Best Roofs for California

There are dozens of options when it comes to selecting a material for your roof. How much money you want to spend, how long you want it to last, and how it looks are all components you should take into account. To narrow it down, we are focusing on the best options for where our customers are located — California. While a very temperate climate, the constant sunshine and random rainy days are aspects to consider. We’ve narrowed down your options to three, so keep reading to learn more about them.

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a popular option for a number of reasons; they look clean, they last long, aren’t too expensive, and are easy to install.

Material

Asphalt is the waterproof component of these shingles, but you still have the choice between two bases:

• Organic — Paper or felt base that has been covered in asphalt.
• Fiberglass — Fiberglass base that has been covered in asphalt. We recommend the fiberglass shingles for California homes, because they are more heat and fire resistant.

There are two main types of fiberglass asphalt shingles:

• 3-tab Shingles — These are the most simple, commonly used option because they are affordable and get the job done.
• Architectural or Dimensional Shingles — These are more aesthetically appealing because they can mimic tile or wood roofing, but they are more expensive.

Durability & Installation

The durability of asphalt is average; they last around 15–30 years depending on the quality, which is longer than others but not as long as some. Asphalt shingles can actually be purchased in a sheet, so they are easy to lay and install.

2. Metal Roofs

Metal is also a smart choice for California roofs.

Material

Metal roofs are constructed using steel, aluminum, copper, or alloy strips. There are pros and cons for each type of metal; for example, copper eventually turns green, which some people like and some don’t. No matter what type of metal is used, it will reflect the sun and keep your home nice and cool. This also means that metal roofs are more energy efficient, as well as being eco-friendly due to being made of recycled material.

One other aspect that can be seen as a pro or con is how loud rain and other elements will sound on the roof; again, some like this feature and others don’t.

Durability & Installation

The lifetime of metal roofs is actually two to three times that of other materials, around 40 to 70 years. Metal roofs are definitely more expensive than other materials, but the longevity makes up for it. Installation is more specialized than for shingles, so labor costs will also be higher.

3. Clay or Concrete Tiles

Tiles are probably the most popular roof material in the world, and for a good reason.

Material

Two of the most popular materials for roof tiles are clay and concrete. Both are good options, with just a few differences in price, weight, and longevity. For example, clay tiles cost about twice as much as concrete. No matter what material is used, m any people find tiles to be the most aesthetically pleasing option for roofs. They are also great at regulating temperature due to the small gap under each tile.

Durability & Installation

One of the biggest benefits of tile roofs is their longevity, lasting up to 50 years and requiring minimal maintenance. They are unfortunately very heavy, so you could potentially need to enforce your structure to support them. The weight not only means that they cost more than other materials, but they also require an experienced roofer. If not installed properly, your tile roof won’t last as long as promised.

Need some maintenance or construction done on your property? Check out all of our exterior property services.