When it comes to replacing your roof, you have a number of options. Do you want something that will last a long time, or do you want something trendy and stylish? How much money are you prepared to spend? And what structural issues do you need to think about?
Here are 12 types of roofing materials to help you make the best decision for your home.
Rolled Roofing
Rolled roofing is one of the most cost-effective roofing materials available, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious households. This type of roofing consists of long strips of asphalt-impregnated material topped with mineral granules. Each roll is around 100 sq ft and 3 ft wide.
Rolled roofing is a quick and easy solution to cover a sloped roof that doesn’t need much aesthetic appeal. It can be applied using the torch-down method or roofing nails. This roofing typically lasts between 5 and 8 years before needing to be replaced.
Cost: $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot
Built-Up Roofing
Flat roofs are frequently built with a style of roofing known as BUR, or “build-up roofing.” This method comprises several layers of felt impregnated with hot asphalt.
The felt is put in overlapping layers to create a two to a four-layer thick barrier. This barrier is then coated with tar-embedded crushed stone.
A well-built BUR roof can last 20 to 30 years, making it a long-lasting and sturdy alternative for many households.
Cost: $2.50 to $5 per square foot
Membrane Roofing
Membrane roofing materials such as neoprene, PVC, EPDM, and chlorinated polyethylene can be utilized on flat or low-pitch roofs. EPDM, a synthetic roofing material sometimes known as “rubber roofing,” is one of the best membranes. It is put in large sheets, comparable to rolled asphalt roofing, decreasing the number of seams through which water can permeate. An EPDM roof has a lifespan of 20-35 years when properly maintained.
Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot
Asphalt Composite Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of North America’s most common roofing materials. They are built with a fiberglass base, mineral granules or cellulose on top, and asphalt covering on top. Composite shingles, which are produced from organic and inorganic components, are also available.
Composite shingles are great in adapting and flexing to a roof’s expansion and contraction. They typically have a warranty of 20-30 years, and fixing broken individual shingles is usually a straightforward process. Furthermore, practically every roofing company has experience installing these shingles. Depending on the quality of the shingles and the conditions, the lifespan of a roof might range from 12 to 30 years.
Cost: $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
As more and more homeowners look for ways to protect their homes from natural disasters, metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular. Metal roofs are fireproof and can withstand heavy snowfall and high winds, making them an ideal choice for regions prone to wildfires or severe weather conditions.
Metal roofs also have a long lifespan, with some lasting up to 75 years, and they can be recycled when they do eventually wear out. However, installing a metal roof requires special skills that not all roofing companies possess.
When choosing a roofing material for your home, consider a metal roof for its durability and fire-resistant properties.
Cost: $10 to $16 per square foot
Metal Shingles/Shakes
Numerous roofing options are available, but metal shingles and shakes provide a distinct combination of durability and style. Metal shingles are made of stamped metal and finished with mineral granules or a high-quality baked-on coating, can be made to look like asphalt shingles, wooden shakes, or even clay or slate tiles. They are a goodchoice when asthetics is important, but you also need a durable and long-lasting roofing system.
Metal shingles and shakes have a life expectancy of 30 – 50 years, making them an excellent investment for any homeowner.
Cost: $8 to $16 or so per square foot
Wood Shingles/Shakes
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in the United States, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for every home. Wooden roofs are also very popular, especially in luxury homes. Although they are more expensive than asphalt shingles, wooden roofs have several advantages that make them worth considering.
One of the biggest advantages of wooden roofs is their aesthetic appeal. A well-crafted wooden roof can add a feeling of warmth and sophistication to a home that an asphalt roof can’t match. Wooden roofs also tend to be more durable than asphalt shingles, with some types lasting up to 60 years with proper maintenance.
However, there are also some disadvantages to wooden roofs. They are not as fire resistant as other materials, such as metal, and can also be damaged by strong winds and heavy rain or snow.
Cost: Shingles $4.50 to $9 per square foot; Shakes $6.50 to $14 per square foot
Slate Shingles
Slate roofing is an excellent choice for those who want to achieve luxury property status. Not only is slate aesthetically pleasing, but it is also one of the most durable roofing materials available – with some slate roofs lasting hundreds of years.
True slate roofing uses authentic, thin sheets of genuine stone. Because slate easily cleaves off in thin sheets, it is simple to quarry and install. However, since installing slate requires special expertise, it can be difficult to find qualified installers.
Despite the challenges involved in installation, choosing slate roofing means that you likely won’t have to replace your roof again for 75-150 years. So, while initially more expensive and time-consuming than other types of roofing, slate provides excellent long-term value.
Cost: $10 to $30 per square foot