What Is The Best Material To Use If You’re Re-Roofing Your San Mateo Home?

Is your roof sagging? Leaking? Rotting? It may just be time for a roof replacement in San Mateo.

Although some roofing materials can last 50 years or more, most are designed to be replaced at around the 20 to 30-year mark. Because your roof is a primary source of protection for your home, the last thing you want is to trust a roof in bad shape.

If you’re considering replacing your roof, you want to do your research so you can make sure that the material you choose is getting the longevity you need, the look you want and still not break the bank.

Important Considerations

Here in California, we have many types of roofing systems that work well with our homes. As a homeowner, you’ll want to consider the budget you’re working with, the style of your home, the look you’re going for and what San Mateo roofing contractor you’ll use.

Pros and Cons of Roofing Materials

Roofing systems and materials differ greatly in look, in durability and in price. There are pros and cons for each material:

● Wooden shakes – these are great for a more rustic, natural look and greatly lend themselves to some of our home styles here. The downfalls of these are they are not as fire resistant as other types of roofing materials — although you can get treated shakes — and they can become susceptible to rotting.

● Composite shingles — these are the old standby in roofing. They are reasonably priced, extremely durable and come in a huge variety of colors. When shingles need to be replaced, it is a fairly easy job. Unfortunately, composite shingles don’t last as long as other roofing materials. Consequently, you may end up replacing your roof sooner than with another type of roof which can offset the cost savings.

● Tiles — roofing tiles are either made with clay or concrete. They are extremely durable, fire-resistant and will last longer than your composite shingles. Tiles tend to be heavy, however, and often require the structure of your roof to be reinforced before they can be installed.

● Metal — available in aluminum, stainless steel and even copper, metal roofing has wonderful longevity if properly maintained and can last up to 50 years. They have great fire-resistance ratings and can be one of the safest fire choices for your home. A metal roof will come at a higher price tag than asphalt shingle, however.

● Slate tile — slate is beautiful and the longevity is unrivaled. Slate tile roofing is a lifetime roofing material, lasting longer than a century. Being a natural substance, it is durable and requires little maintenance. The disadvantages to slate roofing are both their weight and the cost. Slate roofing can be expensive and the cost to reinforce your roof additionally costly.

Consulting a Professional

If you’re considering a roof replacement, make sure to consult with a company that can give you a variety of choices and be ready to discuss whether each is good for your home or not. Be sure to hire a professional roofer in San Mateo with a good reputation for quality and workmanship. At Shelton Roofing, we have been serving San Mateo and the entire Bay area since 1942 and would be glad to discuss your roofing options. Contact us today for a free estimate.