Discovering a leak in your home's roof is a devastating find, especially if you discover the leak after significant water damage and mold accumulation. More than 14,000 people in the United States are impacted by water damage and leaks in their homes daily. Replacing a roof is one of the most effective ways to keep your home safe and dry regardless of the weather.
Installing a roof is a progressive move, but no roof is complete without exploring your options for roof materials. Your roofing options make all the difference for your climate and severe weather, and the wrong choice could haunt your home and bank account.
Thankfully, you've discovered this helpful guide to the different types of roofs and roofing materials you can use for your home's roof replacement. Continue reading to find the perfect option for your home roofing today!
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials in the United States and with good reason. They're affordable, easy to install, and offer various colors to match your home's appearance. The best asphalt shingles are reinforced with fiberglass to withstand the elements for years.
You can make asphalt shingles work well with several home styles, ranging from Victorian homes to modern and traditional suburban-style homes. Expect to pay between $70 and $120 per square of asphalt shingles for your home. Working with this residential roof installation service will put you on the fast track toward fixing your home's roof.
Learning how to maintain your asphalt shingles is essential to get the most value from your investment. Proper maintenance will allow your shingles to last up to 25 years.
The biggest pro of choosing asphalt shingles for your home is the variety of colors you can choose from. You'll find the perfect complement to your home's siding or exterior materials. They're also among the least expensive roofing materials, making them an excellent choice if you're working with a budget.
The primary drawback is the quality and lifespan of shingles. They won't last as long as other roofing materials you can choose.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are well-suited to warmer climates and are the perfect touch to add elegance to your home. You can find flat, ribbed, or scalloped clay tiles to use when replacing a roof. These tiles are incredibly durable but heavy, so it's best to leave the installation to a certified professional.
Your home will look perfect with clay tiles if you own a Mission, Mediterranean, or Spanish-style home needing more roofing options. They'll add color and uniqueness to your home while keeping the weather outside. They're more expensive than asphalt shingles, coming in at $400 per square on average, though they'll last up to 50 years.
The biggest reason to consider clay tiles is their lifespan for your home's roof. They're non-combustible and energy-efficient, making them an excellent choice for replacing your home roofing. The primary drawback is the weight, as they require extra installation support.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is gaining popularity with homeowners due to its price and flexibility. They're the best roofing material to use if you live in an area that experiences severe weather. You can find metal shingles and panels for your home's roofing needs.
You'll also have choices about the types of metal used for your new roof. Metal roofs can be aluminum, copper, zinc, or stainless steel. A metal roof is long-lasting, beautiful, and recyclable so that you can enjoy peace of mind about the environment.
It's an excellent choice if you're replacing a cabin, bungalow, or contemporary home roof. Metal roofs have long lifespans, with the best roofs lasting 75 years.
Its durability is the biggest reason to consider a metal roof for your home. You'll enjoy fire-resistant roofing materials that stand up to all types of weather, and you can count on your metal roof to last longer than wood or asphalt shingles. It also offers significant solar reflectance compared to other roof materials. The cost is the most significant drawback you'll face with metal roofing. Cheaper options are $200 per square, but upscale metal roofs cost $800 per square.
"Metal roofing is becoming a top choice among homeowners due to its durability and flexibility, making it a great option for areas with severe weather. Its long lifespan and eco-friendly nature are also appealing factors. While it may come with a higher cost, the benefits of a metal roof make it a worthwhile investment for your home." - Project Manager at MidSouth Construction.
Slate
Slate is one of the most appealing and beautiful roof materials you can install on your home. You'll find multiple color options that work well with your home's design, adding that elegance that will make your neighbors jealous. It's a beautiful choice if you have a Colonial or French Chateau home.
It's a luxurious option for your home roofing, with a square of slate costing $600 and higher. Slate is also one of the more robust options for your home's roof. Slate roofs will last up to 100 years with proper maintenance.
The most significant benefit of a slate roof is the durability you'll enjoy, as slate is fire-resistant and holds up well against rain and snow. It's also a sustainable roofing option that can get recycled. The main drawback is the price, with the weight also being something you should consider.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles offer a roofing option that looks like it's from the past. Homeowners have used wood shingles for hundreds of years to great effect. They take on a stunning gray appearance after extended exposure to the elements.
They're also one of the most affordable options for roof materials. Wood shingles cost around $150 per square, with a lifespan of 25 years. Wood shingles look perfect on bungalows, cottages, and Cape Cod-style homes.
Consider wood shingles if you crave a rustic and nostalgic look for your home roofing. The drawback is that they're a poor fit for wet climates and pose a fire risk.
Find the Perfect Roof Materials Today
Finding the best roof materials for your home's roof replacement is essential to keep the weather out and your family cozy and safe. Asphalt shingles are an excellent budget option with notable durability, while metal roofs offer less maintenance and greater shelter. Slate and clay tiles look stunning and offer outstanding durability at a luxury price.
Are you ready to upgrade your home? Check out our real estate and home articles for more helpful tips!
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