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DIY Roof Repair | Knowing The Material Best For You
When thinking of your future DIY roof repair, it’s good to be informed of the different roofing materials and variations. After all, a roof is considered to be a home’s major investment. It’s no surprise that you’d want to get something suited to your specific needs.
1. Slate
The Pros: If you’re looking for a roof to last long enough to serve future generations, then this dark gray rock is the best roofing material for you. Ancestral houses would benefit the most from slate roofs as they last anywhere from 40-175 years. They’re also fire-resistant and one of the most elegant ways to tile a roof.
The Cons: Slate costs exponentially higher than most of its other roofing counterparts, averaging at about $600-1000/100 square feet. Weight and installation are prime issues as well, since slate can weigh a ton and need ample care because of its fragility.
2. Concrete Tile
The Pros: Concrete’s main advantage is its ability to withstand weather conditions. It’s also one of the more affordable options of the bunch at $150-250/100 square feet.
The Cons: The weight of concrete can take a toll on a house so it’s best to ensure the house is properly structured before picking this roofing option. Another disadvantage is its dependency on a sealant. If concrete tiles aren’t sealed properly, you may find moisture coming through the roof.
3. Clay Tile
The Pros: Most clay tiles can resist strong hurricane winds and mold infestations — a huge plus in any homeowner’s book. Having clay tiles would also be a wise choice for warmer areas as it reflects the sun’s rays, allowing for lower cooling costs.
The Cons: Aside from its heavyweight feature, clay tiles can be a bit pesky when it comes to maintenance, as the underlayment needs replacing every 10-20 years. Also, it’s considered a red flag to walk on the tiles — something you may want to consider when cleaning the gutters and the chimney.
4. Metal
The Pros: Metal roofing is no longer just about old-fashioned tin roofs. Now, they can be made with aluminum and stainless steel, making them resistant to any kind of weather. They’re also watertight, fireproof, and rust-proof (if galvanized).
The Cons: The noise can irate people — especially during rain showers. The good thing is, this can be fixed with soundproof insulation. Also, metal roofs can be very slippery, so opt to have the roof textured to avoid potential accidents.
5. Wood Shake
The Pros: This environment-friendly roofing material gets an A-plus for its materials — it’s made from natural and renewable resources. Wood shake roofs are also extremely versatile and can increase curb appeal almost instantly.
The Cons: You’ll soon find that beauty comes with a price when it comes to caring for wood shake roofs. Shake shingles tend to fall victim to mold and mildew over time, so you might want to consider the costs involving maintenance of this roofing material.
Make your home cleaner and safer by learning a couple of maintenance tips fit for spring! 🏡 https://t.co/aHvhVjIIRV pic.twitter.com/8xhWJbEGKy
— DIY Projects (@DIYProjectsCom) March 25, 2017
6. Asphalt Shingle
The Pros: Asphalt shingles have an incredibly low cost and are very easy to install. There are also many choices available, such as ones that help reduce heat absorption, allowing for a cooler home during the summer. This is perhaps one of the reasons why asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for many homeowners.
The Cons: Although cheap, asphalt shingles also have the shortest lifespan of 7-15 years — don’t forget to consider the replacements in your costs. Aside from this, they’re usually petroleum and fiberglass based, which doesn’t make them an environmental-friendly option at all.
7. Architectural Shingle
The Pros: If you’re looking for a unique roof with all sorts of different shapes and sizes of shingles, then this is the roofing material for you. Architectural shingles also give off a better resell value for homes as it tends to make the houses look more upscale.
The Cons: Architectural shingles tend to weigh more and can be a bit pricier as compared to asphalt shingles. However, they do last longer than regular asphalt roofs so you may want to take that into consideration when picking your roof.
Need to replace missing shingles from your asphalt roofing? Press play for a step by step guide:
I hope this article keeps you more informed when it comes to picking your roofing material. I’m a stickler for details and savings so for me, it’s way better knowing all the pros and cons of each household buy. That way, Lauren and I can figure out the best option suited to our needs.
Which roofing material are you leaning toward for your DIY roof repair? Let us know in the comments below!
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in January 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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