There are a number of ways that one can rate roofing materials, such as longevity, aesthetics, cost, heat-resistance, resale value, maintenance (cost of roof repair), and so on. If you simply drive around town, homeowners will find that roofing materials in Dunwoody will vary considerably from the use of roofing shingles to clay tiles and everything in between. However, if longevity is your priority, as it is for many homeowners, you should consider these three materials before calling a roofer in Dunwoody to give you a new roof. All three are rated to last anywhere from 50 to 100 years!
Metal Roof
Not only is metal roofing durable and can last up to 50 years, it also provides a high solar reflectance, which is important for those in warmer climates but also for those parts of the country that have considerable snowfall since it offers a superior ability to shed snow. Given its capacity to reflect the sun’s heat, a metal roof can also substantially reduce your cooling costs during the summer— the same capacity that will serve to melt snow and ice build-up during the winter. Typically, a large expanse of the roof is covered using what is termed a “standing-seam” method in which each sheet is joined with its adjoining sheet through a water-tight, interlocking seam. A variety of styles are available, from an inexpensive galvanized material to a high-end, and much more expensive, copper roof. Metal roofs are fire and rust resistant and won’t rot or crack. A metal roof looks particularly good on bungalows and contemporary-styled homes.
Ceramic Tile Roof
Speaking of longevity, there are Spanish-styled ceramic tile roofs from centuries-old California missions that are still in place and serving their homeowners well. They also have the added benefit of being fire and moisture resistant and very energy efficient, not to mention that ceramic roofs add a certain texture and elegance to a home’s appearance—especially if a romantic, classic European-style architecture appeals to you. Barrel tiles are the most common types of ceramic roofs and resemble the look of half cylinders that are typically about 16 inches long. Any quality ceramic tile will be hard-fired and as a consequence, will not absorb moisture that could cause fracturing during extremely cold weather—making them quite suitable for cold climates. Though ceramic, clay tile is usually associated with older Spanish Mission-styled and Mediterranean-inspired homes, they can also be a great addition to more modern homes.
Slate Roof
If durability is your one most important feature then you can’t possibly go wrong with a slate roof, which is so durable that there are slate roofs from the time of Shakespeare that are still in service. Similar to ceramic tile, a slate roof is fire and moisture resistant and is highly energy-efficient. Slate is made from slices of rock and stone that offer an Old World elegance and beauty to any home’s appearance and is available in a variety of colors that include shades of green, gray, black, purple, and red. Though any home’s appearance can be accentuated with a slate roof, it is often found in classic European-styled homes such as French Revival and Tudor homes.