Know Your Roofing Options

The 6 most common roof offerings:

• Asphalt shingles
• Clay tiles
• Metal
• Slate
• Wood shakes
• Synthetics 

Contingent on your budget, your home’s foundations, and how much importance you place on aesthetics and durability, among other things, roofing options that you’ve initially discounted could warrant a second look. 

See which one of these 6 choices speaks to you. 

Choosing The Best Roofing Option For Your Needs  

Given Calgary’s harsh weather conditions, you may want to gravitate towards metal roofs for your home. This is not a bad option, but you’d be remiss to not learn about the many other viable roofing materials out there. 

There is no one-size-fit-all roofing option; every type of roofing has their strengths and weaknesses. What works for your neighbour may not work for you. As such, choosing the right roof for your home depends on multiple factors, namely what you value and your budget.

Regardless of what roof you choose, know that Calgary’s Asonic Roofing stands ready to support your decision. Our team will give you a free estimate, remove your old roof, and expertly install a new one to make your home the haven you’ve always dreamed of. Call us at 403-462-2808 or fill out the online contact form to explore our roofing options. 

6 Top Roofing Options For You 

Before committing to a roofing option, you should know your choices. 

Asphalt Shingles

Pros: Asphalt shingle installation is simple and affordable. Shingles also come in many varieties and colours, which make them suitable for all kinds of architectural styles. 

Cons: Asphalt shingles don’t make the most resilient roofs. They also don’t provide the best insulation. Additionally, shingles are not the most environmentally friendly, as they’re made from petroleum and fibreglass. 

You should get asphalt shingles if: You’re on a tight budget or don’t want to spend too much money for your roof. You also don’t mind periodically cleaning the interior of your roof from insects, algae, moss, and water. 

Clay tiles

• Pros: You should consider clay tile installation if you want your roof to be made of a durable and environmentally-friendly material. Unless the tiles break, you probably won’t ever have to repair or maintain your roof. Some tiled roofs have lasted more than 100 years. 
   
• Cons: Clay roofs are expensive and difficult to install. Furthermore, not every home is compatible with a clay roof. Because of its heavy weight, a clay roof requires a structure that can support it. 
   
• You should get clay tiles if: You don’t mind spending a lot of money in exchange for a high-quality, durable roof that can last a lifetime. You should also make sure that your home is sturdy enough to support its weight. 

Metal 

• Pros: Like clay tiles, metal is also extremely durable and environmentally-friendly. Metal has the added benefit of being light. It is cheaper than clay tiles. 
   
• Cons: While less expensive than clay roofs, metal roofs can still drain your pockets. Some communities prohibit metal roof installation, finding the material too “industrial-looking.” Finding installers who can properly set up a metal roof can be a challenge. 
   
• You should get a metal roof if: You’re willing to pay a pretty penny for a highly efficient roofing option. 

Slate

• Pros: Slate roofs are long-lasting, durable, often aesthetically pleasant, and low maintenance. 
   
• Cons: All these benefits come at a price; slate is among the most expensive roofing materials. Like clay roofs, slate roofs are heavy and require a foundation that can support them. 
   
• You should get a slate roof if: You’re willing to live at your home for a very long time so that your investment pays off. 

Wood Shake

• Pros: Wood shingles and shakes confer your home a rustic appearance. Aesthetics aside, wood is cheaper than metal, clay tile, and slate while being just as durable as asphalt. 
   
• Cons: Wood shakes are harder to maintain. Wood is vulnerable to fire, mold, and insect infestations. 
   
• You should get wood shakes if: You value a classic look, and you’re willing to put in the work to maintain it. 

Synthetics 

• Pros: Combining the best of both worlds, synthetic roofs are resilient and relatively inexpensive. 
   
• Cons: Synthetics are a newcomer in the roofing industry. Their durability has yet to be tested. 
   
• You should get a synthetic roof if: You’re open to experimenting with a novel option that looks good on paper. 

Which Roofing Option Is For You? 

There is a roofing material out there for everyone. If you value affordability above all, asphalt is for you. If durability at all costs matters the most, look into metal roofing. If you want your home to stand out from the rest, you should consider wood shakes. 

If you’re still unsure about which kind of roof to go with, you can always consult the experts at Asonic Roofing. Our experts will assess your home’s roofing needs for free and recommend a roofing material within your budget that you’ll be sure to love.  

Call us at 403-462-2808 or fill out the online contact form to get started.

FAQs

Q: How long do roofs last?

A: Depending on the material, roofs last from 20 years to 100 years or more. Asphalt roofs are the least durable, and tiled and slate roofs are the longest lasting. Metal roofs are somewhere in between. 

Q: Is my roof insured?

A: Your insurance policy should cover your roof. Moreover, most reputable roofing companies provide a labour warranty of 10 years. 

Q: How often should I have my gutters cleaned?

A: You should clean them twice to four times a year.