Roofing is one of the most important protections any structure has against the elements for residential and commercial structures. It makes them capable of lasting for a long time. If you're building a new home or considering replacing the roof of your current home, you should pay close attention to the type of roofing used. A good roof repair company should have many options for installing a new roof or re-roofing an existing one. Here's a look at the many options from which you might choose the right type of roof for you.

Shingle Roofing

There are various types of shingle roofing you can choose for your home. These options include asphalt, wood, clay, slate, and more. However, asphalt shingles are the top choice of most homeowners due to their relative affordability. According to Home Innovation Research Labs, asphalt shingles account for about 80% of all types of shingles used on new home rooftops in the United States. The shingles commonly are made using a fiberglass material that's surrounded by an asphalt mixture and cured. We've seen that a newly shingled roof that uses asphalt can last for up to 30 years or more when properly maintained.

Shingle roofing works by being applied from the base of the roof upwards and then overlapping to give the roof full coverage. Shingles are generally a popular option partly due to requiring less training to install, which results in a lower cost of labor. Since roof shingles are layered in a step-like pattern, they're great at protecting the roof from water penetration and directing the water into your gutters. Another benefit of their tiered design is that they can be arranged in a way that conforms to the shape of many different roofs. Roof repairs are relatively easy for a roof repair company to complete on shingle roofing since the shingles are different parts and can be managed separately.

Metal Roofing

If you already own a home, then you may not be interested in investing in a complete roof replacement. Maybe you'd rather not have your entire roof removed and replaced. That's where metal roofing comes in. Metal roofing can be installed over pre-existing roofs as long as local building codes permit it. Some individuals may think that metal roofs are noisier than asphalt shingle roofing, but this isn't the case. As long as the roofing is installed correctly, metal roofing won't be noisier than other types.

This type of roofing is an especially cost-effective option since it's extremely durable and can last for many years. According to The Spruce, metal roofing can last between 40 and 70 years. Additionally, metal roofing is resistant to pest damage, rot, mildew, and fire. For an area that's prone to wildfires, metal roofing is a good option to consider. These roofs are also more energy-efficient since they can lower cooling costs by 10% to 25%, according to The Spruce.

Flat Roofing

Despite the name, flat roofing isn't actually entirely flat. Instead, it just has a very low slope, usually between 1/4 and 1/2 inch per foot, according to the Spruce. Consequently, some individuals refer to them as low-slope roofs. This low slope helps it to drain water. This type of roofing uses gutters and downspouts to direct water away from the home. Flat roofing is another cost-effective option since it doesn't use trusses and could cost less to build than other alternatives.

If you're looking for an option that can be repurposed into something more than just a standard roof, then flat roofing is a perfect choice. It's much safer to walk on a flat roof than a pitched one, which makes it a safer option to repurpose into outdoor living space or additional storage. Maybe you'd like to create a beautiful garden on your roof or a nice outdoor space for yoga. A roof repair company can install the flat roof you've been dreaming of.

Are you considering what options a good roof repair company can provide for roof replacements? The options above are a few key types of roofing that provide several benefits. Do your research to make sure you're choosing the right type of roofing for you. If you're ready to reach out to roofers for service, contact Coastal Roofing Specialists, Inc today. We're happy to answer any questions you may have.