Types of Roofing Materials
There is a variety of choices to make when it comes to choosing the roofing material that is right for you. This depends on the weather conditions in your area, your taste, your roof and your budget.
Let's discuss each roofing material and consider the benefits and weaknesses of each one.
Asphalt Shingles
These are the most common roofing materials. It’s a roof system made primarily out of asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components.
They are made from a mixture of asphalt and fiberglass and are covered with a granular surface.
The granules increase the surface area of the shingles, helping the resist the sun’s UV rays and keep the roof cooler. They also help protect against mold and algae.
At Austin Roofing Company, we have every type of asphalt shingle available. Whether your needs are functional or architectural, our contractors can outfit you with the best asphalt roof available.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
There are a few types of asphalt shingles:
3-Tab Shingles
3-Tab Asphalt Shingles are light and easy to install which makes them the most affordable type of shingles.
Architectural Shingles
Also called laminated shingles or dimensional shingles,
Luxury Shingles
Often marketed as “premium shingles,” “designer shingles,” or “specialty shingles.”
Pros
Cost-Effective: Asphalt shingles are a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking for a reliable and economical roofing solution.
Versatility: Available in a plethora of colors and styles, allowing you to choose a design that complements your home’s aesthetic.
Easy Installation: Quick and straightforward installation process.
Recyclability: You can also recycle asphalt roofing shingles. They are
used in new products or materials, which can help to reduce waste and make them more environmentally friendly.
Fire resistance: Many styles are treated with fire-resistant chemicals to help reduce the spread of fire on the roof.
High wind resistance: You don’t have to live in the East Texas area for long to understand that winds are a factor you should consider when installing or replacing a roof. Typically, asphalt roofs can withstand 110-130 miles per hour winds.
High winds can not only remove shingles completely but can cause shingles to shift making your home vulnerable to water damage. Selecting the right asphalt shingle for the high winds in your area is our specialty.
Sound protection: This might not be top on your priority list but asphalt shingles provide a surprising amount of protection from outside noise. Depending on where your home is located, noise control may be something to reconsider. Compared to a metal roof, an asphalt shingle roof is remarkably more quiet.
Cons
Limited Lifespan: Generally has a shorter lifespan compared to premium materials.
Only work with certain roofs: Asphalt shingles are meant for steep-sloped roofs and are not suited for flat or low-sloped roofs.
for more information about asphalt shingles press this link.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are durable, lightweight, and can last a long time. They come in various materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper. Metal roofs can be more expensive upfront but offer longevity and energy efficiency.
For more information about metal roofing please press the link.
Pros
Longevity: Metal roofs are renowned for their durability and longevity, often outlasting traditional roofing materials.
Energy Efficiency: Reflective coatings on metal roofs can contribute to energy efficiency, reducing your cooling costs.
Modern Aesthetics: Bring a touch of modern sophistication to your home with the sleek appearance of metal roofing.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep over its long life.
Cons
Higher Initial Cost: Initial investment is higher than asphalt.
Potential Denting: Vulnerable to dents from heavy hail or branches.
Clay Tiles
Natural clay is the main ingredient of clay roof tiles. The clays are molded at high temperatures to form tiles. The durability and density of the clay roof tiles depend on the duration they are heated. The high temperature helps to maintain the color of the tiles, and they do not fade. Find more information in this link.
Pros
Durability: Clay tile roofs can withstand threats such as fire, wind, sun, snow, and hail.
Insulation: Clay tiles can keep your home cool during hot weather and warm during cold weather.
Longevity: Clay tile roofs generally last 100 or more years with proper installation and maintenance.
Cons
Brittle: Although tile roofs are resistant to high winds, fire, and hail, individual tiles are brittle and break easily during the installation process.
Cost: Clay Tiles can cost three to four times more than asphalt shingles.
Weight: Clay tile roofs are heavy; the roof’s structure needs to be assessed and possibly reinforced before installing a clay roof.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete Tiles are made from a mixture of sand, cement, and water in the required proportions and then molded into tiles on high heat and pressure. The finished surface of the tiles can be painted or kept as it is.
Clay or Concrete Tiles are durable, fire-resistant, and available in a range of styles, these tiles are elegant and perfect for those who appreciate sophistication.
Pros
Fire Resistance: Concrete tiles carry the highest (Class A) fire rating, reflecting their non-combustible nature.
Longevity: Installed correctly, concrete roof tiles should be expected to last a very long time.
Low Maintenance: Concrete tiles score very high on the durability index. This means that they are relatively easy to maintain, without the need for any intensive program of upkeep or application of protective treatments.
Versatile Styles: Available in a variety of styles, allowing you to achieve a timeless and elegant look.
Cons
Weight: One downside of concrete roof tiles is their sheer weight. When compared to lighter roofing materials such as asphalt composition shingles, wood shingles, or metal, concrete roof tiles are significantly heavier.
Costly Installation: Installation can be complex and costly.
Synthetic Shingles
Synthetic Ceder Shake Roofing Shingles
As technology grows and gets better, the roofing industry is developing new materials. One of these roofing materials is synthetic shingles. Synthetic shingles are made to look exactly like slate (or cedar shake) and are growing more popular by the day.
Pros
Low Maintenance: These materials often require less maintenance than their natural counterparts, providing a hassle-free roofing solution.
Versatility: Mimic the appearance of other materials while offering practical benefits.
eco-friendly: Synthetic shingles are actually made of recycled materials (rubber and plastic).
long-lasting and durable: Because Synthetic shingles are made of recycled plastic and rubber, you can hit them with a hammer, and they bounce back. You also don’t have to worry about cracking them like real slate and cedar shakes when walking on the roof.
Cons
Cost: A Synthetic roof will cost more than the most expansive asphalt shingle roof. So, it won’t be the right roof for you if you’re looking for affordability.
However, you’ll be able to afford a composite shingle roof if you’re seriously considering a slate or cedar shake roof.
Appearance: Some homeowners may prefer the authenticity of natural materials.
Slate Roof Tiles
Slate roof tiles are a natural roofing product made of hard rock known as metamorphic rock.
Natural slate roof tiles are sourced from a variety of slate quarries across the world.
Some slate roof installations use a consistent tile color across the entire roof, while others combine slate from various sources to create beautifully blended roof colors and textures.
Pros
Appearance: Slate is most revered for its beauty. It gives any home a classy, timeless look.
Longevity: A well-built and properly maintained slate roof will last for over a hundred years. Slate roofs are among the strongest in terms of natural stone roofing materials.
low Maintenance – A naturally occurring product with a lifespan of 100 years is clearly pretty self-sustaining. The high density of slate makes it waterproof, meaning that it will not absorb water. Slate is completely non-combustible and will protect your home in the event of a fire.
Cons
High Cost: One of the most expensive roofing options.
Fragility: While slate can withstand Mother Nature for a hundred years, it can’t hold up to focused, downward pressure like a foot step. And if one does get cracked.
Weight: not all homes have the structural support necessary to take the weight of a slate roof, and often additional reinforcement needs to be installed.
Installation: The key to the slate’s longevity is proper installation. Slate requires a specialized roofing system and installing it correctly does require some proper training and experience.
If you have any questions our professional team at Austin Roofing Company will be happy to assist you in making the right decision.
FAQ
What are the most suitable shingles for the climate in Austin Texas?
choosing the right type of shingles is beneficial for your wallet and your home investment. Here are the best types of shingles to get for the Texas homeowner.
Asphalt
The two types of asphalt shingles are organic and fiberglass. Although both materials are different, they both go through the same manufacturing process.
Fiberglass tends to be the preferred option by customers due to its easy accessibility, quick installation time, and longevity. If properly installed, an asphalt roof can last up to twenty years.
Metal
Texas residents have experienced large hail and damaging winds in recent years, making a metal roof the best option for homeowners. Aluminum or copper are the two metal choices for this type of roof.
Metal is a durable material, and it absorbs sunlight and heat. A Metal Roof helps regulate the temperature of the home making it a great investment for your home.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are another option recommended for Texan homeowners. A drawback of concrete tiles is that they are heavy and pose a problem during installation as not many homes are equipped to handle the weight.
Concrete tiles take a bit of time to heat up, but they cool down quickly. They essentially help keep the home cool which always helps produce lower utility costs. Another low-maintenance and durable option, concrete tiles are great at withstanding severe weather and extreme heat.
Slate
The highest quality material and the most expensive. Slate is considered a quarried stone meaning it’s a natural, environmentally friendly material that is extracted from a quarry.
Because slate derives from rock, it can be heavy on the roof just like the tile option. It is important to consult a roofing expert to see if your home can withstand the weight.
How does Austin's weather affect the lifespan of roofing materials?
Different Roof Types, Different Lifespans. Standing seam metal roofing, for example, should last 40 years or more with occasional maintenance. Tile roofing should last 40 years or more, although it is typically necessary to replace the underlayment after 25 to 30 years.
According to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), the typical lifetime of an asphalt shingle roof is 20 years, and the average lifetime of a roof on an Austin, TX home is 18 to 20 years.
What are the roofing materials suitable for handling occasional hailstorms in Austin?
Synthetic roofing (EPDM and other similar types) is technically the most hail-resistant type of roof. Hail essentially just bounces off the rubber. However, other types of roofs have a wider variety of advantages. For example, asphalt shingles are beautiful, durable, and affordable. You can also find more hail-resistant asphalt shingles.
Are concrete tiles prone to fading under the intense Texas sun?
Concrete tiles are designed to resist fading and maintain their color over time, making them a reliable choice for Austin’s sunny climate.
What is the lifespan of each roofing material?
- Asphalt Roofs (Architectural): 30 years
- Standard Asphalt Shingle Roofs (3-tab): 20 years
- Clay/Concrete Roofs: 100+ years
- Copper Roofs: 70+ years
- Metal Roofs: 40 to 80 years
- Slate Roofs: 60 to 150 years
- Wooden Roofs: 25 years
ARE ASPHALT SHINGLES THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR AUSTIN HOME?
Asphalt shingles aren’t just popular in Austin, Round Rock and Ceder Park, they’re the number one choice across America when homeowners need a residential roofing replacement. Because asphalt shingles have long been in demand, manufacturers have refined the asphalt shingle to meet the needs of the modern-day homeowner.
Asphalt shingles can be used to cover all shapes, sizes and varieties of roofs. Whether you have a gabled roof or a mansard roof or anything in between, asphalt shingle roofing is a flexible option. There is a recommended minimum slope requirement to install asphalt shingles but the majority of homes in the United States meet that requirement.
