Roofing Materials Minneapolis

There are many suitable Minneapolis roofing materials for your home or building. Since AMEK started as a roofing contractor in 1996, we have gained extensive knowledge about the types of roofing, manufacturing companies, and correct installation techniques to prevent future issues. Here is a preview noting considerations of asphalt, metal, shakes, tile, slate, and rubber shingles. Give us a call to further discuss any of these options for your home or light industrial building.

Asphalt/Fiberglass – Architectural or 3-Tab

AMEK Architectural Shingles

Asphalt shingles are probably the most common type of shingle because of its combination of being economical and being durable for 20 to 30 years plus its availability in a wide range of colors.. Most asphalt shingles are blended with fiberglass for additional strength.

Architectural shingles provide a thicker density which adds to the 3-D appearance which makes it a customer favorite. Three-tab shingles are very cost effective and remain a sound choice to protecting your home if you are not looking for a roof product lifespan past 30 years. Common brands we use are Certainteed, GAF, Owens Corning, Atlas, Tamko, IKO and Malarkey. A weakness to asphalt shingles are wind, hail and ice dams which can make them more susceptible to storm damage. Through a third-party vendor, AMEK does recycle used shingles which are often repurposed for roadways.

Metal Shingles – Steel & Copper

Metal-Shingles

Steel metal roofs are becoming more commonplace. They last a long time – many times for 50 years which adds up to cost-savings down the road. Initially, the cost is higher so it’s not always a first choice by some consumers. For others, they like the clean aesthetic look that comes with them along with the energy efficiency plus the ease to recycle a metal roof. Copper looks stately and has the same overall advantages but with an even longer life span of 80 or more years, but copper will cost more than steel.

Shakes – Cedar Shingles

Especially in natural or historical settings, wood shakes are appealing for a roof material. Cedar shingles are the most used material for shakes in the Midwest and is known for its resistance to decay. Shake roofs withstand hail and wind well and have good insulating properties, but do require some maintenance to retard organic growth. The higher cost and limited availability of quality natural cedar shakes due to restrictions on harvesting are making cedar shakes more of premium product.

Tile – Clay or Concrete

Tile-ShinglesPeople are drawn to tile roofing for its appearance; durability; resistance to rot, wind and fire; storm worthiness, and environmentally friendliness since they are made from materials that can be recycled. Tile can be installed in a range of patterns beyond the familiar Spanish and French set-ups. In addition, the color is not restricted to the reddish clay color – it can be formed in other earth tones as well as vibrant colors. Concrete tile is one of the new kids on the block so to speak. They can be made to look like clay, wood shakes or tile. Concrete tile is more economical than clay and is extremely resistant to fire.

Slate

AMEK - Slate RoofLong-lasting natural beauty is one of the main lures to selecting slate on your home. Slate comes in various thicknesses and sizes as well as a range of colors. Because of its incredible durability, many slate roofs have life spans beyond 50 years. While the initial investment cost more, slate is ideal for climates with heavy rain, snow or wind and is resistant to mold. Another benefit is it is fire resistant. Since it is a natural product and its long life span, it’s an environmentally friendly product which helps reduce roofing materials in landfills. A couple downsides are the additional weight of slate and the challenge of fixing broken pieces of slate.

Solar Shingles

For those consumers who are interested in renewable energy, solar shingles can be an option. Because they are designed to be installed and look like a standard shingle, they are different than their cousin the solar panel which often is a separate unit that can look cumbersome rather than blending in with the house. Solar shingles are more expensive than traditional asphalt type roofing due to the materials used and the installation expertise required. While there may be some limited federal tax incentives as well as rewards for Minnesota-made solar products, it is important to know what the full cost will be, how the shingles generate energy for your own home, and how long it will take to “break even” taking in the additional initial purchase price.

Rubber

Roofing Materials - RubberRubber is not a material usually considered for a roofing choice. However, it is energy efficient, low-cost, and extremely easy to repair. Another name rubber goes by is EPDM which comprises of ethylene, propylene, and diene monomer. Rubber roofs are usually available in black or white and are lightweight. One drawback is that care should be taken installing the roof so the material is not punctured.

Insurance Consideration

Insurance rates vary with different types of roofs based on fire and wind resistance as well as longevity. It may be worthwhile to talk to your agent to find out how your rates might be impacted by various roofing materials you are considering.