UNDERSTANDING ROOF TYPES
A roof protects your home and gives it a unique look and feel. While the installation and maintenance of your roof are always vital, the material you choose for your roof may take your house to the next level.
When choosing roof types, consider the following questions.
- What are the cost, life span, and warranty for this product?
- Does this material offer good performance in extreme weather conditions that are common in your area?
- Are there particular installation and maintenance issues to consider?
- What is the curb appeal of this roofing product?
If you’re looking for a new roof, there are plenty of excellent materials to choose from. To help you make the best decision for your home, let’s take a look at some of the most popular roof types.
COMPOSITION SHINGLES (ASPHALT)
Composition shingles, commonly known as Asphalt Shingles, are America’s most popular roof type. They’re made with a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and then topped with ceramic granules. They’re also known as asphalt shingles.
Pros: Asphalt roofing shingles are the most affordable roofing option and come in a variety of colors. Asphalt shingles will protect your home for about 12 to 17 years if properly installed.
Cons: The disadvantages of asphalt roofing shingles come down to the quality of the material and the dwindling protection it has in shifting climates.
Style & Curb Appeal: Composition Shingles come in a wide range of colors and styles, so you can find an option that complements your home’s exterior. The variety of choices means these shingles will work with many architectural styles, mainly traditional suburban styles.
CLAY AND CONCRETE TILES
As the name suggests, these tiles are made from concrete or natural clay and baked into specific shapes and sizes. They are far less common in the marketplace than standard Composition shingles.
Pros: Clay and concrete tiles are non-combustible and strong insulators making your home more energy efficient. Also, their robust construction means Clay and Concrete tiles can last around 40 to 50 years if appropriately maintained.
Cons: Clay and concrete tiles are expensive, heavy, and have a high cost to install because they usually require additional framing. Sourcing clay tiles can also be an issue due to limited production. Prices start around $300 to $500 a square.
Style & Curb Appeal: Clay and concrete tiles work well with Mediterranean, Mission, Southwestern, and Spanish-style homes. Adding these tiles to your home is often considered a luxurious, high-end upgrade.
METAL ROOFING
Metal Roofing is composed of interlocking metal panels that are fastened to the roof deck with screws. Metal roofing is a considerable upgrade from the standard composition shingles. Still, it has a wide range of costs depending on style.
Pros: Metal roofing is durable, weather-resistant, and lasts significantly longer than asphalt or wood roofing. Plus, the metal material offers a high amount of solar reflectance, lowering your home’s temperature. If properly maintained, metal roofing can last 40 to 75 years.
Cons: Metal roofing is relatively expensive. Prices usually start around $100 to $300 a square, but some styles can cost up to $600 to $800 a square.
Style & Curb Appeal: Metal roofing looks excellent on bungalows, cabins, cottages, and contemporary-style homes. Remember that metal roofing has a distinct look but is a clear home upgrade compared to composition shingling.
WOOD SHINGLES AND SHAKE ROOFING
Wood shingles and shakes are cut from cedar, Redwood, or southern yellow pine trees. Wood roofing is a timeless classic but does present some hazards and susceptibility.
Pros: Wood shingles offer a rustic look and are a natural product usually made from cedar, Redwood, and southern pine. With proper treatment and maintenance, wood shingles can last around 25 to 30 years.
Cons: The biggest downside of wood roofs is their fire hazard. Cedar and Redwood are naturally fire-resistant, but Southern Yellow Pine needs to be treated with a fire retardant for safety. Also, wood roofs are susceptible to rot and insects without proper treatment. Prices start at around $100 to $150 a square.
Style & Curb Appeal: Shake’s rustic aesthetic pairs well with Bungalow, Cape Cod, Cottage, Craftsman, and Tudor-style homes.
READY TO CHOOSE YOUR NEW ROOF? THE NEXT STEP IS A ROOFING INSPECTION!
The roof you choose for your home depends on various factors, including location and house type. If you think it might be time for a roof replacement, the first step is to get a professional roofing inspection. The contractor will look at your current roof and assess any potential problems and options given the season and materials available. This process ensures you’ll get the best possible outcome for your home.
If you’re in Northern California, Tennessee, or Florida and need a roofing inspection, Roof Doctors offers FREE inspections and can help determine whether you require a roof repair or replacement. Simply fill out our questionnaire below to get started today!
