What Is The Right Roofing Material For My Home
Your choice of
roofing material will affect both the external appearance of
your home and the comfort of your family inside the home. Roofing materials are
important in energy conservation, comfort, and the appearance of your Wisconsin
home. Your choice of material for a re-roofing project or for a new roof on a
home addition should consider several factors.
The first consideration must be the architectural style of your Wisconsin home.
The pitch or angle of the roof might suggest a particular type of roofing
material. The style of your home will also suggest some materials and argue
against others. For example, cedar shakes would look out of place on a southern
colonial home.
The most commonly used roof material is asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles can
work on the roof of many home styles. They are often chosen because they are
less expensive and they are considered the most cost-effective option.
Cedar Shakes are a good option if you are trying to create a “rustic”
look. Like asphalt shingles, cedar shakes can be expected to last up to 30
years. They are made from wood blocks and usually are not of uniform size or
thickness. They are usually pressure-treated to make them fire resistant. They
can be stained or painted to change their appearance.
Concrete tile roofing has become increasingly popular in recent years.
The concrete tiles can look like slate, shake or terra cotta tiles. The concrete
is much more durable and can be effectively used to create a
well-ventilated
roofing system that will help to prevent loss of interior conditioned air.
Several types of metal roofing materials are also available. Metal costs
more than asphalt shingles or cedar shakes, but will last a lifetime with
relatively little maintenance. They will also reduce air conditioning costs if
properly insulated and installed. Tin is still used in many areas of the
country. Copper offers a wonderful antique appearance, but probably is
unaffordable for most people today.
A number of new metal roofing materials are now available that will last a
lifetime, provide the insulating value of a metal roof, but look like other
materials. These roofing materials are shaped into panels, baked to various
colors, and backed with insulating fiberglass or foam in some cases. Some of
these materials are made from recycled materials, making them more
environmentally friendly. Painted aluminum and steel roofing are often made from
recycled drink cans.
To choose the right roofing material for your Wisconsin home, first consider the
architectural style and the type of roofing “look” that is right for the house.
Then evaluate the natural materials and the metal simulations. You should be
able to find a roofing material that matches the style of your home, fits your
budget and provides better insulation for your home. This will make the home
more attractive, more comfortable and more energy-efficient.





