Roof Types

Choosing the right type of roof for your home or commercial building is a crucial decision that will impact the functionality and aesthetic of your structure. The type of roof you choose should be well-suited to the needs of your building. For example, a flat warehouse roof is entirely different from the pitched, shingled roof of a single-family home because they serve different purposes.

A warehouse roof is typically flat to maximize the capacity of a large, uninterrupted storage space. On the other hand, a pitched, shingled roof provides a slope for water runoff and wind redirection to make a home as resistant to the elements as possible. Additionally, shingles come in a variety of styles and colors to allow for aesthetic considerations a warehouse owner doesn’t have to think about.

The local climate must be taken into consideration. For instance, in general the more windy or rainy an area is, the more pitched the roof must be.

The Advantages & Trade-Offs of Roof Types

There are many different types of roofs to choose from, including asphalt shingles, metal, clay or concrete tiles, and flat roofs. Each type of roof has its own advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully considered before making a decision.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

• Advantages: Relatively inexpensive, easy to install, come in a variety of colors and styles, fire and wind resistant, can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.
• Trade-offs: Can be prone to damage from hail or heavy winds, have a lower lifespan compared to other roofing materials, not an eco-friendly option.

Metal Roofs

• Advantages: Lightweight and highly durable; resistant to fire, insects, and rot; energy efficient; can last up to 50 years or more with maintenance.
• Trade-offs: More expensive compared to asphalt shingles, can be noisy during rain or hail.

Slate Tile Roofs

• Advantages: Highly durable; resistant to fire, wind, insects, and rot; environmentally sustainable.
• Trade-offs: Heavy as far as roofing options go, expensive, only appropriate for steep roofs.

TPO Roofs

• Advantages: Relatively low cost, adaptable to both commercial and residential needs, energy efficient, easy to maintain, less time to install.
• Trade-offs: Untested as far as longevity, wide variation in quality between manufacturers, vulnerable to leaks without regular maintenance.

Flat Roofs

• Advantages: Ideal for commercial buildings with large roof areas, can provide extra outdoor space (such as rooftop patios), can be cost-effective.
• Trade-offs: Susceptible to leaks due to ponding water, require regular maintenance to prevent water damage.

It’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of roof before making a final decision. Speak to a trusted roofing professional from Weathertight Roofing to help you make the right choice for your residential or commercial building.