Having a new roof installed can be very expensive and even intimidating to some people. There are so many articles on the internet about roofing and how to save money while getting a roof replacement, but there are way fewer articles about expensive roofing options. That is why we decided to cover this topic today.
While an affordable roof is a much better option for many, there are still those people out there who can and want to pay for the most expensive and glamorous options available, and that’s okay. It’s also important to keep your options open when getting a new roof. You should want to know what the pros and cons are of each roof type and discover what qualities are important for your roof to have.
Whether you are interested in having an expensive roof installed or are just curious about how high prices can get, by the end of this article you should be more informed on this topic.
The more expensive roofing materials
Before we begin to list some of the more expensive roofing options available, it is important to note that prices are never 100% set in stone. Each roof is different in some way whether it be size, shape, or special accommodations needed. All of these factors can impact how much you will have to pay for your roof replacement specifically. Now that we have that covered, here are a few roofing options that fall on the pricier side.
Metal Roofs
There are two main types of metal roofs out there which are the standing seam metal roof, and the screw-down panel metal roof. Both of these metal roof variations start at different prices. A standing seam metal roofing costs roughly $12 to $13 per square foot while a screw-down panel roof is cheaper, costing around $5 per square foot. Standing seam metal roofs are the most common type of metal roofs installed on homes. These prices can change over time and may not be the same for everyone.
Metal roofs are great because they can last anywhere from 45 to 90+ years. Metal roofs can also aid in keeping your house cooler during the hot month’s thanks to their ability to reflect heat off of it. Weather leaves less of an impact on metal roofs as well since rain can run off easier and ice dams are less likely to occur.
Metal roofs give homes a more modern appearance and come in many different styles and colors. While expensive, they really are a great investment and will last you for a long time.
Composite or synthetic shingle roofs
Composite shingle roofs are made of a mix of recycled materials and artificial polymer. These roofs are cool because they are created with the intention of looking like cedar shake or slate roofs, both of which are other options for a unique-looking roof. The price per square foot for synthetic shingle roofs can range between $10 to $18 or more. These prices vary based on whether you as the homeowner want your roof to mimic a cedar shake roof or a slate roof. The best way to figure out what you would be paying is to have a professional roofer come to perform an inspection and give you their option and estimate.
While composite or synthetic shingle roofs are more expensive than more traditional options, they are a great way to achieve a more expensive look for a better price. For example, slate is a very expensive roofing material and while many love it, having it installed is not an option for some. Composite shingle roofs are a great middle-ground in that you get the best of both worlds, a roof that matches the aesthetic and qualities you wanted and you save some money along the way.
Aside from saving money, there are plenty of other perks to having a synthetic shingle roof. Synthetic shingles can last up to 50 plus years when maintained properly. This roof type is also very durable as well as rather lightweight in the roofing world making it easy on your home. Synthetic shingle roofs are a great option and definitely worth considering the next time you need a roof replacement.
Slate
Slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials available and is made out of organic slate squares. While slate is very expensive, it is often a favorite among homeowners for aesthetic reasons. Slate roofs are beautiful and are great for boosting a home’s curb appeal. Slate roofs can last anywhere from 70 to 100 years making them one of the longest-lasting roofs money can buy.
A slate roof is very expensive and can cost more than 4-5 times the price of an asphalt roof, the most popular and affordable roofing amongst homeowners. Organic slate tiles are expensive as it is. Now add in the price of labor for the installation. It starts to add up quickly, especially because slate roofs require experienced contractors who understand how to correctly install slate tiles. A slate roof will only last 70+ years if installed correctly, that is why it’s important to work with a licensed and experienced roofing company.
Slate is extremely durable and looks gorgeous on any home. Yes, the price can be overwhelming at first, but between the lifespan, gorgeous aesthetics, and over durability, it is worth the investment if you have it.
We are here to help
There is something to be said about a sleek slate roof or a metal roof that compliments a home perfectly. Yes, it can be rather expensive but in roofing, you often get what you pay for. We say it all the time on here, but roofing is an investment and a crucial part of your home. We hope that you learned something from this article and have a better understanding of the more expensive roofing option available.
If aesthetics and curb appeal are a priority for you, then a more expensive roofing material may be a good fit. Asphalt shingles are popular because they look nice and are affordable. More expensive or “luxury” materials make your home stand out from the rest and are often of higher quality, hence the increased lifespans. Before making any roofing decisions we strongly recommended meeting with a professional roofer and taking some time to explore all of your options.
At Liberty Roofworks we have been proudly providing roofing service for over two decades now. Our licensed and experienced team of roofing professionals is equipped for both residential and commercial work and strives for customer satisfaction 100% of the time. If you are looking into getting your roof replaced or just want some more information please contact us to schedule an inspection where we will send one of our guys out to assess your roof and tell you what your options are along with answering any questions you may have. Whether you are looking to replace an asphalt roof or a slate one, we have you covered.
Commonly asked roofing questions
We know that a lot of information has just been given to you and you may still have questions. Here are some common ones we get pertaining to roof replacements along with their answers.
What is the most expensive type of roof to install?
When it comes to residential roofs, a slate roof would be the most expensive. Slate requires experienced contractors for a proper installation and the organic slate itself is expensive.
I want to replace my roof, when is the best time?
While a roof replacement can technically be done during any season, the Fall is the most ideal. Summer heat, winter snow or ice, and spring showers can poorly impact an installation. The Fall is the safest bet for a smooth installation to occur.
How long will my roof replacement take?
We understand how eager you may be for your new roof to be complete and over with. Installation times vary on the materials used along with weather delays. Asphalt shingles or flat roofs often only need 1 to 3 days while concrete or certain metals can take 3 to 9 days to complete.
I want to get a new roof installed, how many quotes should I get?
Getting a new roof is an investment and you want to make sure your money is being used properly. We recommended getting 2 to 3 quotes before making a decision. There are lots of good contractors out there, but sadly there are still some bad ones who amp the price up to the extreme. Never feel pressured to go with the first contractor you meet.
Want to learn more?
Do you still have a question? Please contact us and we will be happy to answer it for you as soon as we can! We also cover a wide array of other roofing topics over on our Learning Hub where we provide new roofing content weekly! It’s another great source for learning more about the roofing process and getting ideas for your home.