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Roofing Materials | Solar Panels, Battery Storage, Roofing, HVAC

Whether getting a new house or considering a roofing replacement, the roof material is imperative for the look of a home as well as for the costing department. Since most people are either undecided or uninformed about diverse roofing materials, this article will explore and cover the most popular roofing options. Asphalt Shingles Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material holding a statistic of 70% of all single-family houses in the US because they are so easy to install that even one person can install them single-handedly. Asphalt shingles are still dominating the market because they are super affordable and durable enough (easily lasting from 15 to 40 years).  There are 2 types of asphalt shingles: organic and fiberglass shingles, each having their own look and advantages. While the fiberglass one starts with a fiberglass mesh that is covered in asphalt and topped with granules, organic shingles, on the other hand, offer better stability being built from recycled paper saturated in asphalt and coated with granules. Pros of asphalt shingles Fiberglass shingles provide fire protection  Friendly-looking stylish appearance Cheaper than other materials and still durable Wide-ranging selection of colors and styles to perfectly fit the house look Cons of asphalt shingles Frequent Roof Installation might cost overall higher than metal or slate materials Frequent weather changes can cause cracks to the asphalt shingles If one layer needs replacement, all layers must be torn off the roof Wood Shingles and Shakes Wood shakes are the most elegant out of this list, consisting of pine trees, cypress, redwood, and cedar. All these types of wood combined do not only offer a natural, timeless exterior but a sound insulation system as well if installed correctly.  Wood shingles are machine-cut pieces providing a smooth and clean surface and uniform edges, while the hand-cut wood shakes bring a rustic-style look, and they are also more expensive due to thicker wood.  Pros of wood shingles and shakes Last longer than asphalt shingles Offer natural and organic beauty style Contain natural oils making them resistant to insects and moisture Can be recycled Has twice the insulation effect of asphalt shingles Cons of wood shingles and shakes Pine tree wood is vulnerable to insects so it might rot faster More expensive and harder to install than asphalt shingles Wood shingles need high maintenance if untreated  Metal Roofing  The cons of metal don't have to be mentioned as everyone knows it can last a lifetime, it's resistant to both fire and insects and keeps the temperature of the house low by reflecting the sunlight. Metal roofing is manufactured in rolls bringing various options like traditional metal roof style and tiles look-alike roofing.  However, most are still rigid sheets with vertical panels and modular panels roofing. Usually, the metals used are Zinc, cooper, lightweight steel, and processed aluminum.  If speaking of cons, all these advantages come with the highest price in the roofing department with the cooper roof leading as the most expensive roof material. Metal is much noisier than other materials when it rains. Despite the durability monopoly, when hit by heavy objects, metal is likely to dent, and replacing it would be very costly.  However, such cases are rare enough to conclude that over time, continually replacing and repairing other types of roofing materials, might cost higher than metal roofing overall. Roof Tiles In the roofing business, tiles are number one in terms of the variety of colors and architectural styles. Unlike the past, when there was only one option considered ancient nowadays, today, roof tiles count three versions: durable traditional clay tiles, stable but easy to work with concrete tiles, and fiber cement tiles made for lightweight strength.  Roof tiles make great replacements to fire-prone locations, are resistant to moisture, insects, and fire, and most importantly, provide high insulation and energy conservation. On the contrary, this type of roofing is quite expensive and might also crack underfoot. Now that you know everything about the most popular roofing materials, feel free to contact the best roofing company in California and get a roofing contractor to choose and buy your favorite roofing with us here at Semper Solaris.

There is a lot to consider when it comes to selecting the right roofing material for your home in Bakersfield. Your roof plays an important role in protecting your home from the natural elements. It also increases the value of your home depending on its insulation quality and appearance. What all started with just banana leaves and haystacks to prepare a shelter from the rain and sun has now emerged as an industry with an extensive range of products. Roofers now offer materials and styles like natural slate and wood to man-made products such as asphalt, sheet metal, and plastic polymers. What type of material is used to roof your home is not solely based on aesthetics, while that is important what climate you are in also has a lot to do with it. So these are the best types of roofs for the climate in Bakersfield. Metal Roofing Metal roofing was generally used for warehouse construction in the past, but with advanced technological changes, many people are choosing metal roofing for their residential homes. They are available in copper, aluminum, and stainless steel with a high percentage of recycled content. The look varies from traditional metal roof panels to simulating wood shakes and shingles, slate, or tile. Metal roofing is lightweight, fire resistant and durable. Apart from its longevity, it is much lighter than most materials and resistant to adverse weather. Wood Shingles and Shakes Wood shingles and shakes are available in different qualities of wood like cedar, redwood, southern pine. Shingles are made with the help of a machine whereas shakes are handmade and have a rougher look. Since this type of roofing is more aesthetically appealing due to its natural appearance, it’s much more expensive than asphalt. However, in recent years, its use has been a concern due to its lack of fire resistance and the potential of mold in heavy rainfall. These shingle and shakes have been categorized underclass ‘A’ and ‘B’ according to the character of the specified. Class ‘B’ products have been pressure treated with fire retardants and are readily available. Asphalt Shingles Studies show that more than 75% of Americans choose this roofing material because of its low cost, easy installation, and resiliency. These are made of fiberglass mat which is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral granules. They have low insulation quality and a shorter lifespan than any other roofing material. Standard shingles are available in a wide variety of colors and are the cheapest option in roofing material. Clay and Concrete Tile Clay tile is made from natural clay which is fired in a kiln whereas concrete tile is made from a mixture of Portland cement and sand. These tiles give comparable benefits to slate but with a greater variety and at a lower cost. Tile is very durable and fire resistant but it’s much more heavy and expensive than other materials like asphalt shingles, fiber cement products, so your roof may require a reinforcement if you are planning to go for tile roofing. Slate Slate is a dense natural material that is non-absorbent. Its color is determined by its chemical and mineral compositions. As we know these factors vary from place to place, slate is available in a variety of colors. These factors also influence the responsiveness of slate towards changing color upon exposure to weather. Those with minimum change in color are known as ‘’permanent’’ slates while those with the most color changes are known as “weathering” slates. Reroofing with slate will require reinforcement of the roof to carry its heavy load. Although it’s non-leaching and lasts for hundreds of years and its natural beauty is unparalleled, it is one of the most expensive of steep slope roofing materials. Its installation is labor intensive and requires considerable skills.

When it comes to roofs, there are a wide range of options to select from. You’ve got everything from TPO for many commercial buildings to classic shingle for residential homes. Materials can range from metal to wood to cement to plastic to clay. What makes one material more preferred over the other? It can vary greatly based on the use of building, geographical location, weather, budget, and style. So what are some of the most common types of roofs that can be found in the Bay Area? We break down the region’s most popular roofing options. Keep reading to find out more!   What Type of Roof Do You Have? Wondering if your roofing material makes it in the top four most common roofing materials? Check the list below to learn more about your home’s roofing material or other options available to you. Here are some of the Bay Area’s top roofing materials: Slate: The pristine, elegant beauty of slate has been proven reliable for homeowners time and time again. Weather-resistant, slate roofs boast a lifespan ranging from 80 to 100 years. The natural appearance of slate lends itself to many different patterns and styles, making it a diverse roofing material. Slate tiles are also fire-resistant and rather easy to keep looking good for years to come. Clay / Terracotta: As a very common option found throughout California, clay (or terracotta) tiles exude Mediterranean or Spanish style. Due to the durability of clay, it is a very popular selection -- it can withstand fires, rot, and even insect pestering. Another feature that makes clay tiles so common is the range of colors and styles available. You can customize these details to best suit the style of your home, making them very versatile. Wood Shakes: Though they are a little more susceptible to fire damage and rot than other roofing materials, wood shakes provide great insulation and air circulation for homes. This style of roofing can come in numerous colors, wood types, and patterns, making it ideal for customization. Wood shake roof designs can look anywhere from rustic chic to old world romantic. Composite Shingles: As one of the most affordable roofing materials, composite shingles can be used for a range of different home types. Homeowners often have a broad selection of colors and styles of shingles, even recycled shingle options. Other options include fiberglass and asphalt. Ready to Upgrade Your Roofing? Schedule Replacement! Whether you have a slate roof or clay shingles, if your roof is in serious need of replacement, leave it to the pros at Semper Solaris. Why consider a roof replacement? Not only can an upgraded roof better protect your home and personal property, but it can also add to the value of your house. A sturdy roof means peace of mind and boosted curb appeal. If you’ve considered going solar, having a stable, strong, and reliable roof is all the more important to complete your home improvement project. Interested in learning more about our roof replacement in the Bay Area? We are here to help. Contact us today to get informed.