Comparison of Residential Roof Systems

Wood Shake/ Wood Shingle roof systems

Advantages:

• Blends with nature, looks more "natural"
  
• Allows for better air circulation
  
• Gives a house its individuality, with all of the variations in wood that can be used
  
• Allows for superb insulation

Disadvantages:

• Without proper maintenance its "life" is not as good as other products
  
• Not a great choice of colors or patterns available
  
• Fire hazard may be a concern... fire retardant is always effectively used on all wood products, but wood always poses more of a fire hazard than cement or clay
  
• There is greater potential for mold problems, rotting, and insect infestation
  
• Very costly with 20 to 25 yr life expectancy compared to 30 yr fiberglass laminated shingles

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Fiberglass Shingle roof systems

Advantages:

• There are a very wide range of different styles and colors to choose from
  
• Available expectancy from 20 years to lifetime
  
• Easy to repair

Disadvantages:

• Delete sagging on steep roofs
  
• On hot days they can be scarred if walked on

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Asphalt Shingle roof systems

Advantages:

• They are excellent roofs for extreme temperatures, and in areas where wind, water and ice are an issue throughout the year
  
• They are efficient, they are produced in very large quantities, and the cost to have them used for roofing is fairly low... and that value gets passed onto you, the customer!
  
• They require little to no regular upkeep and maintenance, and are easily repaired if damaged
  
• In the roofing industry, asphalt shingles are considered to be the easiest of all standard roofing materials to apply.
  
• Their flexibility and strength allow for them to be available for use on a wide variety of roof designs

Disadvantages:

• If they get hot, they scar whoever touches them
  
• They are susceptible to blowing off in high winds or storms
  
• They can sag on steep roofs, and even more so if hot
  
• They do not have the overall "look" of tile or shake... considered somewhat "flat looking"
  
• They do not have the "life" of file, so may need to be replaced sooner in the long run

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Metal roof systems

Advantages:

• The ultimate fire protection
  
• Very durable and long-lasting
  
• Low maintenance
  
• Metal Tiles are lightweight and easy to work with

Disadvantages:

• Not a lot of choices in color
  
• Costs more
  
• Slate can be very heavy and harder to work with
  
• Walking on it can break or damage slate
  
• Harder to do repairs on

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Slate roof systems

Advantages:

• Fireproof and very safe
  
• Long "life" and very strong
  
• Distinctive looking, very individual, and very beautiful
  
• Low maintenance

Disadvantages:

• Can be very heavy and harder to work with
  
• Very expensive
  
• Choices of colors are limited
  
• Requires regular and ongoing maintenance

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