One of the most important choices when building or renovating a home is often what kind of roof to install. Without a roof, a home isn’t a shelter. The roof you choose can make a huge difference. One of these factors to consider is the weight of the materials that go into a roof. Lighter and heavier choices operate differently and may have different qualities you must consider.
Heavy Choice – Clay and Concrete
The heaviest choices available to consumers are clay and concrete tiles. A clay tile may weigh anywhere from 800 to 1,000 pounds per 100 square feet, also known as a “square.” A concrete tile may weigh over 1,000 pounds per “roofing square,” which is 100 square feet. Roofs like these can be extremely durable and last up to 100 years. However, not every structure may be strong enough to hold up such a heavy roof and may need to be altered to take on the weight.
Light Choice – Metal
Alternatively, one of the lightest roofing choices you can choose as a homeowner is a metal roof. A steel or aluminum roof is usually between 50 and 150 pounds per roofing square. One benefit here is that metal gives you a lot more strength per square foot when compared to a material like concrete. Metal roofs are also quite durable and can last up to 80 years if you maintain them well. The downsides, however, can include expense, noise during rainstorms, and potential denting from hail.
Heavy Choice – Slate
After clay and concrete, a slate roof is typically the heaviest roof you can choose from. The stone used can weigh anywhere from 800 to 1,500 pounds per roofing square. Slate can be extremely attractive, and like clay and concrete, can last for up to a century. However, it’s expensive, and many homes may not be able to take the extra weight without adding further support, ballooning the expense of such a project.
Light Choice – Asphalt
People tend to think of asphalt shingles as the standard roofing choice in many parts of the country. One of its benefits is that it’s relatively light, at about 200 to 240 pounds per roofing square, although the asphalt shingles used for commercial projects may weigh a bit more. The greatest benefit of asphalt shingles is price. This is true both in regard to the initial installation and later on when any shingles need to be replaced. On the downside, an asphalt shingle roof typically lasts only 15 years. If you’re lucky, you may get 20 to 30 years out of it.
Overall, these are only a few of the options available on the open market. Heavy roofing materials tend to be attractive and last for a very long time, often longer than their owners. Lighter roofing materials, on the other hand, are much cheaper and easier to install on any home. Consider your options carefully when making your final decision. If you have concerns or require roof replacement services, contact Nevada Exteriors in Las Vegas, NV.