If your current roof features asphalt shingles that are in need of repair or replacement, it may be time to take a look at a variety of new materials. While slate and tile roofs can be quite heavy and may require that you reinforce your roof, there are products that can look like slate or tile without adding all that weight.
Check your Roof or Attic Ventilation
Heat builds up under every roof, but a poorly ventilated attic will capture even more heat. This means that asphalt shingles, which will break down over time due to heat and UV exposure, will break down even faster. Additionally, asphalt shingles are not effective as an insulating material.
If your asphalt shingles are showing signs of wear or have shed all their gravel, it may be time to upgrade your ventilation to keep your shingles from heat damage from above and below.
Consider Metal Roofing
You’ve probably seen metal roofing on commercial or industrial buildings. Modern metal roofing offers a lot more style and a great deal of flexibility. You can get metal roofing panels that look like slate tile or shake roofing. These panels are quite lightweight and offer fire resistance that other products simply can’t match.
Metal roofs still need to be ventilated. It may also be necessary to bump up the insulation in your roof or attic. Your metal roof will take the pressure off of your home, but metal panels can transmit sound quite effectively. Heavy rain on a metal surface may be quite loud without proper insulation.
Slate or Tile
Both slate and tile roofs are a California staple. If you choose to add a slate or tile roof, be prepared for some additional carpentry. While these roofs are much easier to maintain and more likely to last, they are quite heavy. Your roof decking may need to be enhanced to maintain the weight of these materials. That being said, a slate roof can last for a century, so maintenance worries will not trouble you!
Wood
While a slate or tile roof will add weight to your home, it will also reduce your risk of fire. Wooden or shake roofing materials will increase your risk of devastating loss in the event of a fire. While wooden or shake shingles can be quite rustic and beautiful, they are not allowed by some HOAs or insurance companies.
Regular roof inspections are a good choice for homeowners, especially if your asphalt shingles are nearing the end of their lives. If you have noticed that the corners of the shingles on your Norman, OK home are showing some wear and tear, reach out to Washita Roofing & Construction to schedule roof replacement services.