Roofing Options for your New Home in Mississauga

Roofing is an important investment in any new construction. If you’re building a new home in Mississauga, there are so many roofing options to consider, each with its unique pros and cons. We’ll go over some 5 popular roofing materials below to help you find the best option for your new home.

Organic asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are traditional roofing materials known for their versatility. They are probably the most commonly used in Ontario. This roofing material is referred to as organic, which helps to differentiate it from other options like fiberglass. Asphalt is very vibrant and comes with a beautiful granular texture.

Why choose organic asphalt shingles?

• You’ll save on cost

If your roofing budget is limited, consider traditional asphalt as one of the most affordable options in the market. In fact, this is the least costly shingle you’re likely to come across in the market.

• It’s weatherproof

If you live in an area that experiences extreme cold temperatures, traditional asphalt shingles are the best option for your roofing. They withstand cold temperatures much better than fiberglass.

• Numerous styles and colours to choose from

If you want roofing Mississauga that complements the style of your home, traditional asphalt shingles come with lots of varying colours and styles to choose from. It’s easy to find a beautiful colour that blends with the rest of your property’s exterior.

Cons of traditional asphalt shingles

One of the major drawbacks of organic asphalt, when used for roofing, is that it’s relatively short-lived. This roofing material can last for up to 15 years with proper maintenance. There are other roofing materials that offer better longevity than traditional asphalt.

The other disadvantage is that traditional asphalt is highly flammable. Today, most homeowners are opting for fire resistant roofing options but traditional asphalt is made from felt or paper which makes it less flame resistant compared to other types of roofing materials.

Fiberglass asphalt shingles

This roofing material is made from durable fiberglass, which is combined with asphalt and colourful granules. It’s difficult to differentiate between organic asphalt roofing and fiberglass asphalt shingles when you see them from the outside. Both roofing materials are installed in the same way and have a similar outer appearance. However, they vary in terms of the features they offer.

Why choose fiberglass asphalt roofing?

• It’s fire-resistant

Unlike traditional asphalt, fiberglass asphalt roofing is less flammable.  It is very suitable in environments with extreme heat because it won’t easily curl or melt like the traditional asphalt tiles.

• It’s durable

Fiberglass asphalt shingles are more durable than organic shingles. This type of shingle roofing is less likely to get damaged due to harsh wind and severe hailstorms.

• It comes in a variety of colours and styles

Fiberglass shingles present homeowners with lots of options when it comes to colour.  You can easily find fiberglass shingle roofing that complements the rest of your home’s exterior.

There are a few drawbacks of fiberglass asphalt roofing. To start with, the roofing material doesn’t do very well in low temperatures. Fiberglass asphalt shingles can become brittle and break due to low temperature, which is an issue in areas like Mississauga, which can be really cold.

The other major drawback of fiberglass asphalt roofing is that it is prone to algae growth. Fiberglass is manufactured using alkaline substances, which attract microorganisms like algae. The roofing will therefore require consistent cleaning in order to prevent algae build-up.

Wood Shingles

If you love the natural beauty of wood grains, wood shingles could be the ideal solution for your home. These shingles are often painted or stained in order to protect them from damage and also give them a unique look. Cedar is the most commonly used material when it comes to wood shingles.  Cedar roofing is durable and versatile.

The benefits of wood shingles

Wood shingles are well insulated so you can be guaranteed that they’ll contribute towards maintaining cool air during the hot summer months and retaining heat during winter. As a result, you may experience lower energy costs compared to other roofing materials.

Wood shingles are also eco-friendly. This roofing material is made from natural and recyclable products, which is a great option for anyone looking for an environmentally friendly option.

Common drawbacks of wood shingles

If you live in a fire-prone area such as places which are known to be at risk of wildfires, stay away from wood shingle roofing. This roofing type is flammable and can be extremely risky in such environments.

Additionally, wood shingles require a high level of maintenance. You may have to constantly varnish, paint or stain the wood in order to protect it not only from warping or cracking but also insect infestation.  Lastly, wood shingles are costly compared to the conventional roofing materials used in homes today.

Metal Roofing

Metal has become a popular roofing option used in Mississauga homes today. Metal roofing is very versatile and comes in numerous attractive colours. Metals commonly used for roofing include aluminum, tin, copper and galvanized steel.

Why metal roofing?

• Durability: Metal roofs are not prone to rot, insects, mildew or algae growth.
• Fireproof: Metal roofs are not flammable.
• Environmentally friendly: This type of roofing shingles can be easily recycled.

Some of the main reasons why metal roofing is not very popular are the high noise levels, slippery surface, and the risk of falling snow which could cause serious damage to surrounding property.

Slate shingles

Slate is a very smooth and elegant roofing material that can take your home’s exterior look to the next level. Slate roofing can be difficult to install and that’s why you need to hire an experienced contractor. The main advantage of slate shingles is that they are completely fireproof. With slate roofing, there’s no risk of catching fire. However, slate is heavy and can easily get damaged when exposed to high pressure. It’s also costly compared to other roofing materials like asphalt.