As the owner of Franco Roofing Inc., I’ve spent decades helping homeowners find the best roofing material for their specific needs. Since my father founded our family business back in 1971, we’ve installed and repaired thousands of roofs across Bucks and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania and throughout Eastern New Jersey. After 50+ years in the industry, I’ve learned that selecting the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home.
Finding the Best Roofing Material: What to Consider First
When helping our customers choose the best roofing material, I always start by asking about their priorities. Are you looking for something that will last for generations? Is energy efficiency your main concern? Or are you working with a specific budget? The answers to these questions will guide you toward the perfect choice for your home.
Let me walk you through the options we specialize in at Franco Roofing Inc., along with their unique benefits.
Slate Roofing: Timeless Beauty and Unmatched Longevity
As a second-generation slate roofing specialist, I can confidently say that few materials match the elegance and durability of natural slate. This premium roofing material has adorned homes throughout Pennsylvania for centuries, and for good reason.
The benefits of slate roofing include:
- Exceptional longevity – a properly installed slate roof can last 100+ years
- Natural fire resistance that improves your home’s safety
- Stunning natural appearance that increases property value
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Environmental sustainability – slate is a completely natural material
While slate roofing represents a higher initial investment, many of our customers consider it the best roofing material for long-term value. At Franco Roofing Inc., we have specialized expertise in both installing new slate roofs and repairing existing ones, preserving the architectural heritage of our community.
Cedar Roofing: Natural Beauty with Outstanding Performance
Cedar roofing is another specialty we take great pride in at Franco Roofing. This beautiful natural material creates a warm, rustic appearance that complements many architectural styles throughout our service area.
Cedar roofing offers several distinct advantages:
- Natural insulating properties that help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures
- Resistance to strong winds – particularly important in our Eastern New Jersey service areas
- Natural oils that resist moisture and insect damage
- A unique, textured appearance that enhances curb appeal
- The ability to be treated with fire-retardant materials for additional safety
Cedar’s roof durability is impressive when properly maintained, often lasting 30-40 years. At Franco Roofing Inc., we source premium cedar shakes and shingles and employ specialized installation techniques to maximize their lifespan.
Asphalt Shingles: Versatile, Economical, and Reliable
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing choice for American homes, and we install many asphalt roofs throughout Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Modern asphalt shingles offer impressive quality at accessible price points.
The benefits of asphalt shingles include:
- Excellent value – quality protection at a reasonable cost
- Wide variety of colors and styles to match any home
- Straightforward installation and repair processes
- Decent longevity – typically 20-30 years for premium products
- Good fire resistance ratings
- Compatible with most existing roof structures
While not as long-lasting as slate or cedar, today’s premium asphalt shingles represent vast improvements over products from previous decades. Many of our customers find asphalt shingles to be the best roofing material when balancing cost, appearance, and performance.
Metal Roofing: Modern Protection with Eco-Friendly Benefits
Metal roofing has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, and our team at Franco Roofing Inc. has installed many metal roofs throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Today’s metal roofing systems offer exceptional performance with sleek, contemporary styling.
The advantages of metal roofing include:
- Outstanding durability – typically 40-70 years of service life
- Excellent energy efficiency – reflecting solar heat rather than absorbing it
- Lightweight construction that reduces structural stress
- Superior resistance to severe weather, including heavy snow
- Low maintenance requirements
- Recyclability at the end of its service life
Metal roofing’s energy-efficient properties make it particularly valuable in our region, where we experience both hot summers and cold winters. Many homeowners report noticeable reductions in cooling costs after switching to reflective metal roofing.
Energy-Efficient Roofing: Saving Money and the Environment
At Franco Roofing Inc., we understand that energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration for homeowners. Several roofing materials offer excellent energy performance:
- Metal roofing with reflective coatings minimizes heat absorption
- Cedar’s natural insulating properties regulate temperature year-round
- Slate provides excellent thermal mass, moderating temperature fluctuations
- Modern asphalt shingles with cooling granules reflect more solar energy
When discussing energy-efficient roofing with our customers, we consider the specific characteristics of their home, local climate conditions, and their heating and cooling priorities. The best roofing material for energy efficiency depends on these individual factors.
Roof Durability: A Critical Factor in Your Decision
As a roofing contractor with over five decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how roof durability varies between materials. Here’s how the major options compare:
- Slate roofing: 100+ years with proper installation and maintenance
- Metal roofing: 40-70 years depending on the specific metal and coating
- Cedar roofing: 30-40 years with appropriate treatments and maintenance
- Asphalt shingles: 20-30 years for premium architectural products
At Franco Roofing Inc., we believe in providing honest information about expected lifespans, allowing our customers to make informed decisions that align with their long-term plans for their homes.
Franco Roofing Inc.: Your Trusted Local Roofing Partner
As a family-owned business serving our community since 1971, we understand that choosing the best roofing material involves balancing aesthetics, performance, and budget. Whether you’re interested in our specialty slate and cedar roofing services or exploring asphalt or metal options, our team brings generations of experience to every project.
With offices in both Doylestown and Pipersville, PA, we’re conveniently located to serve homeowners throughout Bucks and Montgomery Counties and into Eastern New Jersey. We handle residential, commercial, and industrial roofing projects with the same commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
Ready to discuss which roofing material might be best for your home? Contact us today for a personalized consultation. After five decades in business, we’re still passionate about helping our neighbors protect their most valuable investment with the perfect roof.