Are you looking to put down new roofing on your large home?
While there are many different roofing materials on the market, the material that’s best for a big house may not be the same material that’s best for a small house.
What roofing material should you use? Check out this guide to discover the best roofing material for a large house.
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Asphalt Shingles
Many people who own large homes opt for asphalt shingles due to their affordability. But affordability isn’t the only thing to love about asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles can also work with any style of home. Whether you have a modern home, traditional home, or rustic-style home, asphalt shingles can add to your home’s curb appeal.
While they’re not as durable as some other roofing materials on the market, they do provide adequate protection for your home. Plus, asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and styles. Asphalt shingles are also very easy to install.
In most cases, your contractor should be able to install your asphalt shingles in the span of a couple of days. Plus, if one shingle becomes loose or deteriorates, you don’t need to replace the entire roof.
However, if you live in a windy area, asphalt shingles may not be the best option, as they’re more prone to wind uplift. If the wind blows your asphalt shingles away, your roof will be more prone to leaking, which will make your home more prone to water damage.
Keep in mind that because of how light they are, asphalt shingles can also crack. Extreme fluctuations in temperature can cause the shingles to expand and contract, resulting in contracts. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, asphalt shingles may not be the best option for you.
Also, keep in mind that while asphalt shingles are easy to install, they need to be installed when the weather is warm. If it’s too cold outside when you install your asphalt shingles, the shingles may become damaged during installation.
Organic Asphalt vs Fiberglass Shingles
There are two main types of asphalt shingles to choose from for your large home: fiberglass shingles and organic shingles.
Both fiberglass and organize asphalt shingles are waterproof, and they contain materials that protect them from the sun’s UV rays. Due to the composition of the fiberglass, less asphalt is needed to make the shingles durable and strong.
This makes fiberglass shingles a lighter and more eco-friendly option than traditional organic asphalt shingles. Not only are fiberglass shingles tough and resilient, but they also won’t change shape or dry out.
However, fiberglass shingles aren’t as durable as organic asphalt shingles in cold weather. However, they tend to be more cost-effective than organic asphalt shingles.
The GAF contractor company can help you install your asphalt shingles.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is another great option for those who own large homes. One of the biggest benefits of metal roofing is that it’s durable and long-lasting. Depending on the type of material, your metal roof can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years.
In contrast, asphalt roofs only last 12 to 17 years. Metal roofs are also a great option for those who live in windy areas. Some metal roofing can sustain wind gusts up to 150 miles per hour. Metal roofs do not crack or corrode easily, and depending on the material you choose, your metal roof may be impact-resistant.
Metal roofs are also fire-resistant, making them a great option for those who live in Northern California or other fire-prone areas. Metal also reflects solar radiant heat, which can make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent. If you live in a large home, this can lead to thousands of dollars in energy savings per year.
Like asphalt shingles, metal roofing is also environmentally-friendly. They’re typically made from 25to 95 percent recycled content. Depending on the material used, they may even be made from 100 percent recycled content.
Perhaps the biggest drawback to metal roofing is the price. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay $5 to $14 per square foot for your metal roof. However, it’s important to keep in mind that because metal roofs can last for many decades to come, the initial investment is usually worth it.
Here are the different types of metal roofs to consider:
Aluminum Roofing
While aluminum is the most lightweight roofing material on the market, it’s still very durable. Aluminum is also easy to maintain, and it comes with a long lifespan.
Aluminum doesn’t rust, making it an ideal material for areas that experience heavy rainfall. It’s also a malleable material that can be configured in multiple ways to fit your roofing needs.
However, aluminum roofing is prone to denting, and there aren’t a lot of color options available on the market.
Copper Roofing
Copper has a unique and striking appearance that many modern homeowners appreciate. Copper changes color over time, meaning your roof will transform from a new-looking penny to a blue-green color to a brown patina.
The level of patina will vary depending on the climate you live in. The great thing about copper is that you can purchase it in many different styles, from copper tiles to shingles to panels.
While copper is expensive, it can last anywhere from 60 to 100 years. And keep in mind that while copper is durable, it can dent if it’s hit by a piece of hail or falling debris.
Steel Roofing
When someone says they’re getting metal roofing, they’re almost always talking about steel. Steel is low-maintenance, resistant to rotting and fires, and durable.
Considering its longevity, it’s also very cost-effective. Once you install your steel roof, all you need to do is wash it annually and hire someone for an annual inspection. Throughout the year, you may also have to remove debris accumulation from the roof.
If installed correctly, a steel roof can last 40 to 60 years.
Zinc Roofing
Zinc roofing is similar to copper in appearance. Most zinc roofing materials available today come pre-patinated, which means they’ll change their appearance over time due to the patina.
While zinc roofs are very popular in Europe, they’re not as popular in the United States due to their high cost. However, the high cost is often worth it, as zinc roofs can last 80 to 100 years.
One thing to be aware of is that zinc roofs can develop a chalky residue. This tends to happen when the patina turns a blue/gray color. If water runs off on your roof, the chalky residue can turn into white streaks.
Tin Roofing
Tin roofing is made from rolled steel coated in the tin. The steel is chemically bonded to the thin, which adds durability to the roof and makes it resistant to cracking.
Tin is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and install. However, tin roofing is not as popular as it once was, so the material can sometimes be hard to find in some areas.
Slate Roofing
Many large homeowners opt for slate roofing. Slate has a beautiful and distinctive appearance, and it comes in many different colors. You can find slate in shades of green, black, red, grey, and purple.
Not only is slate very durable, but it’s also fire-resistant. Unlike other roofing materials, which are highly susceptible to extreme weather, slate is relatively unaffected by extreme weather conditions. It can even withstand hail and high winds.
When properly installed, your slate roof can last 75 years or more. Slate is also very low maintenance, and because of its density, it absorbs very little water, so you won’t have to worry about mold or mildew growth. Plus, slate roofing can increase the value of your home.
Wood Shakes and Shingles
If you’re looking for a very affordable roofing option for your large home, wood shakes/shingles are a great option. Wood shingles tend to weather to an attractive shade of grey, which many homeowners appreciate.
If you live in an area that’s prone to fires, look for wood shingles that have a class-A wood fire rating. If you’re looking to give your home a rustic look, wood shingles are a great option.
However, keep in mind that wood shingles can be a concern in wet climates. Some areas in high fire zones even prohibit the use of wood shingles.
Are You Ready to Choose a Roofing Material?
Now that you’ve read this guide, it’s time for you to select a roofing material for your home. As you can see, there are many great options out there for those who own large homes.
Once you’ve decided on a roofing material, your next step is to hire a contractor. And be sure to check back in with our blog for more roofing tips.
