For many, the idea of having roof work done is a scary thought when it should not be. As a homeowner, there will come a point in time where you will find yourself needing to replace your roof. With so many different types of roofing materials out there, it can be confusing trying to figure out which type you should use. People often fail to know what the differences are between various roofing materials and their benefits.
We believe that it is important for homeowners to do their own research and educate themselves prior to having any type of roof work done, which is why we decided to touch on this topic today. If you wish to further expand your roofing knowledge we suggest checking out our Learning Hub where we post new roofing content every single week. The more information you know on the topic, the more confident you will be with your decision and you are also less likely to get scammed. We say it a lot on here, but a roof is an investment and you do not want to just blindly throw money at it.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are by far the most commonly used roofing material among residential homes. There are three different variations of these shingles available, but architectural asphalt shingles are by far the most common type used. Depending on which asphalt shingle type you go with, your roof can last anywhere from 20 – 30 years when properly maintained. Architectural asphalt shingles are popular both due to their appearance, and their price. In fact, asphalt shingle roofs tend to cost the least out of all roof types.
Luxury asphalt shingles are the other popular asphalt shingle option among homeowners. Luxury asphalt shingles do cost more, but as we always say, you get what you pay for when it comes to roofing. These shingles last longer than traditional architectural asphalt shingles and also provide a cleaner aesthetic. If you want a roof that will last a bit longer, is still affordable and boosts your curb appeal, then luxury asphalt shingles are worth considering!
Metal
Metal is another sought-after roof choice for some homeowners, specifically a standing seam metal roof. A standing seam metal roof is made up of a collection of panels/strips of metal that connect together at their seams. The way the metal is connected allows for it to both expand and contract as they need to without causing any damage. Metal roofing in general is more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs, but they can last up to 50 years when taken care of properly.
Standing seam metal roofs offer a bit of extra protection to your home as they are considered to be wind, hail, and even fire-resistant. This means that there is a smaller chance of damage occurring from the elements over time. Metal roofing also boosts a home’s curb appeal and standing seam metal roofs are offered in a wide variety of different finishes and colors, allowing you to personalize it to your home and liking. If you do choose to have a metal roof installed, we highly suggest you go the standing seam metal roof route.
Wood Shingles
Wooden shingles tend to be a less popular option, but we still wanted to include it here. Wood shingles can be made from cedar, spruce, or even treated pine making it considered to be a premium roofing material. Wood shingle roofs are some of the most beautiful roofs you will see. They give each home a unique look and boost a home’s curb appeal immensely. These types of roofs are most commonly found on luxury homes as they can be rather expensive.
While these roofs are absolutely gorgeous, it is important to mention that wood roofs do not always last too long. Since these shingles are naturally made, they will not do well in areas that receive a lot of moisture as it will decrease the lifespan of the roof. Wood roofs also are not great to have if you live in an area prone to wildfires since they can easily catch fire and damage your home.
As far as lifespan goes, when installed properly and in a dry climate, wooden shingle roofs can last up to 60 years. If the same roof is installed in a rain-prone area, it will only last up to 30 years at the most. Wood roofs are stunning and if curb appeal is important to you then you will love this roofing style.
Clay Tile
Clay tile roofs are another less common yet noteworthy roof type available. Clay time is made from natural clay pulled from the earth and formed into large shingle shapes. After being formed and hardened in a large kiln, these tiles are often left glaze-free and have a burnt red/orange color to them.
Clay tile roofs are most commonly found in warmed areas and near the ocean. While other roof types cannot always handle such heat, clay tile roofs tend to have no issue doing so. Clay tile roofs also boost a home’s curb appeal as they provide any home with a more unique and cohesive look. The one downside about clay tile roofs is that they are very expensive, costing anywhere from $10 up to $30 depending on the exact type of tile. However, once installed a clay tile roof can last up to 100 years. The money may seem like a lot at the time, but the lifespan of this type of roof makes it worth it.
Slate
A slate roof is arguably the most sought-after and beautiful roof money can buy. Slate roofs are made out of thin sheets of stone and cut into tiles. Slate is unique because it gets installed one by one, a very tedious progress. In fact, installing a slate roof takes so much skill that should you find yourself wanting one installed you will have to find someone who specializes in it to do so. It is so important to find the right roofer for a slate roof installation, do not cut any corners on this step. The installation process itself takes a long time to complete due to how tedious it is.
A slate roof will drastically boost any home’s curb appeal due to its sleek design and quality. The most common roofing material for residential homes, asphalt shingles, was actually created to give the same effect as a slate roof at a lower level. Slate roofs can cost anywhere from $9 to 16$ per square foot. Slate roofs have an extremely long lifespan and can last up to 200 years when properly maintained. Though it’s not the most commonly used roofing material, a slate roof is definitely worth keeping in mind as it may be the only roof you will ever have to install.
Wrapping it up
The world of roofing can be confusing and we know it can be stressful having to get a new roof installed on your home. No matter which roof type you choose to go with, they are all great in their own way. Remember, a roof will only meet its full potential if it is both properly installed and properly maintained. Be sure to do your research on a roofing company before hiring anyone, and schedule annual inspections to prevent damage from occurring.
While these are not the only roofing materials available, they are the most noteworthy for residential homes. If you are still unsure about something or would like to know if one roof type is better for you than another we suggest reaching out to a local roofing company to answer any questions you may have as well as perform an inspection. Any experienced and legit roofing company would be more than happy to do so and if they are not, take that as a sign and try someplace else.
We hope that you now have a better understanding of some of the various roofing options available to you and that some of the stress was taken off of your shoulders.
We are here to help!
At Liberty Roofworks we have over 20 years of professional roofing experience under our belts and we show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Whether you need a repair, replacement, or a routine inspection, we have you covered. Our roofers are experienced as well as licensed and insured. We understand the importance of trusting the company you hire which is why we keep our clients updated throughout the entire roofing process as well as answer any questions they may have along the way.
Are you in need of a roof installation or replacement? Please contact us and we will gladly send out one of our roofers to perform a thorough inspection and let you know what your options are as well as answer any questions you may have. We are always happy to help and want our customers to feel 100% comfortable with their decisions. With us, roofing does not have to be stressful at all!