Contemplating the addition of a new roof on your Fort Worth home? Well, the decision may seem a little daunting due to all the material choices out there. But with the right guidance and research, you can make an educated decision. The five most common roofing materials in Fort Worth and surrounding areas include:
- Asphalt shingles
- Tile
- Slate
- Wood
- Metal
The material you choose will likely be dependent on your home’s architectural style. You probably wouldn’t put a metal roof on a traditional Colonial, just like you probably wouldn’t put a wood roof on a Mediterranean-style home.
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are not only the most common roofing materials in Fort Worth, but the entire country as well. They’re the most affordable and easy to install, providing protection for homes for up to 20 years or more with proper care.
Choose from 3-tab or architectural shingles for better wind resistance, impact resistance and hail resistance. You can choose from many shades and colors to complement your home’s style. Drawbacks to shingles include their propensity to fall off, lose their granules and have a shorter life span than other types.
2. Tile Roofing
Tile roofs have been around for a very long time. They were first used as roofs in ancient China for their easy availability, reliability and durability. But you will spend more on tile roofing materials than other types, plus they tend to be heavy and break if walked on. This is why you need a professional skilled in tile to install this type of roof. There are two types of tile: concrete and clay.
You will most likely see tile roofs on Mediterranean-style, Spanish Colonial, Mission-style and Italian Renaissance homes.
3. Slate and Synthetic Slate
Slate is certainly an attractive roofing material, but it’s also very heavy. Your home may not be able to support the additional weight of slate, which may cross it off your list fairly quickly. Sometimes a roofer or engineer will have to determine if your home can support that extra weight. If not, supports may have to be added. Natural slate is more expensive than synthetic slate, which is more affordable, lightweight and durable. Synthetic slate withstands high winds, hail and other weather events, and looks just as authentic as the real thing.
4. Wood Roofing
Wood roofing such as cedar shingles and shakes are not quite as common as they used to be. They are not fire-resistant and they take a lot of regular maintenance and care. But they do have a classic and beautiful look, and they can be quite durable and energy efficient.
5. Metal Roofs
Metal roofs last a long time – up to 75 years or more with proper care, says The Spruce. This means that you won’t have to replace your roof – ever – in your lifetime. Compare this to the life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof, which only has about a 20-year lifespan.
Contact Ferris Roofing in Fort Worth TX
To find out which roofing material would be best for your Fort Worth home, schedule an inspection and free quote with us at 817-440-3767.