From wood to asphalt shingles, roofing materials are an important part to consider that contributes to the overall feel, look and style of your home.
Upgrading your existing roof allows you to add more value to your home and communicate your home’s look and feel to the neighbourhood. While roof framing, preparation and proper installation are essential, the material you choose for your roof can bring the exterior of your home to a new level.
The answers to those questions will help you determine the best option for your home. There are lots of options for roofing materials available and here are some of the most popular and common ones.
The most common residential roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles are popular because they are economical and super easy to install. These shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials without changing the appearance of the shingle itself.
The Pros: Asphalt comes in a variety of colors, is widely available and is one of the least expensive materials.
The Cons: Asphalt has a shorter life span than other roofing materials, doesn’t provide the insulation other materials offer, and the quality varies.
Recommended House Styles: Asphalt shingles work with many architectural styles, especially traditional suburban styles.
In Terms of Cost and Life Span: Prices range from $70 to $120 a square and, if maintained properly, shingles will last 20 to 25 years.
Clay and concrete tiles add texture and a feel of elegance to a roof. Genuine flat, ribbed or scalloped clay tiles are extremely durable but also very heavy, and must be installed by a professional. Concrete tiles are versatile and are less expensive than genuine clay, but also have a heavy weight.
The Pros: Clay and concrete tiles are long-lasting and non-combustible, and concrete tiles are energy efficient.
The Cons: Clay and concrete tiles are expensive, heavy and usually require additional framing.
Recommended House Styles: Clay and concrete tiles work well with Mediterranean, Mission, Southwestern and Spanish-style homes.
In Terms of Cost and Life Span: Prices start around $300 to $600 a square and, if maintained properly, tiles will last around 40 to 50 years.
Metal roofs are ideal for some areas, because they are resistant to extreme weather conditions. Available in two types, panels and shingles, metal roofs come in aluminum, copper, stainless steel and zinc.
“They’re sleek, lightweight, long-lasting and recyclable, and something to consider if you’re interested in rainwater harvesting,” says architect Amy A. Alper.
The Pros: Metal roofing is durable, lasts longer than asphalt or wood, and offers high solar reflectance.
The Cons: Metal roofing is relatively expensive.
Recommended House Styles: Metal looks great on bungalows, cabins, contemporary and cottage-style homes.
In Terms of Cost and Life Span: Prices usually start around $100 to $300 a square, but some styles can cost $600 to $800 a square. Metal roofing can last 40 to 75 years.
Offering lots of beauty and a distinctive elegant appearance, slate colors include shades of black, green, grey, red and purple, amongst some combinations.
The Pros: Slate is very durable, fire-resistant and a sustainable roof that can be recycled.
The Cons: Slate is expensive, heavy, and requires extra framing and professional installation. The quality can vary with imported slate.
Recommended House Styles: Slate works well with Colonial, European and French chateau homes.
In Terms of Cost and Life Span: Prices start at about $600 a square and up. Slate can last more than 50 years and sometimes 100 years or more.
The go-to roofing choice for hundreds of years, many homeowners love the look of wood shingles and shakes and how they weather to an attractive shade of gray. Wood shakes are handmade and rougher-looking than wood shingles, which are usually cut by machine.
If you live in a fire-prone area, look for Class A fire-rated wood roofing products that include shingles treated with a fire-resistant coating, those will be your best option.
The Pros: Wood shingles offer a rustic look and are a natural product usually made from cedar, redwood and southern pine, which look amazing.
The Cons: Fire codes in some areas prohibit use. Wood shingles can be a concern in wet climates, and can mold, split or rot.
Recommended House Styles: Shake’s rustic aesthetic pairs well with bungalow, Cape Cod, cottage, Craftsman and Tudor-style homes.
In Terms of Cost and Life Span: Prices start at around $100 to $150 a square and will last around 25 to 30 years.
There are now synthetic roofing products, including rubber, plastic and polymer roofing, developed to give you the color, look and texture of natural materials like slate and wood. These products are designed to be strong and easy to maintain. Some of these materials are fire-resistant.
Make sure to check with the manufacturer and inquire about warranty information. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) suggests you look at full-size samples of the synthetic product and the manufacturers’ brochures before placing your order.
The Pros: Synthetic roofing is often not as fragile, heavy or expensive as natural products.
The Cons: Some of these products can absorb water and the quality varies. Newer products aren’t as time-tested as traditional materials.
Recommended House Styles: Synthetic roofing products work with different architectural styles.
In Terms of Cost and Life Span: Prices start at about $300 a square, and are warrantied for up to 50 years.
As you can see, there are various options when it comes to roofing materials, each one for a specific situation, area or needs, as well as personal taste.
Always make sure you see, and look at different options before deciding for one.
Here, at Springer Roof, we ensure each one of our roofs, are high quality, with attention to detail, and a beautiful design. Make sure to give us a call or send us a message to get your Free Quote.
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