If you haven’t paid much attention to the roofs in your neighborhood, take a moment next time you drive around to see how they look!
Here in Raleigh, NC we have a relatively mild climate (that seems to change by the hour), and a pretty interesting mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities. All those factors combine for an eclectic group of roofs that vary widely in their design, style, and most importantly: material.
Before you head out the door and start staring at the houses around you, read this article, and you’ll learn which roofing materials are the most common, why they are used, and where they’re most popular!
Asphalt Shingles are by far the most common shingle in this area, and the country. They are used primarily for their versatility, stylistic variety, and relatively low cost for their durability.
Asphalt shingle systems can last a couple of decades before needing to be replaced. They can withstand most weather with a good roofing system in place, but when larger storms come to town, they may need to be repaired.
In general, asphalt shingles are the material of choice for neighborhood communities. Though they are seen all around us, the way they look can be totally different from house to house. This is because there are three distinct types of asphalt shingles: Three-tab, architectural, and designer. Each type has its own look and feel to it, and manufacturers offer several different colors for each.
Next on the list are metal roofs. Metal, depending on the system, can be the most durable roofing material.
Standing seam metal roofs can withstand heavy weather, while lasting 40 to 70 years depending on the climate. This is because the roof is created by mechanically locking metal panels together at the seams, allowing for the metal to expand and contract as it heats and cools.
On the other hand, a screw-down panel metal roof, made how it sounds, by screwing through the metal, does not allow for this same flexibility. Additionally, if the screws are not installed correctly, leaks can become a very common problem.
Metal is less common in most residential neighborhoods, in large part due to its higher up front material and installation costs than asphalt shingles. However, in rural and coastal areas, metal is quite popular due to its durability and ability to stand up against the strongest weather conditions. Metal also reflects light and heat, which helps cut down some cooling costs on the electric bill.
Some more uncommon roofing materials in our area include ceramic tile, wood, and slate.
Ceramic is known for its mediterranean, up-scale look, individual tile strength, and fireproofing. However, in adverse conditions, or when struck, the individual tiles may fall off and break, requiring spot replacements.
Wood shingles and shakes are fairly durable, but also pretty flammable. They provide a natural, rustic look, and are especially popular in coastal communities.
Slate tiles are mostly used for their weather and fire resistance, low maintenance costs, and long lives with the right care. However, slate tiles are quite expensive, and heavy, so they aren’t necessarily the right choice for everyone.
Now that you’ve learned the most common roofing materials in Raleigh, it might be a good idea to brush up on the different roofing companies in the area as well, so you’ll be fully informed before reaching out to one for your roof repair or roof replacement.
Here at On Tops Roofing, we have repaired and replaced roofs in the Triangle for over 30 years, so if you have any questions about us or our industry, we’re here to help!