Drive around town and there’s a good chance that most of the houses you pass will have asphalt shingle roofs. These what most of us picture when we think about shingles. But like most things in our world, as technology advances, so do roofing options. You probably have more roofing options than you realize. In order to help you understand your options and what is the best fit for you, we’ll explain the benefits of some of the most popular roofing options.
Along with finding the right roofing materials, it is also important to find a roofing contractor who employs trained professionals, and not just day laborers. Identifying quality materials and quality craftsmanship will help you get the most out of your roof for the life of your home.
Painted Steel Roofing
You’ve probably seen painted steel roofs around. Traditionally, these long metal panels were common on commercial buildings and in rural areas, but they are popping up more and more in residential areas because they can create a streamlined look that fits perfectly with contemporary or modern style homes. As the name suggests, it comes in a large variety of colors, and can be designed with varying textures as well.
Painted steel roofing is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing options around. A professionally installed steel roof can last as long as your home, meaning most people that get a painted steel roof never have to reroof their home again. This long lifespan comes from steel roofing’s ability to survive strong winds, shed snow easily, and repel hail and storm damage. It is also fire, mildew and rot resistant.
Stone-Coated Steel Roofing
If you like the benefits of a steel roof but want a more traditional shingle look then stone-coated steel roofing is for you. You may have seen stone-coated steel shingles around your neighborhood and not even known it because it looks so much like traditional asphalt shingles. This style of roofing takes steel panels that resemble ashphalt shingles in size and shape, and coats them with stone for added durability and a more traditional look. Another advantage of steel roofing, both stone-coated and painted, is that it provides added energy efficiency by reflecting the sun’s heat, unlike asphalt roofs that tend to absorb the heat. Stone-coated steel roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles up front, but because they are so durable and last so long, they are much more cost effective over the life of your home
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingles have been the most popular material for residential roofs for decades. Asphalt shingles provide a clean look and have made strides in durability over the years. The primary benefit of an asphalt roof is that the upfront cost is more affordable than steel roofing and asphalt can last from 10 to 25 years depending on the quality of the material. Asphalt shingles also come in a variety of colors and styles to help you get the look you want. Some people like asphalt shingles because it gives them a chance to change the look of their home every 10 to 25 years, without being locked into a certain look for the life of the home.
One of the drawbacks of asphalt shingles is that they are more susceptible to storm damage. Depending on the intensity of storms and likelihood of hail where you live, opting for asphalt over steel could increase cost. This risk increases even more if the roof isn’t installed by trained professionals.
Installation
No matter which roofing material you choose, make sure you go with a trusted installer than puts those materials to good use! Tri-County has been proudly serving Eastern Iowa for over 20 years and are your local experts in steel roofing. Over our years we have honed the Tri-County process, ensuring that our customer’s projects are done timely and efficiently with the level of white glove service we’d expect for anyone working on our own homes.
We’d love to talk with you about your unique needs for your home. Give us a call or send us a message here.