Top Roofing Choices for Your Maryland Home

Often overlooked or simply taken for granted, a home’s roofing system is its first line of defense against the elements. Whether you are replacing your current roof or choosing a roof for your brand new Maryland home, S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows has all of the information you need to make an educated choice. S&K has been installing roofs in Maryland for more than 30 years and offers all types of roofing, including: Asphalt Shingle Roofing, Composite Roofing, Metal Roofing, Genuine Slate Roofing and Cedar Roofing.

Let’s take a look at each roofing option to better understand which type most suits your Maryland home.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing is the most common roofing system installed in the United States. Asphalt shingles now come in almost every shape and color imaginable and have warranties that can last a lifetime. The typical asphalt shingle is a 36 by 12-inch, three-tab strip shingle composed of asphalt saturated mats made from organic felts or fiberglass. Because of the ease of installation and relatively low cost, asphalt shingles continue to be the most economical of roofing choices. Another great quality of asphalt shingles is their overall versatility. Many of today’s asphalt shingles are designed to emulate both the look and feel of other more costly roofing such as wood and slate. Manufacturers such as Certainteed have gone to painstaking lengths to create asphalt shingles that provide Maryland homes with gorgeous, high quality affordable roofing. S&K has installed Certainteed shingles on thousands of homes throughout Maryland. S&K also carries asphalt shingling from TAMKO and GAF.

“How long do they last?” is the question most asked by consumers when it comes to roofing shingles. More often times than not, the lifespan of any roofing shingle will depend on factors such as temperature, severity of the weather or other acts of nature. Studies show that asphalt shingles have a tendency to last longer in the more traditionally colder climates such as that of the Mid-Atlantic region. Check out SKRoofing.com for a more detailed look at how installing asphalt shingles will not only beautify your Maryland home but also protect it from Mother Nature.

Composite Roofing is gradually gaining ground on asphalt as a top choice among roofing options. Composite slate roofing and composite shake shingle roofing are made primarily from engineered polymers. They are manufactured to look exactly like slate or cedar roofing and come in a wide variety of colors, thicknesses, blends and widths. Composite roofing offers consumers the look and feel of genuine slate and cedar roofing at a fraction of the cost. A composite roof is estimated to last 50 years or more, making it the last roof you will ever need on your home. S&K Roofing has installed composite roofing on thousands of homes throughout Maryland. S&K carries composite roofing from industry leaders DaVinci, Certainteed and EcoStar.

Why use composite shingles? Composite are most recognized for their durability. Many composite shingles offer warranties that more than double the length of their asphalt counterparts. Composite shingles are also manufactured in almost any color, shape and size. The cost of a composite roof is only slightly higher than a traditional asphalt shingle roof. For those homeowners who are looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to asphalt shingles, composite shingles may be the answer. Composite shingles are often referred to as the “green” option when choosing a roofing material. These shingles can often times be manufactured using recyclable materials such as post- industrial plastics and hemp fibers. Composite shingles such as those installed by the experts at S&K are guaranteed to help keep your Maryland home beautiful and protected.

Metal Roofing is another option that many home and business owners in Maryland have turned to as an alternative to the more traditional roofing choices. Metal roofing is one of the most durable and beautiful roofing products on the market today. Metal roofing products include metal shingles, metal shakes and metal tiles that can come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. The popularity of metal roofs is easy to understand given the qualities that they possess. Metal roofing systems are fire resistant, strong against winds and seal out water. A metal roof is guaranteed to reach its warranty period in full force. These roofs are considerably lighter than other roofing materials and often require no additional structural support.

The main drawback of a metal roof is no doubt its overall cost. Like any premium roofing product a metal roof will cost the homeowner more up front. However, with its overall durability a metal roof will provide a greater return over its lifetime. S&K offers metal roofing from premium quality roofing manufacturers Englert and Fabral.

Genuine Slate is a beautiful, long lasting and reliable roofing material. Known more for its aesthetically appealing qualities, genuine slate roofing is also extremely durable, fireproof, resistant to hail storms and can last a century or even longer. The major “con” of a genuine slate roof is always going to be its cost. The premium nature of this quarried material makes it a very labor intensive product. The slate roofing market is about one twentieth of its size a hundred years ago. Due to the introduction of cheaper materials and the overall costs of the slate itself, these majestic roofs are now few and far between. There is however no denying that a genuine slate roof is stunningly beautiful. Depending on the area the slate was quarried, the colors of genuine slate can vary. S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows carry genuine slate roofing from the Vermont Structural Slate Company and the Buckingham Virginia Slate Corporation. If you are a homeowner restoring an historic Maryland home or just looking for the perfect roof to beautify your new house, genuine slate may be the choice for you.

Cedar Roofing is a gorgeous choice when considering a roofing product for your Maryland home. Cedar shingling is known for both its durability and exceptional beauty. A cedar roof properly maintained could last 50 years or longer. There are two types of cedar roofing, shakes and shingles. Cedar shingles are thinner and offer a smoother more refined appearance while cedar shakes are thicker and give a roof a more rustic look. Natural cedar roofing is not susceptible to insects or decay but natural deterioration can occur. Cedar roofing is best suited for dryer conditions that offer plenty of sunshine and drying breezes.

Natural cedar roofing is a more costly option than traditional asphalt or composite roofing. Cedar is however, less expensive than slate or metal roofing. For natural appeal and aesthetics, few roofing choices offer a more pleasing appearance than natural Cedar shingles or shake roofs. A natural color progression occurs with age. A result of weathering, over time a fine cedar roof will offer a distinguished silvered appearance equal to none. The beautiful appearance of cedar roofing is often imitated but seldom equaled by manufactured products. Cedar roofing is a specialty of S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows.

When it comes to roofing, there are many options to consider. Becoming an educated consumer is the first step to making the right choice for your roof. Installing high quality durable roofing will not only protect your home but also add to its resale value. For a complete list of roofing options and FAQ’s, check out www. SKRoofing.com/roofing-md/roofing-md.html.

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Press Contact:

Charlie McCurry

Director of Sales

S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows

410-795-4400

charlie@skroofing.com