There are many options for roofing material on the market. How can you decide which is right for your home? Check out this guide to the best roofing material.

Most residential roofs will thrive for between 20 and 40 years. Once they reach this age, they typically begin to deteriorate, resulting in reduced coverage and decreased functionality. 

Has your roof reached this point? Are you in need of a roofing replacement? If so, you have a variety of roofing materials to choose from. 

Curious as to what these roofing materials are? Read on to find the best roofing material for you! 

Modern Roofing Materials for Homes
These days, there are quite a few roofing materials for residences. All of these materials have their benefits. However, they all have their downsides just the same. 

Below, we're going to discuss the pros and cons of the most common residential roofing materials on the market today. Let's get started. 

Asphalt Shingles
The most common residential roofing material around, asphalt shingles can be found on all types of homes, from small ranch houses to large luxury homes and everything in between. Available in a wide variety of colors and shapes, asphalt shingles can suit homes of any style and color. 

Functionally speaking, asphalt shingles are average. They provide middle of the road durability, insulation, and weather resistance. Generally, they thrive for around 20 years of use. 

One of the big problems with asphalt shingles is that they're comparatively weak. Strong wind and rain storms can rip them directly off of roofs, necessitating replacements more regularly than other roofing materials. 

Composite Shingles
Aesthetically speaking, composite shingles are identical to asphalt shingles. They're available not only in a number of colors, but in a number of styles as well. This means that they can be used on homes of all kinds. 

However, in terms of durability and weather resistance, composite shingles excel over asphalt shingles. Made out of a combination of fiberglass, asphalt, and paper fibers, they do a terrific job of resisting moisture. Generally, composite shingles will last for 25 to 30 years. 

While they're still vulnerable to being ripped off by wind and rain storms, they're not as vulnerable as are asphalt shingles. In the event that they do get ripped off, they can be easily replaced. 

Wood Shakes 
If you're looking for a unique roofing material, you might consider going with wood shakes. Aesthetically gorgeous, wood shakes are most typically found on high-end luxury homes.

This is usually due to their price. They are much more expensive than asphalt shingles and composite shingles. 

In terms of functionality, wood shakes excel on all fronts. Not only are they extremely durable, but they also offer extraordinary insulation.

Because they're made of wood, you might think that they're prone to water damage. However, the fact of the matter is that, as long as they're properly maintained, they thrive against moisture.

Generally, you can expect wood shakes to last for around 50 years. So, while they may be a little expensive initially, they will pay for themselves over the years. 

Metal Panels 
Another roofing option is metal. Most metal roofs come in prefabricated panels, allowing them to be installed with absolute ease. Available in a number of colors, they look terrific on all styles of houses. 

Apart from its high cost, metal roofing has no disadvantages. It's extremely durable, typically thriving for between 50 and 100 years of use. This makes it a terrific roofing solution for those who expect to own their homes for the long-haul. 

It's resistant to all types of weather, including sunlight, moisture, and wind. It doesn't matter what you throw at it, metal roofing will thrive. It's even resistant to fire. 

While many roofing materials are susceptible to mold and mildew, metal roofing is not. In fact, it's entirely protected against such entities. 

All in all, if you have the money, and you like the look of metal, it's one of the best materials you can choose. It will last for a very long time, and it will perform terrifically while doing so. 

Clay Tiles 
If you're looking to add a unique aesthetic to your home, you might consider utilizing clay tiles. Most popular in the southern United States, clay tiles possess an aesthetic that can't be mistaken. These tiles sport a dark orange color and are typically staggered on top of each other when installed. 

While you might think otherwise, the truth of the matter is that clay tiles are functionally superb. Durable, weather resistant, and insulative, they have been known to thrive for over 100 years.

There are two primary downsides involved with clay tiles: They require a great deal of maintenance, and they're extremely expensive initially.

However, if you have the money to spend, there's no reason not to install them on your roof. You can simply hire a roofing company to help maintain them over the years. 

Slate 
In many respects, slate is the king of all residential roofing materials. This is a stone material that's capable of thriving for well over 100 years. In fact, there are slate roofs that have existed for several centuries. 

Slate thrives in just about every respect. In addition to its absurd durability, it's also highly resistant to moisture, wind, sunlight, and fire. There's essentially nothing that can cause it to deteriorate. 

Aesthetically speaking, slate is about as unique as roofing materials come. However, it's not for everyone. Putting this material on your roof is a bit of a bold statement. 

Not to mention, it's a lot more expensive than most roofing materials. Of course, this is a small price to pay for a roofing material that's low-maintenance, and which will last for the remainder of your life and then some. 

What's the Best Roofing Material for You? While all of the above-reviewed roofing materials have their upsides, they all have their downsides as well. Have you decided which is the best roofing material for you? If so, and if you're ready to have your chosen roofing material installed, Crowley Roofers can help. 

Ours is the premier roofing company in Crowley, Texas, having roofed a bevy of houses throughout the area. Whichever roofing material you choose, we can install it for you in a quick and professional manner. 
​
Contact us now for a free quote! 

Nothing lasts forever and it's certainly true of your roof. We look at 9 clear signs that it's time for a new roof installation.


Got a few loose shingles? Do you think parts of your roof seem are cracking or crumbling apart?

The roof is one of the bare essentials of the house. It's the key component that will destroy the whole structure if left unattended. You'll deal with water leaks, cold air seeping in, and all sorts of dirt or debris crashing in your home.
It might be time to replace the old roof for something sturdier and prettier.

That said, many refuse to replace their roof because they fear the costs or the effort involved. How can you be sure that it's time to take the step forward?

To help you find the right moment to get a new roof installation, here are 9 signs you should look out for.

1. How Old Is The Roof?
You may want to pay more attention if your roof is a few years old.

But how old is old? Take note of the construction and materials used for that specific roof. This could tell you more about a roof's lifespan.

Asphalt shingles tend to have an estimated lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. Wooden shingles, on the other hand, have about 30 to 50 years before they fall apart. Shingles made of metal or slate may have a longer span of up to 80 years.

If your roof is about to reach those limits, don't wait further and call for roofing installations.

2. Are The Shingles Curling?
This is a clear indicator that you need a new roof. Buckling or curling shingles pose a threat to your home. The curls create avenues for water to bypass the protection provided by your roof.

This then allows water to leak through, causing damage to your home.

Curling often doesn't happen universally across your roof. More likely than not you'll see isolated areas, particularly with shingles right by a water pipe or underneath a tree. In cases like these, a patch job should fix it and help it last for a few years.

That said, the problem will spread over a few years. When that happens, it's time to get the entire roof replaced instead.

3. Are You Getting Leaks?
Leaks are the most obvious warning signs. If not addressed, there might be more damages and issues that your house will face. Water coming from the roof may start damaging the inner walls and ceilings, for example, or even break down the foundation of the house.

When you see leaks, have the house checked. Don't wait and definitely don't hesitate to call roofing experts at that point.

By contacting a professional, you get the assurance that they'll get to the bottom of your home's issues. They will also directly tell you if the issues originated from your roof and if it's time for a replacement.

4. What About the Ballast?
Do you know what your ballast looks like? It's a membrane connected to the roof shingles and uses gravel or other materials to protect your home from harsh sun rays and wind.

That said, a loose ballast has the risk of breaking away from the shingles, causing the water to seep in. They require regular maintenance as well. If you've ignored the ballast for a while then it's time to call the experts to inspect and potentially replace damaged parts of the roof.

5. Check the Gutters
As you clean the gutters of your house, you might end up finding pieces of shingles in there. If you do, you might want to check on the roof. As mentioned, loose shingles indicate roof deterioration.
The gutter will also show how much debris falls off your roof. There might be indications of heavy rocks or branches that could harm the shingles.

Fortunately, cleaning the gutters is a fairly quick and easy maintenance routine. You still have to practice safety, particularly when going up on ladders. If your roof is too high, don't take the risk and simply call the experts since they have the proper training and safety gear for the job.

6. Are There Signs of Sagging?
Another thing to look out for would be for any sign of drooping or sagging when looking up at your ceiling.

These are signs of severe water damage. There's the possibility of a leak and now all that trapped water is in your ceiling, pooling up there. This can go further into your walls or cause the ceiling and roof to come crashing down.
If you encounter sagging, have a professional check the roof as this one denotes serious structural damage to the home.

7. Look Out For Moss
Leaks in your ceiling also lead to moss. If you look at the roof during an inspection and you notice moss in portions of the roof, there's no doubt that you have a leaky roof. Water has to come in from somewhere, right?

Check the shady areas of your roof. One way to get rid of moss in these areas is to use a stiff brush to remove the moss. However, you should also check on the roof if there are other underlying issues that caused the moss to grow in those sections.

In the worst-case scenarios, you'll have to use chemicals to purge your home of the moss. You'll then have to ask experts to locate the leak, drain out the water, then repair the broken the roof.

8. Check the Flashings
Flashings seal the seams around chimneys, skylights, and vents. These protect the home from water, debris, or other potential things that could damage the structure.

If the flashings have no proper seal, this becomes an easy entryway for water to cause leaks. Have a consistent inspection on these for every few years and make sure that these have a proper seal.

9. Are There Valleys in the Roof?
When you see valleys in the roof, you need to have the roof repaired or changed. Don't wait further because these are clear indications that your roof sustained damage.

To help you understand, valleys on roofs are signs of wear and tear caused by water sitting and weakening the wood below the shingles. Valleys can come from a storm, ice damage, or strong winds.

If left unattended and unaddressed, the water will continue to stand in that spot. It will soon cause to the roof caving in at some point.

Heed the Signs and Call for a New Roof Installation Today!These warning signs are something that you shouldn't ignore.

Leaving your roof as is will cause tremendous damage to your home. Not only will your house suffer, but so will your finances and any chance of maintaining any resale value.
​
Do not hesitate to hire professional services for a new roof installation. When you need help with roof replacements, contact us here and we will help you get started.

Are you considering getting a roof replacement? You should first read this guide for everything you need to know about getting a new roof.


According to a recent study, the profitability of the roofing industry has grown for four consecutive years in a row. Most of this growth has been caused by things like roofing damage following natural disasters and the replacement of outdated roofs.

If you are a homeowner, you know all too well how important a properly functioning roof is. As time goes by, the roof on your home will begin to wear out.

Getting a roof replacement is only possible with the help of reputable professionals. If a homeowner attempts to do this work on their own, it is only a matter of time before disaster strikes.

The following are just some of the things you need to consider when trying to get the roof on your home replaced.

Do You Need a Complete Roof Replacement or a Roof Over?
The first thing you have to figure out when trying to get this work done is whether you need a completely new roof or just a roof over. A roof over is a process in which new shingles are placed directly on top of old ones.

While this method of re-roofing is a bit cheaper, it is not a good idea for every homeowner. Typically, the old shingles will create additional heat and moisture. This means the new shingles will have a significantly shorter lifespan.

The only way to figure out whether or not a roof over is right for your needs is by consulting with professionals. With their guidance, you can make this important decision with ease.

Proper Roofing Ventilation is a Must
As any experienced roofer will tell you, proper ventilation is one of the most important factors when it comes to how long a new roof will last. With the proper ventilation, you can ensure your roof does not experience problems with excess moisture over time.

Typically, a roofing contractor will be able to offer up suggestions on how to properly ventilate your attic. These solutions will usually involve things like exhaust fans and vent pipes that go through the top of the roof. While a proper ventilation system may be costly, it is worth every penny considering the problems it can help to prevent.

Repairing the Wood Under Your Shingles
Not only will the old shingles need to be removed during a roof replacement, the wood underneath will also need to be repaired. Over time, this wood can fall victim to moisture, especially if the shingles are worn out.

This moisture can lead to issues with wood rot. Failing to properly fix this issue before putting new shingles in place can lead to major problems in the future. An experienced roofing contractor will have no problem finding and fixing problems with the wood underneath a home's shingles.

Placing new shingles over old and damaged wood will usually reduce the lifespan of your new roof. It is best to do this job right the first time instead of having to deal with the fallout that can occur from trying to cut corners.

The Right Protective Coverings
Attaching shingles directly to raw wood on your roof is a bad idea. Most roofers recommend the using protecting barriers like felt to go in between the shingles and the wood.

With this additional protective barrier, you can avoid damage from things like ice and excessive amounts of water. If the area you live in is prone to bouts of heavy rain, having this protective barrier is a must.

Before choosing the right barrier, you need to consult with the roofing company doing the work. They will be able to give you a rundown of the various materials you can choose from. Once you have this information, you should have no problem making an educated decision.

How Much Wind Resistance is Needed?
The wind resistance rating of the roofing materials being used is also something you need to research. Areas that are prone to things like tornados and hurricanes will need higher rated materials to prepare for these natural disasters.

The wind speed warranties offered by roofing material manufacturers range from 60 mph to 130 mph. If these materials are properly installed by professionals, you should have no problem getting through storms with your new roof intact.

Choosing the Right Installation Contractor
One of the most important decisions you will make when trying to get a roof replacement is which contractor to use. Generally, there will be a number of roofing contractors to choose from.

Before making a decision, you will need to find out more about the previous experience a company has. Ideally, you will want to hire a company that has many years of experience in the industry.

Getting some onsite estimates from roofing companies in the area is a great idea. With the information from these estimates, you should have no problem choosing the right contractor for the job.

Assessing the Roofing Warranty and Service After the Sale
Once your new roof is installed, you need to find out what type of warranty it has. Most roofing contractors will offer a warranty on the work they perform. There will also be a warranty provided by the manufacturer of the roofing materials as well.

Before the contractors finish up your roof replacement, you need to find out what type of maintenance plans they offer. Paying for routine professional roofing maintenance can help you extend the life of your new roof substantially.

A New Roof is Well Worth the Money
​Some homeowners put off a roof replacement in order to save money. This will usually result in even more damage being done.

Are you looking for a reputable company to help you get a new roof installed? If so, contact us today to find out more about what we can offer.