High-quality Cedar Falls, Iowa roofing contractors provide your home with the high-quality roof that it needs to be protected from various weathering elements. However, there are many different types from which you can choose, each of which has distinct advantages and disadvantages. So before you make a purchasing decision, you need to consider the four common roof types to decide which is right for you.

Wood – An Ancient, Yet Effective, Roofing Option

Wood was once the most popular and appealing roof types for millions of people around the nation and even the world. While wood has lost some appeal due to advances in protection and strength in more synthetic materials, wood still provides many benefits. Fully understanding them can help you decide if you should try out a wood roof or if you should choose another one to get installed on top of your home instead.

Wood has the advantage of being quite attractive, particularly for rural areas, and it provides a unique look that is hard to get with other roof types. This type of roof is typically made with quite durable wood, such as cedar or redwood, so expect to pay a bit more than you would otherwise. Most wood roofs should last you at least 25 years, though some may last longer if you maintain them with the proper care and dedication.

Before you build a wood roof, however, you need to make sure that you talk to your roofing contractors and licensing and building code experts near you. In some areas, fire codes do not allow people to build homes with wood roofs. The risk of fire, they believe, is too high to tolerate. However, this situation is not common everywhere, so you should be able to install this type of roof on your home in most circumstances.

Asphalt – A Common, Yet Strong, Option

At one point during the late last century, homes with asphalt roofs were probably the most common that you could find. Even now, when other materials have become more advanced and stronger than asphalt, it remains an excellent choice for many homes. There are several reasons why this is the case, including a myriad of benefits that you can’t get with other types of materials. However, some drawbacks must be taken into account as well.

First, asphalt is not only the least expensive type of roof for roofing contractors to build, but also the easiest. As a result, they can typically install this item on your home in a matter of days rather than weeks. And some people may even have the ability to perform this installation and most maintenance on their own without professional help. As a result, you can cut the cost even more if you decide to go the DIY option with an asphalt roof.

That said, some issues make them an option you may not want to consider. First of all, the cheapness of asphalt roofs does come with a catch – their short lifespan. While some asphalt roofs may last as long as 25 years, most last little longer than 15 years. As a result, you may have to upgrade and replace your roof more often than you would otherwise. Even worse, asphalt may wear away due to extreme temperature changes and cause even more issues.

Slate – A Durable, But Pricey, Choice

If asphalt doesn’t last long enough for you and you have a little money to spend, consider a slate roof. This option has become one of the most common luxury roof choices on the market today for several reasons. Fully understanding why so many people love slate roofs will help you decide if you need this roof on your home or if another, less expensive, type is more appropriate for your house and your pocketbook.

Slate roofs are typically the most durable type that you can find anywhere on the market due to their unique design. Drawn from various slate quarries in Vermont and Pennsylvania, most material of this type is solid, built to last for decades, and resistant to most weathering damage. As a result, you can expect a lifespan of 30 years or more with this type of roof, particularly if you’re diligent with your maintenance needs.

The problems with slate are all associated with its beneficial sturdiness. That strength causes slat roofing to be quite heavy, which makes it harder to install and maintain. As a result, slate is by far the most costly option for your roofing. Make sure that you talk to your roofing contractors thoroughly about this choice before you make it. They can help you decide what type of slate is right for you or if you should try another option instead to avoid spending too much money.

Metal – a Costly, But Worthwhile Pick

Lastly, metal roofing has become a popular option with many roofing contractors for a variety of reasons. First of all, these roofing materials produce high-quality shingles that are surprisingly light and easy to install. Installation experts need to lay the shingles down and solder them together to finish the job. As a result, many roofing experiences can be done relatively quickly.

Metal is among the sturdiest type of roofs that you can install and, with the proper maintenance procedures, may last the life of your roof. Metal is also a unique option because you can provide sealants, stains, and other items to its surface to make it even stronger. With choices between copper, aluminum, iron, and more, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a metal type that fits the needs of your home and your style decisions.

As with slate, the biggest problem here is going to be the cost. Metal is probably the most expensive type of roof that you can purchase, mainly if you install metal that needs rust protection to stay durable. These rust protection applications are often a yearly demand that can add hundreds of dollars to the price of your roof every year and add up considerably over its lifespan. Make sure to pick a metal, like aluminum, that cannot rust to avoid this problem.

Let Us Help You Find a Great Roof

As you can see, there are many different options from which you can choose when picking a roof for your home. So if you need the best roofing contractors Cedar Falls, Iowa has to offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us Community Builders Supply Co. right away to learn more. Our professionals have years of experience and will help you get the high-quality roof that your new home deserves.