common types of roofing materials used in Canada. Asphalt shingles are preferred by many homeowners because they're easy to install and repair, a great DIY project, relatively affordable, and they come in a variety of colors.

Asphalt shingles perform well in nearly all types of weather. And, because they're so ubiquitous, most homeowners feel comfortable in their decision to install asphalt shingles. When you're installing asphalt shingles on your home, these tips can help:

  • Check the warranty. Some asphalt shingles are designed to last longer than others, so pay attention to the length of the warranty before selecting a shingle type for you.
  • Select a neutral color. Not all asphalt shingle colors will go with all paint colors, so avoid installing anything that might clash with future siding.

Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes are made from wood. They have a natural texture and pleasing color that changes naturally when exposed to the elements. However, cedar shakes also require maintenance that many other roofing types do not require. Homeowners who want cedar shake roofing should be prepared to take care of their roof by doing the following:

  • Power wash regularly
  • Remove moss periodically
  • Remove debris as needed

The frequency with which the roof must be power washed depends in part on the conditions where the home is located. If moss and lichen are inclined to grow on the roof because the area is shady and moist, the roof will need power washing more frequently.

Debris must be removed as it builds up on the roof because it locks in moisture and can lead the wood to rot. Some homeowners seal their cedar roof, but this is counterproductive. Cedar shakes must be able to "breathe." Cedar shakes that have been sealed may quickly rot.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are the classic roofing material for homes in the desert southwest, but this attractive and unique roofing material is quickly becoming more common in other parts of the country. Clay tiles are designed to withstand high winds, fire, rain and snow.

They're an excellent roofing material in parts of the country where wildfires can occur, and they're also very practical in parts of the country where hurricanes are common. When properly maintained, this durable material can last for generations.

Clay tiles do have their downsides, however. They're very heavy, so a home must be properly reinforced before clay tiles can be installed. Any homeowner who wants to install clay tiles on their house must work with their contractor to ensure that their house will support the weight. In addition, homeowners on a budget may need to install something less expensive.

Metal

Metal roofing is popular among homeowners who prioritize green construction. Most metal roofing is made from recycled material. Metal roofing also comes in a range of colors to match any home where it's installed.

Some homeowners worry that metal roofing will be noisy during rain storms. While this is an understandable concern, metal roofing should be insulated well enough that it will not be much noisier than other forms of roofing. Metal is quickly becoming a practical type of roofing for residential structures.

Work with an Experienced Contractor

If you're a Devon AB homeowner who must reroof your home sometime soon, work with an experienced roofing contractor. A good quality contractor will pull the proper permits and should also have the equipment and knowledge to install the materials properly. Taking proper precautions will help protect your home's value.

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