What roof is best for you?

Now that there are more roofing options in the marketplace, homeowners are putting more thought into which materials make sense for their home. Copper, rubber and slate are three materials that might be at the top of your list. Here are a few things you should know before you call a roofing expert.

Cooper Roofing

Copper is a premium roofing material with plenty of advantages that make it attractive to homeowners across the country. Without a doubt, it’s a beautiful option both new and as it ages. Freshly installed copper has that distinctive penny hue, then develops a patina over many years that lends it a more mossy or blue-gray color. Copper roofs are a durable, inflammable material that has the benefit of being fairly lightweight—making it easier to install, and ensuring it’s less likely to become damaged in regions with high snowfalls. The biggest issue with copper is simply that it’s more expensive, making it a less ideal choice for homeowners on a budget.

Rubber Roofing

Rubber roofing (also known as EPDM) is extremely affordable, which has made it a top choice for many homeowners over the years. It’s easy to install and qualifies as low maintenance—unlike wooden shingles, for example, you won’t encounter rot and chipping over time. Rubber also reflects heat, acting as an insulator during the hot summer months. One of the disadvantages of rubber is that, although it can last a long time, the color often fades quite quickly. This can be a big drawback in sloped-roof homes, where the roof will be highly visible. The typical homeowner will often choose to re-paint their rubber roof every 10 years or so.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofing is easily the roofing with the most longevity, making it appealing both for current homeownership and for retaining value when it comes time to sell your house. Whereas rubber roofing needs to be replaced every 30 years or so, slate can last as long as 200 years. One of the disadvantages of a slate roof is their weight—for areas that receive high levels of snowfall, heavy roofs coupled with snow can potentially damage the house’s structure. On the other hand, heavy tiles are ideal for windy areas. Slate roofing is considered a premium roof material and is more expensive to install (it’s fixed to the roof with individual nails, as opposed to rubber, which is glued). Undeniably, though, slate is a beautiful construction material thanks to its natural variation in hue.

Choosing a Roof in Concord, MA

When it comes time to replace your home’s roof, be sure to consider which roofing material makes the most sense for your home. Talk to the roofing experts at Driscoll Contracting in Concord, MA to find out more about what you can expect from slate, rubber, copper and more. We are happy to help you make the best decision for you and your home! Contact us on our website or give us a call at 781-405-5584.