Residential Roofing Columbus GA is designed to match the architectural style of a home, suit its climate, and comply with local building codes. It also needs to be durable and easy to maintain.
It’s not uncommon for a single crew to tear off and install roofs on two houses per day. Depending on a homeowner’s preference, there are several different types of residential roofing to choose from.
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and provide good protection from rain. They also come in a wide range of colors, so they can blend well with almost any home’s aesthetic.
An asphalt shingle is made from a fiberglass or paper mat that is covered with a layer of asphalt and granules. The granules increase the surface area of the shingle and help it resist damage from the sun’s UV rays, keep the roof cooler, and protect against moss and algae growth. Asphalt shingles are designed to last for about 25 years, but their lifespan can be decreased by a lack of regular maintenance and the buildup of debris on the roof.
There are two basic design styles for asphalt shingles: the old standby three-tab strip shingle and the more textural architectural (also known as dimensional) shingle. Three-tab shingles have a simple flat style and use less material, which reduces their cost and installation time but does not add much visual interest to the roof. Architectural shingles, on the other hand, are laminated and create a more varied and textural effect on a roof. They are also thicker and add more resistance to water penetration.
Most roofing contractors recommend installing architectural shingles on sloped roofs, while strip shingles are more commonly used on flat or low-sloped roofs. Both types of shingles can be installed with a variety of attachment methods, including heat-activated adhesive or “self-sealing strips” and nailing them in place using standard roofing nails.
The protective qualities of an asphalt shingle come from long-chain hydrocarbons that are impregnated in the paper. Over time, in the hot sun, these hydrocarbons soften and are gradually washed away by rain, with more rapid loss along eaves and complex rooflines. This can lead to shingle wear, leaks, and the exposure of the nail heads underneath the shingles. Over time, severe shrinkage can tear the shingle flaps apart entirely. This is why it’s important to use high-quality materials for your residential roof.
Metal
Whether on a new construction project or replacing an asphalt shingle roof, residential metal roofing has gained popularity. It has a sleek, modern appearance and can last twice as long as traditional shingles.
Metal roof panels are durable, lightweight, and highly insulated. They can withstand high winds, heavy snowfall, and hailstorms. They can also save money on energy bills during peak hot-weather months and provide resale value for the home.
The type of metal roof you choose will determine its lifespan and cost, but most last 30 to 50 years when properly installed. Some metals, like copper, can even last up to 100 years. They also require little maintenance and are fire-resistant. They also reflect solar radiant heat, reducing cooling costs and making the roof a smart investment for homeowners.
Most metal roofing today uses concealed fastener steel panels and is coated in a fade-resistant color. The panels are available in a wide array of colors and can add a dramatic architectural statement to the home or effortlessly blend into a neighborhood. They can be used on both gable and hip roofs, as well as flat, shed, or tin-style roofs.
There are several types of metal roofing, but steel is the most common and a good choice for any climate. Bare steel is prone to rust but can be galvanized and painted to increase longevity. It is also the most economical option. Aluminum is another popular metal roofing material, and it can be found in both modular panel and standing seam options. It is a good choice for coastal climates because it is rustproof and resists saltwater corrosion. It can dent easily, however, and is not recommended for areas that experience frequent hail storms.
Galvalume is a newer metal roofing option that can withstand the elements, including high heat and UV radiation. It is a blend of zinc, aluminum, and silicon. It can withstand both rust and corrosion, but it can interact with certain chemicals, such as bleach, ammonia, and sulfuric acid. It is not recommended for homes that use a combination of copper, lead, tin, or treated lumber.
Tile
Tile roofing is an attractive choice for residential structures and offers a number of perks. These include the ability to resist harsh weather, a lifespan of decades or centuries, and an aesthetic that adds to curb appeal. However, it is important to know that this type of roofing has a different process for installation than asphalt shingles and can cost more.
Tile roofs are made of clay or concrete and can be molded into various shapes and colors to match the look of your home. They can even be printed to mimic a shake, wood shingle, or slate roof appearance. These roofs are also fire-resistant and can withstand wind speeds of up to 150 mph. They are a great alternative to wood shingles, which tend to rot, or asphalt shingles, which are easily damaged by hailstorms and other harsh weather conditions.
The longevity of a tile roof makes it one of the most affordable long-term roofing options. They can last for hundreds of years and require little maintenance or repair. The durability of a tile roof also cuts down on energy costs, as it is a good insulator and can keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Another benefit of a tile roof is that it is pest-resistant and does not attract insects. It is also environmentally friendly, as it does not deplete limited natural resources and can be recycled as a road base material. In addition, tile roofs do not need preservatives, and they are impervious to fire.
One of the main disadvantages of a tile roof is that it can be difficult to install, and it may not be as easy to work with as other types of roofing materials. However, this is a small price to pay for the beauty, longevity, and resale value of a home with a tile roof. If you are interested in getting a tile roof for your home, you should contact a professional roofing contractor who is licensed and insured. They will be able to give you an estimate for the cost and the timeline of the installation.
Wood Shake
Wood shakes offer a natural, rustic appearance that enhances the beauty of classic and historic homes. They are typically crafted from cedar, spruce, redwood, or cypress, and they can be hand-split or machine-cut to create tapered shingles or an untapered look. They are often treated to make them resistant to the elements, which helps to extend their lifespan and help them resist moisture, rot, and mold growth. Their tendency to swell when wet provides some benefit because it tightens your roof during wet weather, but it can also allow for the accumulation of moisture on the underside of the shakes and lead to warping or rot over time.
A major drawback of this roofing material is its vulnerability to pests, especially ants and termites. It is also not fire-resistant, which means that if your home is located in an area prone to wildfires, you may need to pay higher insurance rates due to the risk of your home burning down. Additionally, as wood ages, it begins to decay and can harbor mold and mildew, which can also compromise the integrity of your roof.
Cedar shake shingles have good durability and can last up to 60 years, assuming there are no severe weather damages throughout their lifespan. They are ideal for homeowners who live in warm, sunny climates because they tend to be more resistant to UV damage than other roofing materials.
As this roofing option is a natural product, it offers an eco-friendly alternative to other materials. However, it can be more expensive than asphalt shingles or metal roofing, and it is also susceptible to weathering and cracking. If you choose a wood shake roof, be prepared for the color to change from the original golden hue to a brown-grey over time and have your roof regularly inspected by a professional.
Some homeowners don’t mind the faded look that a wood shake roof develops over time, but this could be a major turnoff for some property owners. Moreover, cracked shakes are more liable to leak than other types of roofing materials, making them an even greater liability for homeowners.
