All You Need to Know About Roofing Materials: Part 1

Roofing Materials in Edmonton

Humans have pursued shelter for centuries. We’ve hidden from the elements under dozens of materials, including animal hide, fabric, grass, mud, wood, and stone. Today, we continue to push the limits of roofing with solar options and beyond. However, if you’re in the market for a new roof made of traditional materials, you’ll find yourself choosing from a menu that’s been around for a while. The materials we’re going to discuss in this blog have been fine-tuned to give you the best performance and longevity.

While choosing a roof material is often determined by your budget, it’s always good to have a well-rounded knowledge of your options. We are going to discuss roofing materials starting with the shortest lifespan and make our way to the longest. We’ll be sharing the benefits of each roof and how to make it last longer.

Asphalt Roofing

This type of roofing comes in rolls and is good for smaller shelters like dog houses and sheds. It’s easy to install yourself, but, as you may imagine, it does not last long and generally isn’t a good choice. It lasts between five and 10 years, which is not long enough for a house. There isn’t much you can do to prolong its lifespan. Just make sure it’s free of debris.

Composite Shingle Roofing

This is the most common type of roofing in North America. It is made of paper fiber mat or fiberglass impregnated with asphalt and covered in mineral granules. It isn’t too heavy and can handle a wide range of roof slopes. Though it lasts between 15 and 50 years, which puts it on the shorter end of the lifespan spectrum, it is cheap both to buy and to install. As long as you find a great quality supplier, you can enjoy that 50-year lifespan. Keep an eye out for cheap shingles that will give out quickly and require you to replace your roof sooner than you want. You’ll know you have cheap shingles if they shed grains down your gutters within the first year. To make your composite shingle roof last longer, avoid power washing them and keep after any moss that tries to get started on your roof.

Wood Shingle Roofing

When you invest in wood shingles, you’re getting an organic roof that can be susceptible to fire, weathering, and decay. Each shingle is sawn from a log and has a thin, flat appearance. When treated correctly, these kinds of roofs can last up to 25 years. You just need to ensure you replace cracked or split shingles right away and control moss growth.

The team at Sargeant’s Roofing is proud to provide Edmonton with world-class roof repairs and installation services. We understand how important roofs are to your daily life, and there is nothing we love more than knowing we’ve set you and your family up for decades of comfort and safety from the elements. If you want a courteous roofer team who will always treat your property like it’s our own and go the extra mile for you, contact us today!

Read Part 2