Roof Types For Austin Homes
Here at Ace Roofing Company, we’re an Austin area roofer that deals with all kinds of roofing materials.
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If your existing roof has a leak or needs to be replaced, you’ll have to act fast. That small leak can turn into a huge one overnight if a storm hits or if it causes another problem with your roof, and that can jeopardize your entire roof or your home itself if a leak starts to sneak into the living areas of your home — not to mention that it’s also unsafe!
Here at Ace Roofing Company, we’re an Austin area roofer that deals with all kinds of roofing materials. From asphalt and wood shingles to metal, clay, concrete and slate, we’ve seen it all and can get your roof back into shape — or we can replace it entirely with shingles that can last up to 100+ years so that you never have to think about your roof again for a lifetime.
Asphalt/Fiberglass
As the most common shingle material in the Northwest and Northeast, asphalt shingles are cheap, easy to install and work great to protect your home from Mother Nature. That said, asphalt shingles aren’t that common in Austin, and as a roofing company we tend to advise residents to go with a more robust shingle if their budget allows for it. Most roofs topped with asphalt shingles last a decade or two — sometimes up to three — and if you happen to have an asphalt shingle roof it may just be time to swap out those tired and old shingles.
Wood Shingles
Another type of roof shingle is a wood shingle that’s cut from cedar, spruce or pine. They tend to last slightly longer and cost more than asphalt shingles, but as an Austin roofing company we know that they’re not ideal in areas with fire concerns. In dry or wet climates they also tend to rot or flake, but they do look great and give more protection than asphalt shingles, making them a viable option.
Metal Shingles
Whether they’re made from aluminum, steel, copper or an alloy, metal shingles have a longer lifespan than asphalt or wood shingles, and they also reflect sunlight, keeping you cool inside. A metal roof is much lighter than other shingles, and they’re also easy to install. That can help drive down your roof repair or replacement costs in Austin, TX, and you may also get 50 to 75+ years out of those trusty metal shingles. That said, metal shingles are more expensive than asphalt or wood, and if you get a lot of precipitation (especially hail) the noise could be an issue. Sometimes metal shingles can be installed on top of existing asphalt shingles, but that depends on the state of your existing roof.
Slate Shingles
One of the most long-lasting shingle types is slate due to its heavy weight and natural lifespan. As an Austin roofing company, we love how slate looks, but the weight and cost of slate is substantially more than other types of roofing materials. However, slate is less likely to leak and it’s also heat, hail and moisture resistant, making it great for just about any climate, and perfect for homes that want a more elegant roof look.
Clay and Concrete Shingles
As one of the most common roof shingles in the Southwest, clay and concrete are both ubiquitous in Austin and one of the reasons why most people may never think about their roof. Clay or concrete tiles are heavy and robust, which is why you’ll need a strong roof structure — don’t worry, we can add extra framing — before you can opt for clay or concrete tiles atop your existing roof. The tiles themselves tend to last 50+ years with some variants lasting over 100, so they’re super long-lasting.
The Importance of New Roofing Tiles
Contrary to popular opinion, a roof won’t last forever, and much of it comes down to the weather and climate that your roof sees, as well as the roofing tiles that are installed. Asphalt shingles, which are the most common type of roof shingle nationwide, may only give you 10 to 20 years of service before needing to be replaced, though they also happen to be the most affordable. You may not be ready to replace that roof just yet, but if you’re dealing with shingles that are years past their expiration date, you may have no choice.
Those with traditional asphalt shingles may want to consider stepping up to architectural shingles, which form a denser roof and can last twice as long. They cost more, but they’re better looking than traditional shingles, and various options are available that may mimic the look of more expensive roofing materials, such as wood, tile or slate.
“Shake” or wood shingles are also available, and they can last up to 30 years, though they require more roof maintenance than other types of materials since they’re made from an organic material — wood.
Standing Seam Metal tends to last a lot longer than asphalt, composite or wood shingles, but they can also be more expensive if you opt for costly copper panels or coated steel tiles. However, they’re long-lasting and robust — on the order of 50+ years — and they also look great.
Compared to other options, slate tiles are some of the longest lasting roofing tiles, with a lifespan of up to 100 years or even longer. But they’re costly and weigh significantly more than traditional tiles, so your existing roof may need reinforcements to hold those tiles up. The benefit is having a roof that won’t need to be replaced in your lifetime, and slate tiles also provide a beautiful and striking look that perfectly complements new and modern constructions.
Another long-lasting option is a clay tile roof, which is typically defined by its signature earthy tones and classic look that is very popular in the southwest. A clay roof can often last 50 years or more, and it’s not unheard of for some clay roofs to start pushing the century mark and beyond. That said, if you want to get a lifetime out of your clay roof, it’s important to stay on top of roof maintenance, efficiently dealing with any problems as they pop up.
Roofer Recommendations
For those that are unsure what they want out of their new roof, sometimes it helps to consult the experts. Here at Ace Roofing Company we’ve been installing and repairing roofs in the Austin area for more than 20 years. Specializing in shingles, metal, clay and concrete tiles, we’ve seen and done it all, and we can get your existing roof back into tip-top shape if it needs a little TLC. From full roof replacement to simple roof management and repairs, we’re here for you and your roofing needs.
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