Choosing a Roofing Material

By Gerry Donaghue • December 15, 2021
Choosing a Roofing Material

Although asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material, they are not your only option. Each type of material has its advantages and disadvantages, and they all provide a distinctive design element to your home. 

Asphalt Composition Shingles

The most common material used in the United States is asphalt shingles. They are the most economical and easy to install. They can also be reinforced with fiberglass or cellulose without changing the appearance of the shingles. They come in a wide variety of colors, but they have a shorter lifespan than other roofing materials. 

Clay and Concrete Tiles

These materials offer a very distinctive look and feel to a home. They are suited for Mediterranean, Southwestern, Mission and Spanish-style homes. They add a lot of texture and elegance. They are extremely durable but heavy. Concrete tiles are heavier than clay and more economical, but they are also heavier. They are long-lasting and non-combustible. If you decide to go with this style, you will need to hire a professional.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are available in two types: panels and shingles. They are gaining in popularity and are resistant to extreme weather conditions. The metal used is aluminum, stainless steel, copper or zinc. These roofs are wonderfully sleek, lightweight and long-lasting. Unfortunately, they are relatively expensive. 

Wood Shingles

The go-to material for hundreds of years, they offer a rustic look many homeowners enjoy. A similar product, wood shakes, are handmade and tend to be rougher looking than their shingle counterparts. Because they are more flammable than other materials, wood shingles are prohibited by fire codes in some areas. If they are not prohibited but you live in a fire-prone area, make sure you purchase Class-A fire-rated wood roofing. 

Deciding on a material for your roof is not always easy. Take the time to consider the pros and cons of each product as well as the aesthetic appeal.

February 17, 2025
Welcome to our new website for GT Donaghue Construction & Metal Roofing, LLC! We are so excited to roll out a much needed refresh on our website and share it with all of you. And with a new website comes a reintroduction to us here at GT Donaghue Construction! For those not familiar with us, GT Donaghue Construction & Metal Roofing, LLC (formerly Donaghue Construction) has been in business for almost 40 years working across New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and even parts of New York bringing quality craftsmanship and decades of experience to all the projects we complete. Gerry Donaghue, our founder, started this business out of his house formerly in Nashua, NH and has sustained a quality business over the years through hard work and resilience. We have navigated fluctuations in the industry across the years with some years only allowing for a few members on our crew and some calling for multiple crews and larger partnerships. The one thing that hasn’t changed? Gerry’s commitment to high standard work and building relationships with the folks he serves. A family owned business, his daughter Ashley supports him on his admin team (after she did her time driving the dump truck for him as a teenager!), his brother Andrew works on the job site, and his wife Pat has always been there to help when needed-you can sometimes see her in the office or even at a home show! Gerry has a wealth and variety of experience ranging from ground up new builds, additions and interior remodels, deck installations, siding replacements and installations, and of course his favorite-metal roofing installations. Whether it is a unique custom job or a traditional upgrade, GT Donaghue Construction & Metal Roofing can help you out! We hope you enjoy our new website and feel free to reach out to us when we can help at your house!
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