There are tons of roofs available these days, so choosing a new roof could seem intimidating, making you want to replace it with what was already there. We want to help you understand the different types of roofing materials out there so you can pick the one that suits your needs, style, and budget. Something you need to consider when choosing a roof is the weight of materials and whether your roof structure can handle the load. The pitch of your roof will also influence your decision because some materials require more of a slope than others. The installation cost is dependent on the complexity of your roof (chimneys, intersecting rooflines, skylights, etc.) along with the material chosen. Some materials to consider when looking at a new roof including asphalt shingles, metal, clay tile, and slate. Now let’s talk about these materials in more detail.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular. They are less expensive than the other materials, come in a large variety of colors, and have several designs to choose from. Asphalt shingles are lightweight and will work with just about any roof slope. You can find a basic look with a one-layer shingle or an architectural design that provides more dimension with a tiled look. Asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 15-30 years and are the easiest to install. Most homes in America use asphalt shingles.
Metal roofing is available in steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc alloy. Metal roofing is lightweight and very durable. Copper is the most durable, is very expensive, and over time acquires a greenish patina which creates a protective layer. Steel is the most common due to its durability and moderate cost. You can find several shades and finishes for metal roofing to match your style. Metal roofing is reflective helping to keep your home cooler which is great for hot climates. A downside to metal roofing is that it can be noisy during rainstorms when water hits the roof it creates a “ping” sound. Metal roofing can last 30-50 years depending on the type of metal used.
Clay tiles are what you see on the Traditional Italian and Spanish houses. It has a beautiful red color but can be made to look like wood shakes or slate. Clay tiles are made from natural clay which makes them very heavy and expensive. A reinforced roof is a must. Clay tiles can be used on moderately sloped to steeper sloped roofs making them more versatile than slate roofing. They can be long-lasting but tend to be more brittle causing them to crack and break. Clay tiles can last over 50 years.
Slate roofing is SUPER expensive. It is a natural stone which means it is very heavy. If you plan to use slate roofing you must be sure the roofing structure is reinforced to handle the load. Slate also works best on very steep sloped roofs. Being a natural stone the durability of slate is amazing. Working with slate tiles takes a skilled mason and because it needs to be on steep roofs it can be very dangerous to work on making the cost of installation very high as well. Slate tile can last for 100 years and will usually be recycled to use again for another roof expecting it to last another 100 years!
If you are considering building a new house or looking to upgrade the one you have this is wonderful information to keep in mind. Be sure to ask your architect or a professional roofer what options are available to you. The roof over your head doesn’t have to be the same as your neighbors, make it fit your style!
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