Standing Seam Metal Roof from Stone Creek Custom Homes

When deciding on what kind of roof you want for your new custom-built home, there are a myriad of considerations, such as longevity, durability and environmental characteristics that must be weighed. What aesthetic are you going for? What’s your budget?  At Stone Creek Custom Homes, we do our best to make sure our clients know all of the factors before making such an important decision. When it comes to roofing, there are three main options:  tile, metal and asphalt shingle. We always tell people we put on a 30-year shingle, metal lasts 50 and tile lasts a lifetime, unless you get a hailstorm!

Asphalt Shingle

According to todayshomeowner.com, asphalt shingles have cornered 80% of the residential roofing market. Asphalt Shingles are the most popular type of roofing for homes, mainly because they’re the most economical choice.

If you’re trying to go green, asphalt shingles aren’t the best option. They’re not considered eco-friendly because they are a petroleum-based product, and while they can be recycled, it’s more likely they’ll end up in a landfill.

The good news is, today’s asphalt shingles are made to look like slate, wood shakes or even tile, so you can still have a beautiful-looking roof. Colors and styles vary, including architectural shingles, which create an attractive contoured, dimensional look, but aren’t recommended for low-sloping roofs.

Metal

According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, the popularity of metal roofing products has increased significantly in recent years. No longer simply corrugated tin roofs, modern metal roofs are not only attractive but are considered a high-tech roofing solution that’s lightweight, durable and fire-resistant. They’re also the energy-efficient choice because they reflect heat from the sun.

Aluminum, copper, copper-and-asphalt, steel and lead are all very durable, although certainly more expensive than asphalt shingles. Steel and aluminum are the most common and viable options because they hold paint well and are the least expensive metals. Although aluminum is prone to damage because it’s a softer metal, it’s less likely to corrode than steel.

Tile

Tile is more expensive than asphalt shingles and metal, but if aesthetics is your number one priority for your new custom home, tile roofs can’t be beat when it comes to a stunning visage. The half cylinders of tile roofing are common on Spanish Colonial and Mission styles, a prevalent choice in south Texas.

Terra cotta tiles have survived the test of time, not only because they give your house a warm, sunny façade, but because they’re great at keeping buildings cool – a quality which can’t be underestimated during summer!

Solar Shingle

Solar Shingles are a great alternative roofing choice. Only commercially available since 2005, solar shingles allow you to transform your roof into a source of energy, making it the most eco-conscious choice. Designed to look like traditional asphalt shingles, solar shingles are photovoltaic cells that are able to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. While solar shingles are considered a more expensive roofing solution, newer designs are much more cost-efficient and can be installed in 10 hours, compared to what used to take up to 30 hours.

Whatever type of roof you’re considering for your new custom home, we’re here to help guide you! For more information, call us today at 210-494-5400.