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Roofing in Wilmington, DE

May 20, 2022

Best Roofing Materials for Wilmington, DE

Your roof protects the interior of your residential or commercial building from weather and water damage, as well as provides insulation. As such, roofing materials are a key element to the integrity of your home.

There are many roofing materials to choose from, including metal, tile, asphalt shingle, wood shake, and slate. Each material has its own set of pros and cons. Read on to learn more about the materials that may be best suited for your roofing project.

Types of Roof

Residential and commercial clients will generally encounter two types of roof when working with roofing services in the construction industry, namely steep slope and flat roofing. Finding locally owned Wilmington roofing contractors with expertise in roofing solutions in the region will ensure that you’ll be extremely satisfied with your new construction.

Steep-Slope Roofing

Steep-sloped roofs are typically made up of individual pieces that a roofing contractor will install, like shingles on a roof. They usually consist of three important parts: a roof deck, an underlayment, and a roof covering.

Asphalt shingle roofs

Asphalt shingles are probably the most cost-effective and commonly used roof material in American roofing. The shingles are available in a multitude of colors and styles and work with a variety of architectural styles. Their appeal also lies in the fact that they’re fire-resistant and are lightweight. This allows them to be installed over existing roofing. They are also durable and, depending on the quality of material and installation, can last from 15 to 25 years.

Slate Roofs

Also durable and fire-resistant, slate’s beauty lies in its range of unique natural shades. Slate tiles are also re-usable, which goes some way towards offsetting their cost since they can be expensive. This expense is also due to the specialized installation and extra framing needed to bear their weight.

Slate is long-lasting, however, and can last 50 to 100, or even more. There are less costly alternatives, however, which are low-maintenance and have easier installation requirements. They are available in a range of distinctive colors and are also long-lasting, with lifespans of 40-60 years.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofing is relatively expensive but seldom needs much roofing repair work and is light enough to be installed over an old roof. Materials include zinc, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel and generally last between 25 and 50 years. These roof types withstand extreme weather and are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Wood Shakes and Wood Shingles

For a natural, rustic look, many homeowners opt for wood shingles such as cedar shake, redwood, and southern pine. They can be expensive, however, and aside from specialized installation and regular maintenance, they’re unsuitable for wet regions and must be treated with fire-resistant coatings in areas prone to fire. However, with correct care, they are a beautiful investment that can last from 25 to 30 years.

Clay or concrete tile

Clay and concrete tiles are durable, fireproof, and easy to maintain, so roof repair is minimal. However, they also come with several downsides. The tiles can be expensive and are difficult to install and repair, so you’d need specialist assistance rather than a general contractor. Also, like slate, they are heavy and need additional framing, and require a professional project manager to oversee installation. But with correct care, they can provide beautiful roofing for 40 to 50 years.

Flat roofs

While flat roofs are less expensive to install than pitched roofs, they typically require more upkeep to avoid leaving you with a leaking roof. For this reason, commercial roofing companies will apply coatings to extend their lifespan, which is generally in the region of 15 years. A typical flat roof is made up of one or more weatherproofing layers, reinforcement, and a surface layer. The most common types of flat roofs include:

  • Spray polyurethane foam-based (SPF) roof systems are applied by spraying high-density polyurethane foam over the surface with a wand or sprayer.
  • Built-up roof (BUR) membranes are traditionally made up of asphalt tar or coal pitch covered in gravel.
  • Polymer-modified bitumen sheet membranes are similar to BUR roofing, but here, the roof is usually made up of only a base sheet and a cap sheet which are applied in a variety of ways.
  • EPDM Rubber involves applying rubber sheeting to the surface, which is then either weighted down or glued into place.
  • Thermoplastic membranes (e.g., PVC, TPO) are similar to EPDM, involving a rubber sheet (usually gray or white) that’s either glued or attached to the surface with plates and screws.

Roofing Contractors in Wilmington, DE

If you’re looking for Wilmington roofers to assist with the right roofing material for your new roof installation, Dynamic Remodel and Repair’s top roofing contractors can provide advice and a free estimate. As a locally operated company, our team serves residential and commercial customers.

Whether you need a roof replacement, an upgraded roof, or roof repairs, Dynamic Remodel and Repair’s excellent customer service assures you of a range of roof choices and additional services at a reasonable price.