At Ebenezer Roofing LLC, our goal is to handle anything related to roofing, and we excel at that! Our full-service approach to roofing will ensure that you don’t need to rely on any other contractors to meet your roofing requirements.
Our experience is vast, and we never stop learning. We are skilled in dependable methods that have stood the test of time, and we stay current with the latest in roofing technology. We've been serving people in Maryland, and the surrounding communities for over 13 years, and we're a local and family-owned business that has worked with all roofing styles and brands like IKO, GAF, and CertainTeed.
It is possible to believe in Ebenezer Roofing LLC. We offer free quotes and financing options for roof installation Maryland, residents count on. Call now and we'll get back to you the same business day.
Roofing is a critical protective layer that insulates your home from the outside world. All homes or businesses have a roof, and the roof must be designed for the type of structure in question. Of particular importance is the selection of the right materials for the job.
When picking the right roofing material, you'll want to assess its cost, appearance, longevity, and structural features. To help you make the decision, we've prepared the following guide. If you have more questions, then we'll be happy to come out and assess your roof in person to make recommendations for your home.
Rolled roofing is a flat roofing material, and it is incredibly affordable. This is recommended for low-sloped residential roofs. Rolled roofing is unique because it comes in rolls. The rolls are made from a mix of asphalt and minerals, and the final product has mineral granules on top to provide the necessary texture.
Pros of Rolled Roofing
Low Price
Asphalt rolled roofing is advantageous because of its low price. You will save substantially when it comes to materials and installation. It can be a wonderful choice whenever you want to install a new roof on your commercial building on a budget.
Fast Installation
Asphalt rolls can be installed quickly. For commercial clients, this means there's minimal disruption to your normal operations. Even when looking at buildings of different shapes and sizes, most rolled roofs are installed within just one day.
Easy Installation and Repairs
Finally, asphalt rolled roofing is easy to install and repair. Tar is laid down and then sheets of asphalt are installed over the tar. If a repair is needed, then tar is placed over the cracked or peeling sheet, and a new sheet is rolled out over that. When you need a new asphalt rolled roof, a new layer of roofing can be rolled out over your existing rolled roof. All in all, this makes rolled roofing easy and convenient.
Cons of Rolled Roofing
Issues in the Seam
Rolled roofing is laid out in sheets. These sheets may be tarred down, but the seams where one sheet abuts another are vulnerable. This can increase the need for maintenance over time. These repairs may be easy, but they are inconvenient.
Shorter Life Expectancy
In comparison to other kinds of roofing, rolled roofing does not have a life expectancy that is long. Oftentimes, you can only get a decade out of rolled roofing products. After that point, you can expect to have it replaced.
These shingles have a base composed of fiberglass and are topped with mineral and asphalt granules. They often come with a warranty of two or three decades, and individual shingles are easy to replace. Composite shingles are great at adapting and flexing to the movements of the roof because of their ability to contract and expand.
Pros of Asphalt Composite Shingles
Cons of Asphalt Composite Shingles
This roofing material is similar to rubber and can be a liner in artificial ponds. It is also recommended for homes that have a pitch that is very low or flat. It is similar to rolled roofing because it comes in enormous sheets. Since the sheets are so large, the number of seams can be limited to minimize the possibility of water infiltration.
Pros of EPDM Roofing
Cons of EPDM Roofing
Built-up roofing or BUR is among the oldest options for flat or low-pitched roofs. BUR roofs are applied in layers, which are laid with hot-applied asphalt. The layers are made to overlap, which creates a thick, secure surface. In the end, a layer of finely crushed stone is embedded in hot tar. The result is a durable roof that is hard to penetrate.
Pros of BUR
Cons of BUR
The clay tile comes from earthen clay. The clay is molded into interlocking tiles before being fired to perfection. Clay tiles are quite sturdy, and they have a distinctive reddish-orange hue. This roofing material is recommended if there is salty air and the climate is hot. This is why clay tile is often seen in deserts and coastal areas.
Pros of Clay Tiles
Cons of Clay Tiles
Wood shingles and shakes make for highly attractive roofs. However, they do have some limitations. It is not recommended to use wood on your roof in areas with wildfires or lots of moisture. Still, because of their luxurious look, they can be highly desirable.
Pros of Wood Shakes or Shingles
Minimal Cost
The cost of wood shakes ranges from $250 to $600 for every roofing square. This puts wood in the middle of the price range for roofing materials. Wood shakes are the recommended option whenever you want an affordable roof with a wonderful aesthetic.
Naturally Aesthetic Appeal
Since wood looks so distinctive, your home can have a warm and welcoming appeal. Aside from that, the shingles naturally fade to provide the home with a rustic image.
Cons of Wood Shakes or Shingles
Vulnerability to Mold, Fire, and Pests
Wood shakes can be vulnerable to damage from mold and pests. Since mold and pests can infiltrate the roof, they may decrease your roof's lifespan. Aside from this, wood shakes are not fireproof, and this may end up as a liability for the house. You might even have to pay a higher price for home insurance due to your choice of wood.
Highly Vulnerable to Leakage
Whenever shakes are cracked, your home will be at risk for leaks. This risk is higher compared to other roofing materials. Since shakes may deteriorate and crack over time, the leaks may start popping up quickly. This may become a serious problem if the roof is not taken care of immediately. The roof needs to get inspected annually, especially when the shingles are near the end of their lifespan.
Quick Discoloration
For some people, the faded look of wood shakes is very appealing. However, the rustic grey-brown hue is not for everyone. Whenever you install wood shakes, be aware that their color will change. In fact, the look may be entirely different within a decade.
Slate is usually considered the finest roofing material. Slate roofs are capable of lasting for hundreds of years. The durability can be traced to the material itself. Real slate roofing is made from real stone, which is quarried in thin sheets. The sheets must be expertly installed, and not many roofers have the experience needed. With all of these factors, slate is one of the most expensive options for your roof.
Pros of Slate Shingles
Distinctive, Natural Appearance
When it comes to slate roofs, their most significant advantage is appearance. Since slate roofs are composed of natural stone, their surface is naturally imbued with a wonderful color variation that may vary over the whole roof.
Unparalleled Durability
Slate shingles can be so durable that they may outlast the building where they are installed. When properly maintained, slate roofs may last for fifteen decades or more.
Environmentally Friendly
Aside from their beauty and durability, slate roofs are also friendly to the environment. Since it is composed of natural stone, these tiles cannot give off pollution such as VOCs during manufacturing. Slate tiles may also get recycled after they outlast the building where they are installed. This type of roof can also support the home’s insulation and minimize your monthly energy costs.
Cons of Slate Shingles
Issues With Weight
Weight is slate's most significant drawback. Since these tiles can be really heavy, the roof deck needs reinforcement to hold the weight. Slate roofs have a weight of about 1,150 pounds. Therefore, the home will need to undergo a survey to determine if it is capable of supporting the weight before installation.
Extreme Cost
The price for roof installation Chantilly, VA residents rely on may be around $3,500 for every square. Moreover, multiple squares are required to cover the roof completely. This cost adds up.
Lack of Experienced Installers
Since there are not many roofers who are experienced with slate roof tiles, it may be hard to find a reliable installer who is capable of doing the work well. Roofing contractors that are inexperienced may attempt to have the slate tiles installed similarly to asphalt. This may end up creating problems for you, your roof, and your budget.
Prone to Damage
Even if a slate roof can last for a long time, it may easily get damaged whenever the contractor needs to do repairs. Slate is a natural stone, and it can break when walked upon. Worse, once a tile is broken, finding a replacement is easier said than done. Matching the color can take a long time and be very expensive.
Metal roofs with a standing seam are rapidly gaining popularity with homeowners. This is mostly due to the fact that metal roofs are so durable. While there are other options for metal roofs, the standing seam roof is among the most common types. Standing seam metal roofs can be identified by the way the steel and aluminum panels are joined with raised seams. The panels are interlocked to keep moisture out.
Every type of metal roof is highly popular in places with extreme weather. Metal roofs endure heavy snowfall with ease, and they are very nearly fireproof. This makes them ideal for homes in areas where wildfires are prevalent.
Pros of Metal Roofs
Cons of Metal Roofs
Many homeowners are drawn to metal for its durability, but the look of standing seam metal roofs can be off-putting. For these homeowners, aluminum shakes or shingles could be an apt alternative. These shingles are created from high-quality metal that is stamped and finished with either mineral granules or baked-on coating.
People can have metal shingles fabricated to appear similar to clay tiles, slate tiles, traditional asphalt shingles, or wooden shakes. These shingles are recommended for homeowners who are concerned about the look of metal.
Eco-friendly roofs may seem modern, but they've been used for centuries. These roofs are actually covered in grass, moss, and other plants. Eco-friendly roofs must be carefully planned, but they can increase oxygen levels, encourage water absorption, increase thermal insulation, and much more.
Pros of Eco-Friendly Roofs
Cons of Eco-Friendly Roofs
Rubber synthetic slate tile is constructed from polymers that are engineered and combined with recycled rubber and plastic. Since synthetic slate is lightweight, this is a wonderful option for homes that are not capable of supporting natural slate.
Pros of Synthetic Slate
Affordability
A lot of people choose synthetic slate roofing because it only costs a fraction of the price of real slate. Plastic and vinyl are building materials that are generally inexpensive. Natural slate is expensive and can be difficult to work with, which increases costs.
Easy to Maintain
It can be very easy to have synthetic slate roofing cleaned. Synthetic slate can be cleaned with a mix of warm water and detergent. You can have it sprayed down with a low-pressure washer. Aside from this, since it is made of plastic, synthetic slate roofs are immune to rot and rust, which could eventually lessen the costs over time.
Easy to Install
Synthetic slate is very lightweight. People can move it easily in large quantities and manipulate it without difficulty. This streamlines installation and keeps costs in check.
Wonderful Aesthetic Appeal
Synthetic slate may not be a natural stone, but it looks just like it. Most people cannot tell the difference between synthetic slate and real slate from a distance. This can give your roof a luxurious look at a fraction of the cost.
Cons of Rubber Synthetic Slate Roofs
Not Durable Enough
When it comes to physical strength, synthetic slate is not as strong as natural slate. Because of this, it is highly likely for synthetic slate roofs to be damaged by storms, weather, and normal wear and tear. This may increase your likelihood of leaks and repairs. The cost of such repairs can add up over time.
Shorter Lifespan
Since it is not durable, roofing made of synthetic slate has a shorter lifespan compared to real slate roofs. Holes and leaks can develop quite quickly, which is why you may need to have the synthetic slate roof replaced after several years.
Concrete tiles look and feel a lot like clay tiles, but they offer some distinct differences. Concrete tiles are molded from a sand mix, which makes them easy to customize in terms of look. Moreover, concrete is heavy, which means these tiles stand up well in areas with high winds. They are certainly an option worth considering.
Pros of Concrete Tiles
Cons of Concrete Tiles
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