5 Types Of Roofing You Should Consider
Most homeowners in the U.S. choose asphalt shingles because they are of the easiest to find, most affordable and versatile types of roofing. The most durable types of roofing are slate and clay tiles but they’re more expensive than materials like metal or wood. Functional roofing alternatives like green roofs and solar shingles are among the most expensive types.
Replacing an old roof is one of the best and most profitable ways to invest in a home. Choose the type of roof that suits your home, climate and budget and make sure if you’re installing a new roof to find the right Roof Repair NJ contractor for you.
Shingles (Asphalt, Fiberglass, Composite)
Almost 90% of homes in the US use composite asphalt shingles because they’re affordable, durable and easy to install. Asphalt shingles only cost $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot or roughly $8,000 per roof installation. They can last up to 30 years and can be recycled to make pavement.
Manufacturers mix fiberglass, asphalt and mineral composite to create a variety colors like gray, brown, red, green or blue. However, their color will fade over time due to sun exposure. The color and quality will look different depending on whether you choose architectural or three-tab shingles.
Pros
• Affordable
• Low-maintenance
• Easy to find
• Works well in most climates
• Comes in a variety of colors
• Recyclable
Cons
• Color fades with sun exposure
• 3-tab style prone to wind damage
• Short lifespan
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing feels like a modern choice, but they’ve been around since the 1800s. Metal sheets and shingles continue to be a popular choice today because materials like aluminum and zinc are affordable, easy to transport, low-maintenance and beautiful—even with age. They can last up to 80 years and cost between $6 to $14 per square foot depending on design and material.
There are two types to choose from: shingles and sheets (also called panels) that are connected with a “standing seam.” You can also have the metal pre-treated with sealants. While metal roofing can come in a variety of colors, you can also paint some styles.
Pros
• Low-maintenance
• Durable
• Can mimic slate, asphalt or wood
• Variety of colors
• Lightweight
• Recyclable
Cons
• Needs soundproofing to reduce noise
• May warp or develop ripples with improper installation
• Requires specialized labor to install and repair
Standing Seam and Shingles
Standing seam metal roofing takes careful installation to keep panels from rippling to create clean vertical lines. Installing metal sheets like this is usually more expensive, pricing between $9 and $14 per square foot.
Metal shingles are manufactured to mimic slate, asphalt or wood roofing. These, on average, are about $1 to $3 per square foot less expensive than standing seam.
Wood Roofing
Wood roofing pairs well with charming Cape Cod cottages, cozy Craftsman and Tudor-style homes. They start sandy brown and silver with age. Wood roofs can last 50 years in dry climates but need to be treated in fire-prone areas like California. Wet climates, such as the East Coast go through wood roofing more quickly due to water damage.
Cedar, redwood and pine are common building materials because they each repel insects. Cedar shake roofing is the most popular choice and averages $5 to $7 per square foot.
Pros
• Curb appeal
• Natural material
Cons
• Susceptible to water damage, mold, mildew and rot
• May require treatment with fire retardants and chemical preservatives
• High-maintenance
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the world and date back 5,000 years to glazed earthenware rooftops in China. They cost $10 to $18 per square foot and last 50 to 100 years or more. You can choose from a variety of styles like Spanish, French, Scania and more.
While expensive to install and repair, clay tiles last longer than almost all other types of roofing. It’s common in places like Southern California and Florida because clay roofing is perfect for hot climates, can endure winds of up to 150 miles per hour and is incredibly fire-resistant.
Pros
• Low-maintenance
• Great curb appeal
• Colors include terracotta, red, brown and gray
• Made from natural materials
• Regulates temperature inside the home
Cons
• Vulnerable to impact
• May need extra structural support for its weight
• May require specialized labor to install and repair
Slate Roofing
Slate is one of the most durable types of roofing material and is similar in cost to clay tiles, ranging from $9 to $20 per square foot. This material can last 50 to 200 years. In addition to being fireproof and resistant to high winds and extreme temperatures, it is also resistant to impact from hail and small branches.
You can choose from natural, quarried slate or synthetic alternatives like fiber cement slate or bituminous styles. Synthetic slate is much more affordable and has many of the same benefits of natural.
Pros
• Long lifespan
• Low-maintenance
• Durable
• Colors include gray, blue, green, brown and red
Cons
• Cost
• May need extra structural support for its weight