7 Popular Types of Roofing Materials In San Diego CA*

Have you finally decided to install a new roof? Given the scope of these investments, it’s no wonder homeowners spend months analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of roofing materials.

There are many factors to calculate when making such a crucial decision, such as the look and quality of materials, their cost, the local climate, the existing roofing structure, etc. Some of the most popular roofing materials include wood shakes, asphalt shingles, slate shingles, ceramic tiles, flat roofs, green roofs, and solar shingles.

Learn more about the features of each material, its benefits, and drawbacks.

Wood shakes

Wood shakes are the go-to alternative for many San Diego homeowners looking to provide their houses with a rustic appearance. This material is an excellent choice for older, traditional-looking homes, even though they make modern homes look appealing as well.  It pairs well with cottages, bungalows, and Tudor –style homes. Wood shakes age well by acquiring a grayish look, which helps them not to lose their charm.

Moreover, this roofing material is available in multiple colors and various shapes. The most popular variants include red, brown, gold, and amber shades. Wood shakes are relatively resistant to the weather elements, as the preservatives used in their content make them less susceptible to UV damage, moisture, and insects. Nevertheless, they still might be a concern in overly humid climates.

Residents of fire-prone areas should opt for Class A fire-rated wood shakes, pressure-treated with a fire-resistant coating. Some areas even ban residents from installing such roofing material, as it goes against their fire codes. Visit this site to gain insight into wood cedar roofing.

The insulation of wood shakes makes the homes of San Diego citizens cool during summer, whereas warm in the winter months. Such natural insulation is cost-effective for homeowners, as it helps them save on utility bills. This roofing material is environmentally friendly, meaning it can be recycled easily at the end of its lifespan.

The installation process should be performed by experienced roofers. The initial phase of installation involves providing an underlay for the roof to breathe and prevent water damage. Afterward, they take care of spacing and joint lining up, followed by dealing with the chimneys and other tricky fixtures. After making sure all the surface is covered properly, they clean up the debris.

As far as maintenance is concerned, San Diego homeowners should be aware of the high-maintenance character of wood shakes. The roof is supposed to breathe at all times to prevent rot, hence requiring homeowners to clear it of leaves, branches, and debris regularly. The gutters must be kept clean, while ventilation optimal. In case you wish to slow down the aging process of your wooden roof, use a special topical treatment designed to inhibit UV rays or repel water.

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles aren’t a modern invention, as this material was created in 1903 in the USA. Since then, it has become one of the most prominent residential roofing materials owing to its durability and affordability. Check out this URL, https://www.thespruce.com/asphalt-shingles-for-your-home-1824686, to learn how to choose asphalt shingles for your home.

Additionally, this material can be purchased in two variants, asphalt-fiberglass shingles, and organic asphalt shingles. The former represents a fiberglass mat covered with a layer of waterproof asphalt, whereas the base of the latter consists of organic materials like paper, cellulose, and wood fiber. The base is then saturated with asphalt and coated with ceramic granules.

Asphalt shingling looks perfect with traditional suburban house styles. It’s the preference of numerous homeowners because of its low cost, low-maintenance character, and exceptional fire resistance. There is a vast array of colors and styles, enabling homeowners to choose the one they find the most suitable.

On the negative side, asphalt shingles lack the insulation provided by other roofing materials. Nevertheless, by choosing a model with an energy star rating, you’ll be able to boost the energy efficiency of your house. These roofs are easily maintained by cleaning the debris that has accumulated on the surface. Homeowners need to be gentle while sweeping so as not to remove the granules, which come off incredibly easily. Regular maintenance is necessary for your roof to last between twenty and twenty-five years.

Metal roofing

Metal roofing has been around for centuries, dating back to the 1800s. It can be purchased in the form of shingles or panels (sheets), connected with the help of a standing seam. Most roofing contractors, like Gen819 Roofing San Diego, provide an installation of residential and commercial metal roofs. This material is amazingly durable, lasting between forty and seventy-five years. It’s lightweight, recyclable, and versatile regarding style and design.

Furthermore, metal roofing provides remarkable solar reflectance, capable of reflecting summer heat. It’s believed that such a choice of materials is likely to reduce the cooling costs of homeowners in San Diego by as many as forty percent. Metal seems to fit various house styles, such as contemporary homes, cottages-style houses, cabins, bungalows, etc.

On the negative side, metal roofing is one of the priciest roofing options in the market. It also requires soundproofing for the purpose of reducing noise, especially when raining. Metal roofs might warp when installed improperly.

Slate

Slate is undeniably among the most elegant roofing materials, making homes look both modern and classy. The lifespan of slate shingles beats every other material, as it might last between fifty and a hundred years.  Slate has been installed on the rooftops in the USA since the early 1700s when only the wealthy could afford to invest in a slate roof.

Nowadays, slate roofs have become more economical, but they are still costly for many homeowners. The natural beauty of slate is what makes slate roofs gorgeous. It looks excellent when used with French chateau, Colonial, and European homes. This material offers absolute resistance to weather disasters like powerful winds, hail, or heavy rain. Even hailstones of four inches in diameter cannot do harm to slate shingles.

Just like the rest of the roofing materials, slate comes with its own drawbacks. Due to the heaviness of the tiles, there is a need for extra framing. It requires professional installation and doesn’t hold up lots of foot traffic. Go to this page to learn some useful tips for walking on a tile roof.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are perhaps the oldest roofing material, dating back from Mesopotamia, one of the oldest societies worldwide. It provides homes with a cozy look, working well with Southwestern, Mission, Mediterranean, and Spanish-style houses. Ceramic tiles are often chosen in regions with extreme temperatures, as they are highly resistant to sunshine exposure.

Moreover, ceramic roofs can stand up to heat and cold. These tiles aren’t affected by rot or insect damage. They are low-maintenance, made from natural materials, and excellent temperature regulators. Nevertheless, the greatest problem for homeowners is their vulnerability to impact. Ceramic tiles can easily get damaged from storm debris and hail. Although they aren’t damaged by sun exposure, their color seems to fade after long-term exposure.

In addition, similar to slate shingles, ceramic roofs usually require extra structural support, as the existing structure might not hold its weight. Also, their cost and installation are higher than asphalt shingles or wooden shakes due to the higher construction expenses.

Flat roofs

Flat roof systems aren’t exactly common in residences, as these are most convenient in areas with a dry climate. These are more affordable and easier to access but require plenty of maintenance. Although flat roofs have a little slope for water drainage, they aren’t recommended in regions with heavy rain and snow.

When rain and snow accumulate on such a roof, the structure is likely to collapse. Consequently, flat roofs are more preferred for commercial instead of residential applications. Go to this link, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_roof, to get familiar with the development of flat roofs, the types of roof coverings, and their maintenance.

Green solutions

In recent times, plenty of homeowners in California opt for eco-friendly roofing solutions, such as green roofs, solar shingles, or energy-efficient roofing. These options help them reduce their carbon footprint and keep the environment as healthy as possible. For instance, green roofs are mostly used in larger buildings, covered by vegetation.

These roofs require special water drainage, water filtration, thermal insulation, vapor barrier, and numerous other elements to keep the vegetation alive. While green roofs do wonders for the environment, they are heavier than most of the other options, thus requiring additional structural support. Also, they are more expensive and more challenging to maintain.

Solar shingles, on the other hand, are another roofing trend, producing renewable energy for the entire home. These innovative shingles can function efficiently in a period between twenty and thirty years. They cannot be installed by traditional roofer but only by specialists who are experts in photovoltaics. Additionally, you might need additional structural support because of the wiring and its weight.

Last but not least, energy-efficient shingles have found their place under the sun in the world of roofing materials. These are designed on the basis of cool roof technology by using cooler granules. The new granules are believed to reflect thirty percent more solar energy than the previous dark granules, reflecting only three percent.

The only way to be certain of the energy efficiency of such shingles is by checking whether they have an energy star stamp. Your beloved house will feel more comfortable while the energy bills will be lower.

To sum up

The roofing material you choose should fit your home style, local climate, and your budget.

Think carefully before making any important decisions!