Researching roofing materials can turn up a lot of choices for your home or investment property. To help with your research for a new roof, in this post we’ll take a look at the Pros and Cons for 3 very common roofing materials used in Northern Wisconsin:
Asphalt/Fiberglass Shingles
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install, readily available
Cons: 2.5 – 4.25 pounds per square foot, failure-prone sealants, limited wind resistance, can’t be used below 3:12 roof pitch, life expectancy less than 20 years, prone to streaks and stains
Wood Shakes and Shingles
Pros: Natural beauty, low thermal mass
Cons: Collect and hold moisture, support fungal growth, short life expectancy, costly, difficult to source, requires considerable installation expertise, can require repair with age, perform poorly in damp climates.
Aluminum Shingles
Pros: Excellent for harsh climates and damp climates, interlocking panels for wind resistance, low weight option at under 0.50 pounds per square foot, integral airspace for energy efficiency, naturally algae resistant, easy to install, many attractive designs and colors, good surface for water collection, very long life expectancy, strong warranties
Cons: More costly than some products, may require special flashings, 3:12 minimum pitch requirement
2 Minute Video on Types of Metal Roofing
Here’s a very short video on the types of metal roofing available, from metal roofing expert Todd Miller. The video may lead you to watch others in the YouTube series, as you continue your research:
More Questions About Roofing Materials?
Though we’ve only listed 3 roofing material options, we can help you work your way through all of types of roofing available. Want to learn more? Our team is here to help. At American Metal Roofs of Wisconsin we specialize in aluminum roofing; metal roofing that’s made in the USA for the lifetime protection of your home, or other property.