What Type of Roofing Material Should You Choose?

Few homeowners would cite having a roof replaced as one of their most highly-anticipated remodeling projects. That said, a home's roof is one of its most crucial parts. It both protects the entire building from the elements and contributes significantly to creating a unique style. 

If it's time to replace the roof, there's little reason not to consider updating it to better complement the home's exterior and its surrounding landscape. The first step to improving a home's curb appeal is to choose a roofing material, so read on to learn about the different options available and how to choose the best one.

Understanding the Options

The first step towards improving a home's curb appeal and making sure it gets maximum protection from the elements is to get an idea of what residential roofing materials are available. There's no one choice that's right for every homeowner, so it's worth considering the pros and cons of each of them. The most popular residential roofing materials include:

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles have long been the most popular residential roofing material in the United States. These days, there are multiple types of asphalt shingles. The most common of them are known as three-tab shingles and are composed of a single layer able to withstand moderate impact and up to 60 mph winds.

Three-tab asphalt shingles are the most affordable option, which explains why they're so common, but they aren't as tough as dimensional shingles, which can withstand stronger winds and impacts. Multilayered luxury shingles are even stronger and can withstand wind speeds of up to 110 mph. They're more expensive than other types of asphalt shingles but can be designed to look like wood shakes or slate tiles at a fraction of the cost.

Metal Roofing

It used to be the case that metal roofs were commonplace only on commercial buildings but these days, it's just as common to see them adorning residential homes. Metal roofing can be installed as either panels or shingles, and there are many types of metal to choose from. They include:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Stainless steel
• Terne
• Zinc

Metal roofing is durable and lightweight. It can sometimes be installed over a single-course of asphalt shingles, as well, which can cut back on the cost of labor. Most types of metal roofing also provide a high level of solar reflectivity, making it easier to maintain stable, comfortable temperatures within the home. The primary downside is that despite its growing popularity among homeowners, metal is still a relatively expensive residential roofing material.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

People have been using natural wood to adorn their homes for hundreds of years. Cedar shakes are the most common wood used to manufacture shingles and shakes, but redwood and pine are also viable options. Traditionally, all wood roofs consisted of shakes, which were hand-hewn to create a rugged look. Today, homeowners can choose between wood shakes and shingles, which are machine-manufactured and have a more uniform appearance.

In fire-prone areas, wood roofs must be treated with a fire-resistant coating. In some areas, the use of wood shingles and shakes is even prohibited by local fire codes. These natural materials can also create problems for homeowners who live in wet climates, which can cause them to rot, mold, or split prematurely. That said, wood roofing is a great natural option that looks just as good on luxury homes as it does on rustic cabins.

Slate Roofs

Like wood shingles and shakes, slate roofs are made exclusively from natural materials. The slate is usually mined in Italy and cut into tiles, which must then be installed carefully one at a time to prevent breakage. Slate roofing is also one of the heaviest options, which means it's not a viable choice for all modern homes.

Unsurprisingly given the expenses associated with procuring both materials and specialized labor, slate roofs are the most expensive roofing systems available. They're also the longest-lasting, so homeowners who can afford premium pricing and don't mind having their homes retrofitted to carry the extra weight often opt for slate roofs.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Like slate, clay and concrete tiles are quite heavy, so they're not appropriate for every home. They're also extremely durable, though, and can add a unique texture and elegance to any home. Both of these roofing options are non-combusting and long-lasting, and concrete tiles are very energy efficient.

The primary downside of clay and concrete tile roofs is that they run towards the more expensive side. Homes often need to be retrofitted to support the added weight and it requires specialized knowledge to install these materials correctly, so labor costs also tend to be higher. If maintained properly, though, clay and concrete tile roofs can last half a century or longer.

Top Considerations When Choosing a Roofing Material

Given the wealth of options available, it should now be clear why no one roofing material is appropriate for every home. Before choosing which material to use, homeowners should sit down and create a list of their top priorities. Because roofing materials vary so widely in price, appearance, and suitability, it should be easy to narrow down options from there. Most homeowners' top priorities include:

• Material costs
• Ease of installation
• Ease of maintenance
• Fire resistance
• Wind resistance
• Impact resistance
• Reflectivity and ability to repel solar glare
• Appropriateness for the local climate
• Building code compliance
• Neighborhood trends
• Current exterior decor and landscaping
• Durability and longevity

When in doubt about which material to choose, it's always best to ask a local roofer. Just keep in mind that not all roofing companies can install all available materials, so it's usually wise to consult with multiple industry experts.

Reach Out to Discuss Options Today

Ready to start discussing your new roofing project? Whether you already have a material in mind or are just beginning the brainstorming process, the experts at BalesCo can help. Because it can take some time to source materials and work out a schedule, it's best to reach out in advance. There's no need to wait until right before you want to install a new roof. Give us a call at (256) 775-0404 today.