The 7 Best Roofing Materials and Why
Replacing your roof is a big process. Besides choosing a good roofing contractor, one of the biggest decisions you will make is picking the from the numerous roofing materials.
Many homeowners attempt to find the “best” roofing material ever. To be truthful, you need to choose what is best for you and your specific situation. We hope to ease the difficulty of this decision by supplying you with examples of roofing material and their benefits.
What you need to think about
When searching for the right type of roofing materials, take into consideration how you want it to look, your budget, and how long you want it to last.
If your budget is tight and looking for something more affordable, an asphalt shingle roof is most likely the best option. But if your budget is more open and you want a roof that stands out, luxury asphalt shingles could be the roof that suits you.
If price isn’t a problem and you want a roof that’s more flashy, a standing seam metal roof, composite (synthetic) shingle roof, cedar shake roof, or a slate roof is the option for you. Just know\
these are premium roofing materials/systems and you pay the price for them, which most homeowners find trouble justifying.
Asphalt 3-tab shingles
The most popular and affordable, 3-tab asphalt shingles are everywhere in the roofing market, for a good reason too. Furthermore, they are suitable for all climates and most popular in the North.
- Least Expensive
- High fire rating
- Wind-resistant
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
Cons
- Wind uplift may occur with poor installation
- Few aesthetic options
- Non eco-friendly
- Flat appearance
- Declining popularity
$3.25-$5.50/ Square foot
The average 3,000 sq foot home:
$9,750-$16,500
- GAF
- Atlas
- Owens Corning
20-25 years
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
A more durable option compared to the 3-tab shingles, the Architectural Asphalt Shingles are designed to create a dimensional and interesting-looking roof. Actually, this type of shingle has the cedar-shake look for a fraction of the cost, making it a popular option.
- High durability
- High fire rating
- 30+ year lifespan
- Wind-resistant
- Impact resistant
- Waterproof
- Aesthetic appeal
Cons
- Higher price
- Up to 50% heavier than 3-tab shingles
- Non eco-friendly
$4.00-$8.00/ Square foot
The average 3,000 sq foot home:
$12,000-$24,000
- GAF
- Atlas
- Owens Corning
Architectural asphalt shingles are made of two or more basic shingles laminated together.
- Waterproof
- Fire-resistant
- Impact resistant
- Wind-resistant
Designer Asphalt Shingles
Wrapping up our asphalt shingle options, we bring you the luxury line. Designer asphalt shingles are an extremely durable option for roofing with an appealing look. This type of of roofing is suitable for extreme weather conditions.
Pros
- Higher fire, wind, and hail resistance than other asphalt shingles
- Rated for wind uplift of up to 110 mph
- Waterproof
- Great aesthetic appeal
Cons
- Higher price than 3-tab and architectural shingles
- Non eco-friendly
$5.50-$11.00/ Square foot
The average 3,000 sq foot home:
$16,500-$33,000
- GAF
- Atlas
- Owens Corning
Designer or luxury asphalt shingles are the highest quality laminated shingle available. They share the two layer composition of laminated shingles.
- Waterproof
- Fire-resistant
- Thick shingle to protect against hail damage
- Wind-resistant (up to 110mph)
40-50 years
Cedar Shake
The perfect pair to an older style or up-scale home. This option for roofing is completely natural and eco friendly. This type of roofing is most suitable for the central U.S. and climates with low fire hazards.
Pros
- Energy efficient with great insulation
- Variety of shapes and sizes
- Most desireable aesthetic appeal
- Storm resistance
- Completely natural
Cons
- Treatment is needed to prevent mildew/mold
- Untreated materials could be a fire risk
- Maintenance required often
$6.00-$15.00/ Square foot
The average 3,000 sq foot home:
$18,000-$45,000
- Watkins Sawmills
- Waldun
- Cedar Valley
Cedar shake has lots of character compared to many roofing materials. Actually, manufacturers try to replicate these shingles with other materials. There is a ton of variety to consider when looking at quality. for cedar shake.
- Green roof
- Curb appeal
- Shingles can retain water
- Fire resistant (with treatment)
30-50 years
Metal
Metal roofing is a great option for durability in the majority of climates, most commonly in the South, West, and Northwest. A durable option, it can handle wind, fire, rot, and moisture well. Installation is typically a speedy process as well.
Pros
- Lowest cost for metal roofing
- Quick installation
- Lightweight
- Storm resistance
- Reflective of sun
- Fire resistant
- Recyclable
Cons
- Occasional sweating on the inside in humid weather
- Regular replacement of screws
- Washers and grommets can dry out causing possible leaks over time
- Denting
Aluminum: $3-9/ Square foot ($9,000-$27,000)
Steel: $6-12/ Square foot ($18,00-$36,000)
Standing seam metal: $8-14/ Square foot ($24,000-$42,000)
Zinc: $6-11/ Square foot ($18,000-$33,000)
Copper: $11-25/ Square foot ($33,000-$75,000)
- ATAS International
- American Metal Roofs
Nowadays, metal roofing accounts for around 14% of the re-roofing market. Metal roofing also is a player in sustainability as it is a green roof that will drive utility bills down. Metal roofing systems are simple which in turn, minimizes installation time.
- Reflective
- Maximum shedding of moisture
- Water proof
Aluminum & steel: 30-50 years
Zinc & copper: 100+ years
Concrete/ Clay Tiles
Concrete and clay roofing are a great long lasting roof however they come with a heavy weight. Because of this, a strong roofing structure is required. Traditional tiles are made of terracotta clay however, other options include ceramic or fired clay.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Storm resistance
- Fire resistant
- Energy efficient
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Heavy, may require roofing reinforcements
- Cracking is possible without proper maintenance
- Requires professional installation
- Not 100% wind resistant
Cement Tile: $4-10/ Square foot ($12,000-$30,000)
Terracotta Clay: $6-15/ Square foot ($18,000-$45,000)
Fired Ceramic Clay: $8-20/ Square foot ($24,000-$60,000)
With clay and a mosaic style, you are guaranteed to stand out compared to other houses in a traditional neighborhood. This kind of roofing has existed in Spain for hundreds of years.
- Water proof
- Fire resistant
- Suitable for curved roofs
Cement & fired ceramic clay: 100+ years
Cement tile: 50 years
Slate Tile
Slate roofing has been around for centuries. Tried and true, slate roofs are made from stone mined from quarries. What makes this roof different from other roofing materials is because it is absent of toxicity and can be easily repaired.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Storm resistance
- Fire resistant
- Can be recycled
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Heavy, may require roofing reinforcements
- Expensive to install
- Requires professional installation
Cost:$11-40/ Square foot
The average 3,000 sq foot home:
$33,000-$120,000
Practically maintenance-free, slate tiles are easy to clean and reuse.
- Green roof
- Water proof
- Pest resistant
60-150 years
Conclusion
Your roof is an important and valuable investment for your home. Consider a roofing material that will fit your needs. What will increase your curb appeal? Your home’s value? What will fit your budget and durability standards.
If at the end of the day you have considered all that there is to consider, go with what makes the most sense for your home and situation. Keep in mind, that your roofing contractor should be a knowledgeable resource as well.
Thinking about getting your roof replaced? Check out this blog first!
