A Look at Four Different Types of Roofing Materials in Hawaii

Home and business owners have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing roofing materials in Hawaii. But what is the best choice? The answer varies from person to person and from structure to structure but there are four primary types of roofing materials in Hawaii. Homes and businesses alike use these materials, each with its own characteristics. Here we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each type of material.

Comparison of Roofing Materials In Hawaii

1. Asphalt Shingles. Asphalt shingles are a popular choice in roofing.
   Pros: They are fire-resistant, low-cost, easy to install and repair, and come in a variety of colors to match any home.
   Cons: They are also short-lived, have high maintenance needs compared to other types of roofing materials in Hawaii and are made from crude oil making them among the least environmentally-friendly of our roofing materials.
2. Metal Roofing. Metal roofs are quickly gaining in popularity.
   Pros: These roofs are durable and low maintenance, energy-efficient and strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds. They are also made from recycled steel and are 100% recyclable themselves. They are low in weight, come in a variety of styles and long-lasting Kynar 500® colors, and can be installed over existing roofing materials in Hawaii.
   Cons: Metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt roofing. Care needs to be taken when choosing and installing trim.
3. Tiles (Clay, Slate, Ceramic, Spanish). Tiles are an attractive choice, popular with high-end developments or for an historical look.
   Pros: Tile roofs are attractive, long-lasting, and low maintenance. They come in more colors than you might expect and are fire-proof.
   Cons: Tile roofing is heavy, has a high upfront cost, and the colors may fade over time. It is difficult to install and the tiles are extremely fragile, likely to break if they are stepped on, making maintenance difficult.
4. Wood Shingles/Shakes. Wood shake shingles are a popular choice when a natural, traditional look is desired.
   Pros: Wood shake shingles are a natural product, long-lasting, and are easy to repair and replace. They also have natural insulating properties and can be left natural to weather over time or stained in your choice of colors.
   Cons: These roofing materials are complicated to install, are more delicate than asphalt shingles and thus less durable, are high maintenance and do not provide good fire protection.

If you are interested in metal roofing, hot dip galvanizing, or a steel service center in Hawaii, call (678) 259-8800. Kloeckner Metals Hawaii is Hawaii’s most trusted metal roofing manufacturer. We have more than 50 years of experience in delivering high-quality products and top-notch customer support.