It’s time to replace that old roof over your head. Maybe you need a new roof because of storm damage, or maybe it’s just the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced. Either way, one question remains: What type of roofing material should you choose for your home? There are many options available, but some types are more common than others.
We will go through some common roofing materials so that you have an idea of what they are made up of before deciding on which one to buy for your home.
1. Asphalt Shingles
As the word describes, asphalt shingles are a type of shingle covered with asphalt, which is a very common product used in roofs because it is inexpensive and lightweight. These types of roofs generally cost around $3 per square foot to install and last between 15-30 years. Asphalt shingles come in many different styles, so you can choose the one that best suits your home.
2. Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular options because of how long they last and their low cost ($7-$12 per square foot) compared to other roofing materials such as tile or slate. They also have little maintenance to preserve their life, which makes them an easy choice for homeowners who don’t like heading out onto their roofs very often. The installation for metal roofs is much easier than other roof types. This type of roof comes in various colors and designs and can be formed into almost any shape you want, making it a very stylish and attractive option for your home.
3. Tile Roofs
Tile roofs are generally made of clay or concrete and can be found in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. They usually cost around $8-16 per square foot, which is costlier than some other roof types, but they last long. Some benefits of tile roofs include high fire resistance, high wind resistance (very strong), and low maintenance.
However, the downside to these types of roofs is that they require specialized installation by professionals only. Installing a tile roof requires a lot of planning and preparation, making the cost much higher than other installation types.
4. Slate Roofs
Slate roofs are made from slate, a type of rock formed into tiles just like tiles for bathrooms or kitchen backsplashes. They are very strong and last a long time, but they do not come cheap because they cost around $10-30 per square foot to install on average. They require very little maintenance throughout their life span, but the downside is that you will need to call a professional installer since it can be dangerous if installed improperly. These types of roofs look great on older homes with certain styles such as farmhouses or colonial homes.
5. Wood Shakes
Wood shakes are a great option for people who want an inexpensive roof that is stylish and long-lasting. These types of roofs cost around $4.5-$9 per square foot installed on average. They don’t require much maintenance, but they do need to be painted every few years. Wood Shake roofs come in a variety of styles which gives your home a lot of character, and they work very well for more rustic styles of homes. The downside to wood shake roofs is that they may not be the best option if you live in an area with heavy rains and storms.
The type of roofing material you choose for your home will depend on the needs and budget. From asphalt shingles to metal roofs, there are many options available that can suit any homeowner’s need. Click here to read more about roofing materials and how a roofing contractor can help you choose the right material for your home.
