THE MOST POPULAR ROOFING MATERIALS

TOP ROOFING MATERIALS

• Shingle roofs. Shingles have long held the top pick of roofing materials. However, this number is slowly shrinking as better roofing materials such as metal roofs and solar panel roofs are gaining traction. Asphalt (composite) materials are popular for one reason: they traditionally have been the most affordable option for the longevity sought for most homeowners. Shingle roofs offer good protection against fire and the elements. They can last up to 30 years, although cheaper asphalt shingles only last on average about 10 years. They come in a large variety of colors and styles to suit most homeowners tastes. Shingle roofs are also one of the few roofing materials DIY can install. However, shingle roofs are not recyclable, ending up in landfills. Mold and algae can grow on shingles with the right conditions, and asphalt shingles are more likely to crack and come loose in a strong storm than other roofing materials.
• Wood shingles. A tried-and-true roofing material, wood has been used for thousands of years to protect homes. Wood shingles are beautiful, rustic, and can last up to a decade longer than their asphalt shingle counterparts. Wood is 100 percent recyclable, a lot of wood shingles are made from fallen and/or dead trees from the get-go. Being extremely malleable, wood shingles can be formed to fit any architectural style, including Tudor, Victorian, Cape Cod, bungalow, and the more traditional mountain cabin or cozy cottage. However, repairing or replacing your wood roof shingles can be expensive. Wood is often banned from homes in fire-prone areas, such as the mountains. Wood shakes and shingles are higher on the maintenance side than other roofing materials. Wood shingles must be kept clean and free of debris to prevent algae and moss growth.
• Metal roofing. Metal roofing, previously only installed on unimportant barns and sheds, is seeing a huge uptick in popularity due to their durability, longevity, and environmental-friendliness. Metal roofing, while still manufactured in rolls, are now manufactured in panels as well that can be painted and coated with granules to mimic traditional asphalt shingles, but have the strength of metal roofing. Metal roofing comes in a variety of styles and colors, with aluminum, steel, and zinc the most popular. Copper, while insanely beautiful, is the most costly roofing material. Metal roofing lasts a lifetime, up to and over 100 years with manufacturers offering warranties between 30 and 50 years. Metal roofing is fire-resistant and reflects heat, affording lower cooling bills in the summer. One of the most eco-friendly roofing materials, most metal roofs are made of recycled metal and metal roofing is 100 percent recyclable at the end of its lifespan. Snow slides much easier off metal roofing, helping to prevent the formation of dangerous ice dams in the winter, which can cause leaks in your roofing material. Metal roofing is lightweight and looks impeccable on most homes and businesses. However, metal roofing is more costly to install, but will save you money over the lifetime of your home, and replacing metal roofing panels is a bit more costly than asphalt roofing shingles.
• Solar shingles. Solar shingles have only been available since 2005; however, they are making headway in the new trend to leave as little carbon footprint behind as you can. Solar panel roofs can supply 100 percent of your home’s energy needs and may even have extra to sell back to the power grid. Top Source Contracting installs POWERHOUSE™ 3.0 Solar Shingles to capture the sun’s rays and convert them into energy for your home, office, and business needs. Solar roof panels blend seamlessly into your existing roofing material and adding to the aesthetics of your home, office or business. Taking no more time to install than a traditional roof replacement, solar roof shingles are environmentally friendly, long-lasting, and durable. Solar roof shingles are expensive to install; however, this can be offset by local, state, and government incentives to install solar roof panels as well as selling excess energy back to the power grid. Furthermore, if you’re replacing your roof due to a storm, your insurance may cover some of the cost of solar roof panel installation.
• Tile roofs. Tile roofs first began to be used as a roofing material by the ancient Mesopotamians to replace the less-durable thatch roofs. Tile roofs continued to be used throughout the ancient world. However, wood, being more readily available gained popularity until the beginning of larger towns. With larger towns, houses began to be built closer and closer to one another, which led to more houses catching on fire. Thus, in the 1300s the Dutch banned wood homes and returned to tile to reduce fire hazards. Since then, tile remains a popular roofing material. Modernized with newer and stronger materials, tile roofs are long-lasting and durable with many lasting over 50 years. Inherently resistant to fire and insects, tile roofs are recyclable and come in many colors and styles. A beautiful roofing material, tile roofs increase curb appeal and reflect sunlight, lending a nice, cool air to your home in the summer. However, tile is heavier than most other roofing materials, and as thus, may require extra support. Tiles break easily and thus is not recommended to walk on, making roof inspections challenging. Finally, the cost of tile roofs is higher than asphalt, metal, and wood.
• Slate roofs. Slate roofs lend an air of luxury, having been popular with the nobility in the Middle Ages. Slate roofs are long-lasting, with most lasting well over 50 years. Slate roofs will increase the resale value of your home substantially and are low-maintenance. Slate roofs can be recycled and reused as roofing material. However, slate roofs are amongst the heaviest roofing material and should only be installed by experienced roofing contractors. Like tile roofs, slate roofs can break if walked upon.

THE TOP SOURCE CONTRACTING ADVANTAGE

Top Source Contracting is the best roofing company in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We repair, replace, and install residential roofs and commercial roofs, using a variety of roofing materials customized to the customer. We offer roofing materials in all colors and all styles and can help you narrow down which roofing material will suit your needs the best and makes the most sense from an economic viewpoint. All of our roofing materials are aesthetically pleasing and covered by warranties. We offer a five-year warranty on our labor to ensure we have installed your roof properly. We offer roof inspections and assessments, free and thorough roofing estimates, and insurance claim assistance.

Top Source Contracting understands a new roof and new roofing material is a decision not to be taken lightly. In our free assessment and estimate of your roof, we’ll lay out all your roofing material options, so you’ll know how much it will cost you. We specialize in laying down all roofing materials, including shingle roofs, metal roofs, and solar panel roofs. From picking the roofing style to the roofing color, Top Source Contracting will help you discover the perfect roofing option for you. Contact us today!