Five Common Roofing Materials in Central Illinois

Does your house need roofing? In Central Illinois, our home-builders and roofers at Sundown Exteriors use a wide variety of roofing materials. If you’re thinking of building a new home or replacing your current roof, consider which roofing material might best suit your budget, appearance preferences, and the area’s changeable climate.

Whether your roof consists of asphalt shingles, concrete tiles, or other roof tile types, you need our reliable roofing services when leaks or other damages occur. Call us at (309) 275-6801 for an experienced roofing contractor in Bloomington, Normal, Lincoln, Pontiac, or a surrounding city. At Sundown Exteriors, we can take care of your roof installation, repair, or replacement.

Five Common Central Illinois Roofing Materials

Driving around Central Illinois, you’ll spot all types of roof tiles and shingles. Some homeowners prefer classic asphalt shingles, while others opt for clay tiles or metal roofing. Let’s look a bit more closely at five common roofing materials found in the Central Illinois area.

1. Asphalt Shingles

asphalt shingle roof

Asphalt roof shingles provide homeowners with an affordable and customizable option. Asphalt shingles are a layered roofing material comprised of a base mat (or fiberglass) layer, asphalt adhesive, and granules. Although commonly a dark gray color, asphalt shingles can also mimic other roof tile types like slate tiles and wood shakes.

An asphalt shingle roof provides a low-maintenance roofing solution that’s very popular across Illinois and throughout the U.S. Many homeowners choose this roofing material since it’s more affordable than others. However, asphalt shingle roofs last for only about 20 years, less than half the lifespan of other, more durable roofing options.

2. Metal Roofing

metal roofing

Metal roofing materials are gaining popularity, especially in storm-prone areas like Central Illinois. Whether composed of large metal panels or small metal roof tiles, metal roofs provide an energy-efficient, fire-retardant, and strong roofing option that can last 50 years or longer. Despite their strength, metal roofing materials are lightweight, so they don’t require the additional structural support that other heavier materials need.

Homeowners choose metal roofing materials for their durability and customization possibilities. Manufacturers can design metal roof tiles to resemble many other roof tile types, including Spanish barrel tiles, wood shakes, asphalt shingles, and more.

3. Wood Shakes

wood shake roof

Homeowners who want a rustic or charming look often opt for wood shingles and shakes. Wood roofing materials provide a lot of curb appeal thanks to their natural appearance but lack the durability of other roofing materials like metal, slate, or clay.

Despite their attractive appearance, many homeowners avoid wood shingles because they require regular maintenance to keep them in good shape. Water damage like rot and mold and the hazards of destructive insects and animals threaten wood shingles.

4. Slate Tiles

slate tile roof

People have been using slate roof tiles for centuries because they offer incredible classic beauty, fire resistance, and long-lasting durability. When we say long-lasting, we mean it—slate roofs have been known to last up to 150 years with proper maintenance! Homeowners have many color options with slate roofs, thanks to the various colors found in the natural stone.

Despite its popularity, many homeowners avoid slate tiles because, being stone, they are very heavy. Before installing a new slate roof, contractors must reinforce the home with additional structural support to hold up the new roof’s weight.

5. Clay Tiles

clay roof tile

Clay roof tiles represent another classic roofing material used worldwide for centuries because it offers excellent protection and durability. Typically formed into terra cotta barrel tiles or flat tiles, clay boasts superior resistance to wind, fire, and water. Today, many manufacturers craft concrete roof tiles as a substitute for traditional clay.

Though beautiful and resilient, clay roof tiles are also hefty, requiring structural reinforcement before installation. They can also be expensive to install compared to other roofing materials.

Deciding which roofing material might be best for your home requires you to think about many factors, including what you want it to look like, how long you want it to last, and how much you want to spend.

If you’re unsure which roof type would suit your home best, ask our professional roofers at Sundown Exteriors. We’ll send our roofing contractor to inspect your home and discuss your needs to determine the best roofing material for you.

A Trusted Roofing Company in Central Illinois

At Sundown Exteriors, we can handle your roofing needs whether a storm caused damage to your roof or you need a complete roof replacement.

When you trust us with your roof installation, repair, or replacement needs in Central Illinois, you’ll work with a five-star Certainteed Select Shinglemaster and Owens Corning Preferred Contractor.

That means you won’t find better workmanship or warranty coverage anywhere else.

Contact us today to discuss the roof tile types we work with and how we can help with your roofing service needs in Bloomington, Normal, Lincoln, Pontiac, or a surrounding Illinois city. You can get in touch via our online contact form or by dialing (309) 275-6801.