Finish this aphorism: One person’s meat is another person’s ___. Did you say “poison?” What is good for one homeowner is not right for another. So the best residential roofing material for your Des Moines-area house is up to you, so long as you know all the choices available.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing Products
The most popular roofing material in America, year after year, is the fiberglass-asphalt shingle. It has numerous advantages:
- It is the least expensive material to install
- It installs predictably and quickly
- It has a long history of reliable service
- It is unitized, meaning it is an entire roof made up of a lot of little pieces assembled into one integrated roofing system
- It can be repaired easily
What makes this two-part material such an ideal solution for so many Des Moines residents? Fiberglass-asphalt shingles are made from asphalt (from petroleum) reinforced with fiberglass strands. The strength and water resistance allows this combination to stay in service 20 or more years with very little wear.
Fiberglass-asphalt shingles generally have high fire ratings, are available in a very wide range of attractive, contemporary colors, and can withstand high winds reasonably well.
If you know you will not occupy your current Des Moines home for more than about 20 years, fiberglass-asphalt shingles are a great choice for a new home or a re-roofing project.
In the capable hands of VanWeelden Company’s installers, a typical fiberglass-asphalt shingle roof can go on in about two days.
Composite Roofing Products
What can mimic slate, shakes, shingles, or tile, yet comes with a 50-year warranty? Only composite roofing materials fits that bill. The word “composite” means a blend of polymers to produce a realistic, synthetic roofing product. Composite roofing materials are usually modeled or cast from actual slate, shake, or tile pieces. They perfectly match the color and appearance of these traditional materials.
Why choose composite roofing products from VanWeelden Company? They weigh far less than the traditional materials, they install easily, and they have that 50-year warranty!
If you plan to remain in your Des Moines home for decades, composite materials are a great choice. They have all these advantages:
- Freeze and thaw resistance to avoid cracking, splitting, buckling or curling
- Fire resistance for peace of mind
- Wind resistance so they stay down in high winds
- Impact resistance so hail, sleet and ice do not disturb their classic look
- Resistance to color fading because the color is through and through
- Low installation weight to reduce stress and strain on your roof structure
Because of their highly engineered production, composite roofs will be more expensive at installation than other roof materials. Yet a composite roof will outlast just about every other material, making it a great choice for the homeowner with deep roots in the community.
Metal Roofing Products
Once relegated to farm outbuildings and industrial sites, metal roofing products now put sparkle and curb appeal in the hands of every Des Moines homeowner. These sturdy, attractive roofing materials are available in a rainbow of color choices, with durable finishes and complete weather resistance.
Metal roofing products are noted for their durability. If you plan to remain in your Des Moines home for 30 or more years, a metal roof is economical, beautiful, and valuable. Metal roofs add resale value since they wear so well and retain their color for so long.
Installation is key to complete satisfaction; trust the experienced installers of VanWeelden to put down a flawless metal roof. The peace of mind, the value, and the beauty are unbeatable.
Tile Roofing Products
The old-world craftsmanship, warmth, and visual perfection of genuine tile is unmatched. Capping some of the world’s oldest and most revered homes, the timeless tile could be perfect for your Des Moines home. In the hands of expert installers, this rugged, earthy roofing material has earned the trust of homeowners everywhere.
Tile, from expert tilemakers Ludowici, comes in all these shapes:
- Barrel tile
- Shingle tile
- Interlocking tile
- Shake tile
- Slate tile
- Custom tile to suit your needs
- Tapered and graduating tile for curved surfaces
Select genuine terra cotta tiles for historical accuracy, durability, long-lasting economy, and an unmatched, appealing look that anchors any home to the landscape. Select terra cotta tile for its 75-year warranty, unparalleled among roofing products.
If terra cotta tile has any downside, Des Moines homeowners may feel it is the initial installation expense. It is perfect for some homes, but not right for everyone. Only you can know if it is the best roofing material for you.
No matter the roofing material you consider “best” for your home, we at VanWeelden Company are ready to help. Contact us today to see how we can make your dream roof a reality.
