In the last decade, perhaps nothing in the home building arena has improved as dramatically as roofing materials that are now available for roof repairs. There’s a wide selection of materials and price points available from professional contractors in Madison WI.
From The Most Common Roofing Materials To The Unique
The very basic, composition shingles found on most newer houses have been improved over the past 20 years to the point that they rarely need replacing except when damaged. All G.A.F. composition shingles are now guaranteed for life. And, modern composition shingles don’t clog landfills if they are removed. They are being recycled for other construction-related uses. Once a problem, today’s shingles are “greener” than they’ve ever been.
And, you don’t have to settle for common. Consider the options:
Composition Shingles—Even though the most common roofing material, they are the least expensive and are available in many designs and colors.
- Advantages: Affordable, many types, brands and colors, easy to install and repair, low maintenance
- Disadvantage: May blow off in high winds, scars easily in heat, subject to moss and mildew and hail damage
- Cost: low to moderate
The Metal Roof—A relatively new material for use in residential buildings, metal roofs have been common in commercial structures for decades. Now, offering in attractive styles and colors they have moved in the Madison WI residential scene. Metal roofs have their uses, but also have their drawbacks:
- Advantages: Durable, long life span, low maintenance, fire retardant, energy efficient, environmentally friendly, can be installed over existing roofs, can be made to look like wood shakes, clay and metal tiles and shingles
- Disadvantage: Potentially two to three times more expensive to install than conventional shingles; colors have been known to fade and weather with age, detracting from appearance
- Cost: High
Wood Shakes—A popular design selection with excellent curb-appeal, especially when creating a period look.
- Advantages; Excellent insulator that allows house to breathe, has appealing natural look
- Disadvantage: Susceptible to mold, mildew, rot and insects, poor fire rating unless pressure treated, higher maintenance
- Cost: High
Clay Tile—A unique style popular with a few designs.
- Advantages: Durable, long lasting, will not rot or burn, easy to maintain, variety of colors and styles
- Disadvantage: Heavy material requires extra roof support, expensive and complicated installation, fragile so maintenance can be difficult
- Cost: High
Slate—Another of the unique, specialty products for roof repairs/replacements
- Advantages: Relatively long life span, low maintenance, will not rot or burn, variety of colors and sizes
- Disadvantage: Heavy so extra support is required, expensive, fragile so maintenance can be difficult
- Cost: High
Concrete Tile—A relative newcomer in the Madison WI area
- Advantages: Long life span, low maintenance, will not rot or burn, can be made to look like wood shakes, clay tiles or slate
- Disadvantage: Expensive, heavy and difficult to install
- Cost: High
Most of these are more expensive than traditional roofing materials and will not last any longer than less expensive options.
Location Makes A Difference When Choosing Roofing Materials
The environment should play a role when you evaluate materials for roof repairs. In Madison WI you will deal with cold snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Your roof will be pelted by rain and snow, maybe hail, and occasionally high winds that accompany storms. The extremes a roof is exposed to will determine its longevity, regardless of the roofing materials you choose.
For assistance in identifying the best roofing materials for your roof repairs, contact Sims Exteriors and Remodeling in Madison WI – 608-825-4500. We are roofing, window replacement and home improvement specialists serving the Madison WI area including Middleton, Waunakee, Fitchburg, Oregon Verona, McFarland, Stoughton, Cottage Grove, Sun Prairie, DeForest and all of Dane County.
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