Roofing Glenview: What Are My Roofing Options? A.B. Edward Enterprises, Inc.

Are you in the process of designing or moving into your dream Glenview, Illinois home ? Chances are you’ve spent more time mapping out your floor plan then you have planning what type of roof you want! One could argue that the roof is the most important component of your home.

Do you know all of your options when it comes to roofing materials? If not, don’t fret! Here’s a quick rundown of the six most common roofing materials along with their pros and cons.

Shingles

This is probably the most common roof type we see today. Asphalt and fiberglass shingles are the most commonly used materials for roofing. The benefits of shingles include the fact that they’re affordable and they come in a variety of brands and colors. The cons included are shingles aren’t always the most eco-friendly and some types don’t have a long lifespan.

Concrete

Although this is a material that is more rarely used, it’s sometimes seen on contemporary-styled homes. Concrete shingles, light-weight tiles and panels can all be made from cement products. The biggest benefits of a concrete roof are durability, low maintenance and their resistance to rotting and weathering. A drawback is the high cost of concrete and the limited selections available.

Tile

Tile is more commonly used in the southwest and on Spanish-influenced designs. The best thing about tile is it comes with nearly a lifetime warranty. It’s also fire, rot and insect resistant. The single biggest con is the heavy weight of the tiles. It’s also made from clay so it can easily be broken. Tile is also the priciest of all roofing options.

Wood

Since wood is abundant, it’s an eco-friendly roofing option. Wood is available in a variety of widths, colors and thicknesses. Although it’s preferred because it looks natural, it also is susceptible to mold, rot and insect infestation. It also must be treated with a fire retardant.

Metal

Metal roofing materials were more common back in the olden days, but their popularity is coming back. Metal roofing is available in tin, aluminum, steel and copper. On the upside, metal roofs are light-weight, have a long lifespan and are practically maintenance-free. On the downside, they can be expensive and difficult to install.

Slate

Slate roofs are not very common and are made of shingle-like slivers of rock. The benefits include good fire protection, a very long lifespan and low maintenance. The disadvantages include the fact that slate is a very heavy material, can be easily broken and can be expensive.

When you’re designing your roof, your top considerations should include: cost, maintenance, durability and who is installing it. The installation of the roof is as important as the roof type you select. Be sure to use an experienced contractor (get references) and gain a clear understanding of their installation process. You’ll probably “hit the roof” when you look at the final bill, but as long as it looks great, that’s what matters, right?