Just like asphalt shingles, many of the other popular roofing materials today are chosen because of their price, not their longevity. These roofing alternatives, while initially attractive, quickly lose their appeal as they begin to deteriorate. Temporary roofs are initially less expensive than permanent roofing systems like metal. But when you consider the cost of periodic re-roofing, loss of energy efficiency, and potential damage due to weather, the cost of temporary roofing becomes astronomical over the long haul. That is why many people are avoiding temporary roofing materials.
Wood Shake
For hundreds of years, wood shakes and shingles adorned the roofs of homes in America. Because the wood was plentiful and the alternatives were few, wood shakes and shingles became an accepted part of the American landscape. Unfortunately, wood shakes, while beautiful in appearance, require regular and intense maintenance. Because the wood is an organic material, in hot and humid as well as shaded areas, it is susceptible to mold, algae, and other forms of unsightly growth. Since these growths are water retaining life forms, the shingles begin to rot, causing leaks to the underside of the roof. Eventually, the battens and decking begin to rot away and the whole roof needs to be torn off and replaced. Tearing off the old roof will have detrimental effects on the homeowner’s property. Pieces of wood, nails, and other debris litter the yard and neighborhood, and, just like with standard shingles, the refuse must be deposited in a landfill.
Clay and Concrete Tile and Slate
The beauty of clay tiles and slate are associated with certain areas of the country and are thought to be long–lasting and highly efficient. However, the high weight of these products can cause undue strain on the structure of a home. Many clay and concrete tiles are highly porous and, as water seeps into the tiles, the tiles crack and break. This situation is made worse by freeze-thaw weather cycles. In high winds, clay tiles can be quite dangerous and the damage leaves holes that could affect the interior of a home. These heavy products are also very prone to cause a structural collapse in the event of seismic activity or an interior fire. Natural slate is less indestructible than man-made tiles but, unfortunately, the nails that hold them in place are not. In many instances, the nails rust away leaving the heavy slates held in place by gravity’s pull alone. Falling slate can be very dangerous and damaging to property.
Other Temporary Roofing Materials
There are many other roofing materials, such as rubber and other composite materials. These materials are higher cost materials and are liable to fade and chalk in the intense heat of the sun. Many of these products also do not yet have proven track records. Regardless of the material, it’s clear that when you compare metal roofs vs. shingles, metal roofing is far superior.