Colonial homes have long been one of the most popular styles for American houses, and part of the reason for their enduring appeal is the many different customization options homeowners have.
The layout of the home and the positioning of its windows are the main hallmarks of the style, but there are plenty of different choices when it comes to colors and materials that people can choose to make their house stand out while retaining this classic style.
Top Roofing Materials To Consider For Colonial-Style Homes
One area where people with Colonial homes have a lot of flexibility are roofing materials. Most of the roofs found in the days of the colonists were made of slate, wood or clay tile. Wooden roofs were one of the most popular types during the Colonial period because it was easier to source and transport wood at the time, but this has long since fallen out of favor due to fire concerns.
Records show that the homes in the Jamestown settlement in Virginia had slate and clay in their roofs, and these materials may well have been chosen, at least in part, for their resistance to fire. Advancements in shipping in the 19th century helped the popularity of slate as a roofing material grow, and metal roofing started to make its mark not long afterward.
These days, there are so many different modern materials that work well with this style of home, which means every homeowner should be able to find something that is aesthetically pleasing and will work with their budget. Outlined below are some of the best roofing materials for Colonial-style homes.
Slate Roofs
Slate was a popular roofing material for the colonists, and it remains a top choice today. Its aesthetic works well with all different types of Colonial homes, which means it is hard to go wrong when you choose slate roofing.
In addition to being fire- and water-resistant, modern slate roofs have UV inhibitors that stop the sun’s rays from damaging them. They can last for up to 100 years and do not require very much maintenance. The main drawback of slate roofs is the fact that natural slate is very heavy, with tiles weighing as much as 15 pounds per square foot.
This can place a significant strain on the structure of a home. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure the home can support the weight of a slate roof prior to installing it. If not, the home may need to be retrofitted or reframed, which can add on to the cost of the project.
Clay Tile
Another material that has long been associated with Colonial roofs is clay tile. Prepared by baking molded clay, these tiles are available in a wide range of shades, although most homeowners choose something from the terra cotta range. They’re also highly insulating.
Like slate, this long-lasting and fire-resistant material is quite heavy, and some homes may need additional roof framing prior to installation. However, many homeowners feel it is worth the effort and expense to enjoy the curb appeal that clay tiles provide to a Colonial home. They look especially beautiful on Spanish Colonial homes.
Copper Roofs
For homeowners who are seeking a high-end aesthetic, copper is the material of choice. Unlike slate and clay tiles, copper roofing is very lightweight, which means it is easy to install and there is no need to worry about modifying an existing roof to support its weight.
With a life expectancy of more than 50 years with regular care and maintenance and excellent weather and fire resistance, it can provide great value. It’s also considered environmentally friendly as the material is both natural and recyclable. Although copper roofing is largely chosen for its appearance, it is worth noting that it is a very energy-efficient roofing material that reflects the sun’s heat and can help with climate control throughout the year, potentially keeping utility costs down.
It works well on irregular and uneven roof shapes thanks to its flexibility. Copper roofs can also be customized, with roofing fixtures like dormers, spires and weathervanes helping a home stand out.
Asphalt Shingles
For budget-minded homeowners, asphalt shingles are a great choice. In addition to being more affordable than other roofing types, they are available in many different styles and colors so homeowners can get exactly what they want, while their traditional style always works well with the look of Colonial homes.
They do not last as long as slate or clay, but some homeowners view this as a positive as replacing the shingles gives them a chance to change up the look of their home’s exterior from time to time.
Reach Out To The Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors
At Adelphia Exteriors, our team of residential roof replacement and roofing installation contractors are well-trained and prepared to carry out roofing services safely, effectively and affordably. Get in touch today for help choosing the right roof to complement your home’s style and stand up to the Northern Virginia weather.