Roofing Solutions

Asphalt Shingles

• Asphalt shingle roofs remain one of the more popular roofing solutions for pitched roofs thanks to their low cost. The shingles come in various colors, giving you plenty of choices to match your home’s paint color. You can also choose shingles made from fiberglass rather than asphalt. If you live in an area with high wind and heavy rain, fiberglass shingles do not work as well as asphalt shingles.

Wood Shingles

• Wood shingles, typically made of cedar because of its durability, give you more shingling options for pitched roofs. While more costly than asphalt shingles, cedar shingles rarely rot or decay, making them ideal if you live in an area with lots of humidity or rain. The shingles, available in different sizes, come in a tapered look, or you can buy hand-sewn shingles.

Slate or Clay

• One of the most expensive types of roofing solutions for pitched roofs is slate. Slate roofs are heavy and durable, often lasting for hundreds of years when properly installed. Clay roofs offer another expensive roofing option, although they're a bit cheaper than slate. Clay roofs do not experience weathering, nor do they get moldy or burn, making them ideal in almost any kind of climate. Some of the clay roofing material resembles wood shakes, making the material even more appealing to homeowners who prefer the look of wood. In addition, the clay shakes that look like wood do not fade or discolor like real wood shakes do.

Metal Roofs

• One of the least expensive roofing methods includes metal roofs. Metal roofs work on both pitched and flat roof homes. Metal roofs require minimum maintenance during the life of the roof. Made of galvanized steel, today’s metal roofs come in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to choose one that matches the color and style of your home. The two types of metal roofing include structural roofing used on low-slope roofs and non-structural roofing, also known as architectural roofing, that helps shed water more quickly and works best on steeper roofs.

Tar and Gravel

• Tar and gravel roofing solutions offer a budget-friendly way to make a flat roof weatherproof. The process involves laying several layers of hot tar alternated with sheets of waterproof material. The final step requires adding a layer of gravel to the roof. The gravel gives the roof added protection from fire, but the smell that permeates your home after applying the tar makes it a real negative.