The most durable types of roofs are slate and clay shingles, but they are more expensive than materials such as metal or wood. Functional roof alternatives, such as 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. The most common residential roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles are popular because they are inexpensive and easy to install.
These shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose) without changing the appearance of the tile. As with most home improvement options, there is a direct relationship between quality and expense, and in the case of roofs, quality generally translates into longevity. With a roof, it rarely makes sense to choose a roofing material based solely on price, when spending a little more can give you a roof that lasts as long as you own the house. A cheap roof is not a bargain if it needs to be replaced every three or four years.
Asphalt roll roof is made of large rolls of the same material used in asphalt shingles. Used for relatively flat plots, such as angled shed roofs, the roll roof is installed by placing strips along the roof in overlapping courses. Asphalt roller roofs can be expected to last 5 to 10 years at most. Getting maximum roof life is just a matter of keeping it clean of debris and quickly repairing any punctures or damage that occurs.
Asphalt roll roofing is typically installed on roofs with a relatively flat peak, so a 2,000 square foot home will have an area very close to 2,000 square feet of roof. Composite asphalt shingles are expected to last 15 to 40 years, depending on the quality of the materials chosen. Some tile roofs can even last up to 50 years. Most tile roof manufacturers offer a range of products in different weights and different life expectancy.
Manufacturers such as Owens Corning, GAF or Certainteed come with high-end warranties that exceed half a century. Wood tile roofs are made of thin wedge-shaped pieces of natural wood, such as cedar or yellow pine, that are cut from logs. They are an extremely attractive roof, but they are difficult to install and are not suitable for most DIYers. Keep in mind that increasing fire risks in some regions have led to legal restrictions on the use of wooden roofing materials.
They are not a good option anywhere where there are seasonal wildfire hazards. Wood tile roofs have an average of 25 to 30 years of longevity, although a longer lifespan is sometimes achieved in places where the roof experiences mild conditions and remains free of debris. Meticulously cared for, wooden tile roofs can last 50 years. To extend the life of a wooden tile roof, make sure to replace split and cracked shingles immediately, and keep the roof free of moss.
Wood shingles are a thicker material than wood shingles, and can be expected to withstand weather and UV rays better than wood shingles. Not suitable for most DIY enthusiasts as they require professional installation. Like wood shingles, shaking may be restricted in regions where wildfires are a known hazard. Both materials and installation are more expensive for smoothies than for wooden shingles.
You can generally count on shakes to be about 50 percent more expensive than shingles. An increasingly popular type of roofing, especially in areas prone to wildfire hazard, standing seam metal roofs are made of large steel panels placed on the roof deck with the seams overlapping on raised ridges that run vertically along the roof slope. Standing seam metal roofs have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, but as a relatively new product, information is still being collected. Under good circumstances, metal roofs can last 75 years.
To maximize service life, check them regularly to ensure fasteners and sealants have not failed, and inspect worn, bent, or slipped panels. Pruning trees and eliminating other possible causes of tile roof damage can help extend the life of clay or cement tile roofs. Slate is another version of a stone roof, but instead of being made of cast clay or concrete, these are roofs covered with real stone carved from rock extracted from quarries. Slate has a natural tendency to split into flat slabs, making it the ideal natural stone for covering roofs.
The slate must be installed by skilled craftsmen. It is the most expensive of the common roofing materials, but also the most durable of all. If properly maintained, it can last the life of your home, even if that lifespan lasts two centuries. Due to the expense, this is a roofing material that is usually used in large and luxurious houses.
This is a roof that can easily last 100 years or much longer. There are still working slate roofs that literally date back hundreds of years. To achieve this kind of longevity, immediately replace any broken slate tile you see. Make sure all flashings are properly installed and in good working order.
When the copper flicker has turned black, it's time to replace it. However, that is the only cost at which. With the exception of maintenance and repairs, which can be significant, a well-built slate roof should not need to be replaced for 100 years or more. So, as high as the installation costs of a slate roof, it's quite reasonable when the cost pays for itself over many decades, but a long-term view can show you that a more expensive roofing material may be the best value for the life of your home.
Standing seam metal roofing material or even slate are great options for long-term roofing. If you can finance the cost of installation, these roofing materials will be the cheapest. Made of fiberglass, asphalt, and ceramic and mineral granules, asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material in the United States. This type of cover usually comes with a 20 to 30 year warranty.
By replacing damaged individual shingles, asphalt is also an easy material to install, making it more convenient. Asphalt shingles will last between 15 and 30 years. They are by far the most popular roofing material due to their cost-effectiveness. When it comes to energy efficiency, wood is a natural insulator, wood shingles are naturally about twice as efficient as asphalt shingles.
And because they're 100% natural, asphalt shingles are one of the most sustainable roofing materials on the market. Not only are most metal roofs created from recycled materials, but many are also 100% recyclable. A slate roof can last 75 to 150 years. One of the oldest roofing materials, slate is also one of the most expensive.
Slate is one of the most expensive materials because it will last the better part of a century, and if the roof is well built, more than 150 years. Because of this, slate is an incredibly sustainable roofing material. They are less expensive than clay tiles and can last a long time. They are made of natural materials, but require a significant amount of energy to manufacture.
Can be made of steel, aluminum, copper or zinc. Metal can be recycled when replaced, but requires a lot of energy to manufacture. Its durability depends on the material. Usually used for flat roofs, this material is lightweight and provides an inexpensive way to waterproof a roof.
In contrast, roofing felts are vulnerable to damage and generally have a short lifespan. Slate is one of the oldest roofing materials. The value of natural slate lies in its waterproofness, durability and versatility. On the other hand, the natural look of slate is one of its strongest attributes.
Its natural color, texture and grain, when applied to a pitched roof, offers a clean, sculpted, and surprisingly beautiful appearance. From wood churning to asphalt shingles, roofing material is an important consideration that contributes to the overall look and style of your home. The high cost of slate and natural tile roofing has led to the recent introduction of synthetic tile and slate roofing products made of various materials, including rubber, plastic, and clay. For more than 30 years, the Bill Ragan Roofing team has helped homeowners find the right roofing material for their roof replacement.
A cedar roof is a premium roof system made of natural wood materials (cedar) and is one of the most aesthetically pleasing roofing materials on the market. A built-up roof (BUR) is a layered roof that is created by alternating layers of roofing felt and waterproof materials, such as fiberglass and hot tar (bitumen). You can consult an experienced roofer for expert advice on the best roofing material applicable to your needs and get estimates. Asphalt and metal roofs are popular options because they are easy to install and generally more affordable than other materials.
You can choose between the different roofing materials discussed above and decide what is best for your home or building. Another roofing material that is very suitable for warm climates is flat concrete pavement and, as mentioned above, is available in cool colors. Roof materials and colors affect how buildings, and even entire cities, handle heating. Now you know the 3 questions to ask yourself when deciding which of the different types of roofing materials is right for you.
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