Choosing the roofing material for your custom home is a crucial decision to make in its construction phase. There are several types of roofing materials that can add to the durability and aesthetics of your custom home. You need to know about your options and whether it suits the design and style of your dream house. 

Here’s the perfect blog article for you to know the different roofing materials you can buy in the market today. 

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Are you looking for a natural appearance to your roof? If yes, the best options you have are wood shakes and shingles. Wood shakes are hand-split from wood blocks and have rougher texture and finish, while wood shingles are machine manufactured and have a uniform appearance and smooth finish. 

Pros:

• These wood materials are recyclable and typically made from fallen trees caused by storms. 

• You can choose the material from a variety of woods, such as cypress, cedar, pine, and redwood. 

• Wood shingles and wood shakes can last up to 20 to 30 years.

Cons:

• You can't use wood shingles and shakes if your house is located  in a wildfire-risk area. 

• Non-treated wood shingles and shakes require regular cleaning to prevent the growth of algae or moss. 

• Wood roofing material may catch fire easily if you leave it untreated. Also, it may cause a high premium on your homeowner’s insurance. 

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are typically coated or glazed with a waterproofing element for strength and durability. This roofing material is typical in Mediterranean and Spanish styles of architecture. 

Pros:

• Clay tiles are resistant to pests and fire. 

• Clay tiles are recyclable. 

• Clay tiles have a 50-year lifespan.

Cons:

• Clay tiles can break easily if not regularly maintained. 

• This roofing material is more expensive than other roofing materials. 

• A clay roofing material is quite heavy and needs additional framing support. 

Slate Tiles

If you want a European look to your custom house, you can choose slate tiles for it. Here are the pros and cons of this roofing material. 

Pros:

• Slate tiles are durable, recyclable, reusable, and low maintenance. 

• Slate tiles are effective in giving your house a luxurious look. 

Cons:

• Slate tiles are heavy. They weigh up to 1,200 pounds per 100 square feet, and requires more frame support. 

• Slate tiles develop moisture issues if not installed properly.

• It can be costly to repair since slate tiles can break when you walk on them. 

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are made of a combination of concrete and clay or wood fibers to make them more durable without becoming too heavy. 

Pros:

• Concrete tiles are resistant to insects and fire.

• This roofing material is durable and can last up to 50 years.

• They are recyclable and come in different colors, textures, and styles. 

• Light-colored concrete tiles reflect sunlight, making your custom home energy-efficient. 

Cons:

• Concrete tiles are heavier than other roofing materials and may require additional framing support. 

• Concrete tiles may break if someone walks on them. 

Asphalt/Asphalt Composite Shingles

This roofing material is the most common and affordable in the market today. It comes in different colors and is easy to install and maintain. Asphalt shingles are typically made of recycled paper permeated with asphalt and topped with granules or a fiberglass base with mineral and asphalt granules on top. 

Pros:

• Asphalt roofs are popular because of their resistance to fire, helping you save money on insurance. 

• This roofing material is affordable and easy to find. The variety of color options is also a big advantage for custom home builders. 

• Asphalt roofs with light colors can reflect sunlight and boost your home’s energy efficiency. 

Cons:

• Asphalt shingles are low when it comes to insulation properties. 

• An asphalt roofing material is not as durable as other materials. They only have a lifespan of about 10 to 20 years. 

Metal Roof

Metal roofs are commonly made of copper, steel, aluminum or zinc, providing premium durability to your home. They have different styles, colors, and textures. You can also choose different coatings of metal roofs to make it look like clay tiles, wood shingles, or asphalt shingles. 

Pros:

• Highly durable with a lifespan ranging from 30 to 50 years. 

• Metal roofs have Class A fire ratings. 

• This roofing material can prevent ice dams and shed water and snow effectively.

Cons:

• A metal roofing material is more costly compared to other materials.

• A metal roofing material is difficult to penetrate by firefighters when there’s a fire inside. 

Takeaway

You have many options to choose from for the roofing material of your custom home. Make sure you go for one that suits the style and design of the house. You should also consider the cost and durability of the roofing material to ensure you buy one that fits your budget and can last in the long term.