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Which Type of Roofing Is Best for Your Home?

Which Type of Roofing Is Best for Your Home?

If you want to change your shingles, you might wonder which roofing option is best for your home. 

Because your roof acts as a waterproof barrier, ensuring the structural integrity of your building, it’s an important decision – especially in Minnesota, where roofs must endure water, snow, and ice. Let us help you make the right choice for your roof!

It is always a good idea to work with a reliable commercial or residential roofing company to understand the best roofing options for your project. Our experts at Roofers of Minnesota put together the best roofing options for your home below!

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most used shingles in the United States. Not only are they popular, but they are also easy to install and economical for both residential and commercial roofing. 

Asphalt shingles are made of three primary materials: asphalt sealant, matting, and ceramic granules. The matting component of your asphalt is the base material; the asphalt sealant is the material that provides a coating for the matting to make the shingles waterproof, while the ceramic granules give asphalt its texture and protect other layers of the shingle.

In terms of durability, asphalt shingles can last up to 15 to 25 years, depending on the expertise of your roofers.

Pros of Asphalt Shingles

  • They are cost-efficient and affordable
  • Most roofers know how to install them
  • They are easy to replace if damaged
  • Fits any style of home
  • Comes in many colors

Cons of Asphalt Shingles

  • Asphalt roofs don’t last as long as other materials
  • They are prone to cracks
  • Vulnerable to wind lift
  • Need to be installed during warm weather
  • Don’t offer a unique look

Metal Roofing

Here is another reliable type of roofing shingle you should consider when changing your roof. Metal roofs are made with various materials, including aluminum, tin, copper, zinc, or galvanized steel. Homes with a flat roof are ideal for metal shingles. 

Metal roofs are fire, mildew, insect, and rot-resistant when properly installed. They effectively keep water out, shed snow, and withstand heavy winds. Metal roofing has a long lifespan, one of its main benefits. They can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, depending on the material used to make them.

Pros of Metal Roofing

  • They are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials
  • These roots are extremely durable
  • Metal roofs come in different styles and colors
  • Offer a great aesthetic for your home
  • Are made of 35%-95% recycled materials
  • Are 100% recyclable

Cons of Metal Roofing

  • Tend to be more expensive at first
  • Subject to dents
  • Can be noisy during rain and hail storms
  • Prone to rust in some climates
  • Not many contractors can install them

Cedar Shakes

Cedar shake roofing is another option when considering a roof overhaul. Although cedar shakes have a rustic appearance, this roofing material offers stunning visual appeal.

Cedar shakes are often made from 200 to 300-year-old cedar trees. Logs are sliced into shakes and used to manufacture the shingles, giving the cedar shakes their distinctive rough appearance. 

Cedar shake roofing can outlast the asphalt shingles when properly installed and maintained. Cedar shakes can last up to 30 to 40 years with regular maintenance.

Pros of Cedar Shakes

  • Cedar shake roofs look beautiful
  • They are resistant to severe weather
  • These roofs are quite durable
  • Are energy efficient
  • Made from a renewable resource
  • Resistance to insects and rot

Cons of Cedar Shakes

  • Cedar shake roofs require regular maintenance
  • This roofing material is more expensive
  • Vulnerable to weathering
  • Can be difficult to install
  • Prone to moss and mildew growth

EPDM Rubber Roofing

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a highly durable, synthetic rubber roofing material commonly installed in low-slope structures across the United States. Ethylene and propylene, the two main components, are obtained from oil and natural gas. 

One good thing about this type of roofing is that it can be used for residential and commercial structures. In addition, EPDM roofing can last up to 50 years if correctly installed.

Pros of EPDM Rubber Roofing

  • EPDM roofing systems are great for energy efficiency
  • They are fire-resistant and durable
  • Very affordable 
  • Easy to install and low maintenance
  • Flexible to accommodate building movement
  • Energy efficient
  • Long lifespan

Cons of EPDM Rubber Roofing

  • EPDM roofs can be expensive to install
  • This roofing type might not be as visually appealing as some other materials 
  • Prone to punctures
  • Can have issues at the seams
  • In some cases, it can be complex to install
  • Not as environmentally friendly as other materials
  • Limited UV resistance

Tile

Tile is another option that Minnesota homeowners can choose for their roofing needs. Tile can help keep your home comfortable during the changing seasons. Tile is made from local and recyclable materials such as slate, concrete, and terracotta.

Pros of Tile Roofing

  • Attractive and unique look
  • Durable enough to withstand extreme weather
  • Low-maintenance
  • Does not require frequent replacement

Cons of Tile Roofing

  • Very heavy and may need additional structural support
  • Brittle 
  • Can crack or break if struck by heavy objects

Want to Upgrade Your Residential or Commercial Roof?

Whether you decide to adopt asphalt shingles, cedar shake roofing, metal, or EPDM rubber roofing – or have any need for roof restoration or repair – we have the requisite materials and resources to provide you with excellent roofing service in Minnesota!

Our work and years of experience place us leagues above other roofing companies in Minnesota. We are happy to help you determine which roofing material works best for you, so reach out if you have questions. 

You can easily get a free quote from us online or call 612-205-4791 to learn more!

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