Home Garden

What Kind of Roof Tile Goes With an American Colonial Home?

The American Colonial home design style was developed during the early 1700s in the United States. Though several variations of the classic design evolved over the years, the original design known as First Period British is typically a two-story home with long steep roofs flanked by chimneys on each end. There are several types of roofing material that fit well with the rustic, old-world design of these homes.
  1. Wood

    • The classic choice for Colonial American homeowners is a wood shingle roof, because it represents the style used to build the original Colonials 300 years ago. A wooden roof tends to blend best with the landscape and becomes brown and weathered after a few years of exposure to the elements. The only downside to wooden shingles is that they are not as durable as other materials and tend to crack and wear out after 20 to 25 years, though some treated shingles can last up to 50 years. Wood shingles are also not fire resistant and can be a hazard in areas such as Southern California that are prone to wildfires.

    Asphalt

    • Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular choices for residential roofs, including those on Colonial homes. Asphalt is popular because it's relatively inexpensive, fire resistant, and able to weather high winds and harsh weather. It also provides a more textured look to a roof that blends in with its surroundings. According to website houselogic.com, roofs made of asphalt shingles are good for about 20 years before they need to be replaced.

    Slate

    • Like wooden shingles, slate shingles provide a classic, old-world look that fits well with the style of Colonial homes. Because they are hung from nails and not glued down, they shed water quickly and are a good match for steep roofs. Slate roofs are also more durable than wood, fire-resistant and can last for decades. The one drawback is they are more expensive, typically costing twice as much as wood or asphalt. They are also heavier than wood and asphalt and the roof structure must be able to support the heavier weight.

    Concrete

    • Shingles made of concrete are another durable roofing option. In addition to their durability, the advantage of concrete roofs is that the shingles can be crafted to emulate the look of wood or slate, providing homes with that sought-after rustic look without the fire and weight issues associated with wood and slate. Roofs made of concrete will typically be more expensive than wood or asphalt but also provide a longer lifespan.