Upgrading your roof is an excellent tactic for improving your home’s curb appeal and protecting your home. However, with tons of roofing options out there, it can be tough deciding which type of roof is best for you, especially if you live in Atlanta, Georgia.
The weather can be severe at times, so you must speak with a roofing contractor in Atlanta, GA, to decide on the appropriate material for your home.
Some common materials for roofing in Atlanta, GA, include the popular asphalt fiberglass shingles, metal, corrugated metal, cedar shake, and slate. But which roofing type is the best?
In this guide, we explore the different types of roofing which work for homes in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asphalt Fiberglass Shingle Roofing
Also known as asphalt shingle, this is the most popular Atlanta, GA roofing style. In recent years, this shingle type comes with a fiberglass mat inserted in a waterproof asphalt shingle. The dual layers provide an extra measure of resistance to the elements — which is why it’s now predominantly called “asphalt fiberglass shingles.”
Most roofing companies in Atlanta, Georgia, use this material for sloped roofs because they’re:
- Easy to install
- Budget-friendly
- Long-lasting
- Come in a wide range of colors.
Top-quality asphalt shingles are also incredibly durable. Some may come with guarantees to last you for 50 years.
Metal
Metal is more prevalent for roofing Atlanta, GA factories, commercial buildings, and farmhouses. However, they are popular for residential homes, too. Unlike what probably comes to mind when you think of metal, modern metal roofing types are durable and aesthetically pleasing. They don’t seem like metal till you get close to the building.
Metal roofs are:
- Sturdy
- Long-lasting
- Available in various colors
Roofers also can install them directly onto a worn-out roof without removing the old roof. This method drops your installation costs if you are considering roof repair in Atlanta due to high replacement costs.
This material can have its downsides. You can’t install metal roofing on curved or complex roofs. Metal roofs can also be quite noisy during rain, heavy snow, and hailstorms. Older roofs are also prone to rust.
Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal looks similar to traditional metal roofing, but there’s a distinct difference. Corrugated metal has interlocking metal sheets, while standard metal roofing has interlocking metal panels.
Roofing companies in Atlanta, Georgia, often install corrugated metal in barns, sheds, and other similar agricultural structures. It’s also easy to spot due to its characteristic form: thin sheets with symmetrical ridges and grooves.
Corrugated metal is popular for commercial or agricultural roofing in Atlanta because it:
- Fits over an old roof
- Affordable
- Enduring
This roofing type is durable, with the material manufactured from polycarbonate, steel, or a composite of asphalt and fiberglass.
Cedar Shake
Cedar shake is another popular material for roofs. It’s been a common material for hundreds of years, and you’ll find it most often on historic buildings. Roofing contractors in Atlanta, GA, who can install cedar shakes or wooden shingles will need to follow guidelines for historic restoration.
Cedar shake can handle the most severe weather conditions. Plus, it imparts a rustic and visually pleasing look to your home. The aesthetic appeal is why some roofing manufacturers — such as concrete and clay tile manufacturers — have imitation cedar shake shingles.
Cedar shake shingles also provide the following benefits:
- Low maintenance
- High resale value
- Natural insulator
- Rustic aesthetics
- Resistance to moisture and insects
While cedar shakes require a much higher financial outlay than other roofing types, they can last for a lifetime. If properly installed and maintained, this roof material is a no-brainer.
Slate
Slate has been in use as a roof material for centuries. It’s a rare combination of sturdy and beautiful.
The material comes in a wide variety of colors and shapes and can work for almost any type of roof — straight, curved, or complex. When installed right, slate can last as long as cedar shake shingles. Some anecdotal evidence suggests it can last as long as you live in your home without significant maintenance.
However, like every other thing, it does have its cons:
- Pricey
- Slate materials can be pretty heavy
- Repairs, when they happen, can be expensive.
If you are looking to install a slate roof, make sure to speak to an experienced roofing contractor in Atlanta, GA. You can’t afford any dodgy installations after the significant capital outlay required to purchase slate materials.
Choosing the Right Roofing Company in Atlanta, GA is Important
Choosing the right roofing company is as important as picking the right roof material. You want a roofing contractor that cares about your safety and comfort. Call us today to speak to a consultant and get a free quote.
