Your house’s roof type has a substantial impact on its safety, durability, overall aesthetic, and of course, your wallet.
Different types of roofing materials range from natural materials, like wood, stone, and slate, to synthetic and man-made choices that include polymers and sheet metal. Each offers various style and color options, giving you more roofing material choices than you might have imagined.
Each type of roof comes with a unique set of pros and cons to consider. So which roof type is right for you?
In this blog, we’ll dig into the advantages, disadvantages and cost of the 13 most popular types of roofing materials. We’ll also give you an idea of which homes they’re best suited for so you have all the information necessary to make the right decision.
Things to Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials
Whether you need to repair or replace your roof due to damage, age, or you’re looking to update your home’s appearance, it’s essential to consider several things when evaluating the variety of roofing materials available to you.
What is the roof type’s lifespan, and can it withstand storms and extreme weather?
Different roof types have different lifespans and will respond to storms and other weather events differently. How long your roofing materials will last can be impacted by a variety of factors, including:
- What type of roofing materials are used — some naturally have longer lifespans and are more durable than others
- Which climate or region your home is located in — some types of roofing materials are better suited to hot desert climates while others thrive in coastal, sea-air regions
- What style of roof you have in addition to the slope, angle, or slant of your roof
- Whether your home is in an area that experiences extreme weather or natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, or severe storms, including hailstorms
Additional considerations such as fire or damage, large tree branches or an entire tree falling due to weather, age, or disease can shorten the lifespan of your roof regardless of which types of roofing materials you use.
While no single answer will apply to all roofs, a roof that has been expertly installed and appropriately braced and ventilated will have a longer lifespan than a roof that wasn’t installed with care, expert know-how, and accuracy.
In general, different types of roofing materials last longer than others. For example, metal roofing can last for more than 50 years, asphalt roof shingles can typically last up to 25 years, and it’s not uncommon for slate tiles to last a century or longer.
Does the roofing material’s cost fit your budget, and is a warranty available?
When considering different types of roofs, it’s important to consider how much it will cost. Choosing roof materials that fit your budget, in addition to considering whether your roof requires ongoing maintenance, is essential for your financial health.
Warranties can be a valuable resource, especially if you think you’ll need to repair or replace your roof during the time you’ll be in your house. An additional warranty expense during the initial installation phase can wind up saving you a ton of money in the long run.
Warranties typically come in two types: manufacturer warranties and workmanship warranties.
Manufacturer warranties protect you against defects in the roofing material or its overall performance. These warranties can require annual or bi-annual inspections to remain valid for the lifetime of your roof. Additionally, certain manufacturing warranties can be included in the sale of a home, transferring to the new homeowners. This can be a value-added point if you think you’ll be selling your home in the future.
Workmanship warranties typically tend to be shorter than manufacturing warranties. These warranties tend to cover workmanship errors or damage incurred during the installation of your new roof.
Warranties can be more than financial protection. They can give homeowners peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what’s important: your family.
Are there additional installation or maintenance requirements for this roofing material?
When it comes to roofing materials, it’s important to consider whether your choice will require additional installation methods, ongoing maintenance requirements, or frequent repairs.
Some house roof types require ongoing maintenance, including annual inspections to check for damage from the elements, wildlife, or other wear and tear.
Material and installation costs differ considerably depending on the types of roofing materials used. A few key factors that can affect cost include:
- The roofing material’s overall quality
- Length of the warranty
- Size, shape, and pitch of your home’s roof
- Your installation crew’s experience, skill, and expertise
The roofing installation specialists at Clean Roof Today can help you understand which roofing materials require special or additional care or maintenance.
Are there a variety of styles you can choose from to fit your home?
Because roofing materials come in such a wide variety of styles, materials, and prices, you can not only choose the best material for your home but also choose one that will add to your home’s overall aesthetic and curb appeal, based on its texture, color, and finish.
Will the type of roofing material meet local housing codes and regulations?
When replacing your roof, it’s important to check with local authorities to ensure your new roof confirms all regulations and requirements.
Because local code and regulation requirements can change periodically to keep pace with building code updates, it’s important to check before you buy if you initially looked into the matter more than a year ago.
Most U.S. municipalities have adopted building codes that rely on versions of the International Code Council’s (ICC), International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).
While these codes offer a standard requirement level, not all localities follow the same rules or the same versions of these rules. These variances can have a significant impact on your roofing options. That’s why it’s critical to reach out to your local authorities to clarify what requirements are in place for your neighborhood, not just your state.
Building code requirements can extend to product and materials used, in addition to roof shape, size, and pitch restrictions or other limitations.
13 Types of Roofing Materials
When it comes to roof types, you have almost as many choices as you can imagine. In addition to personal taste, color, and roofing materials costs, your final decision will benefit from careful consideration of the roof materials’ protective properties, availability, and overall suitability to your region and climate. Let’s dig into the 13 most popular roofing materials, their pros, cons, and what type of roof they’re best suited to.
- Asphalt Composite Shingles
- Wood Shingles and Shakes
- Membrane Roofing
- Slate Shingles
- Metal Shingles and Shakes
- Standing Seam Metal Roofing
- Stone-coated Steel
- Synthetic Slate Tile
- Clay Tile
- Concrete Tile
- Built-up Roofing
- Rolled Roofing
- Green Roofs
Roofing Material 1) Asphalt Composite Shingles
Look at the houses around you, and chances are you will see a majority of homes have asphalt roofs. This is because asphalt composite shingles are arguably the most popular roofing shingle used in houses today.
Pros:
Asphalt shingles come in various colors to match almost any house aesthetic, and are easy to install. Asphalt shingles have a fiberglass base layer that is covered with mineral granules. We can also reinforce asphalt shingles with cellulose or fiberglass without altering their appearance. As one of the most inexpensive materials available, asphalt composite shingles are very easy on your wallet.
Cons:
Asphalt shingles don’t last as long as some other materials, but you can expect them to last up to 25 years if you take good care of them.
Cost:
In general, prices can range from around $1.75 to $3.75 per square foot installed.
Best For:
Asphalt shingles are highly adaptable, making them appropriate for a variety of architectural styles and home locations, including bungalows, Cape-Cod styles, Colonials, and cottages.
Roofing Material 2) Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood roofs, typically made from natural cedar or redwood, are beautiful, but they can also be more expensive. They are comprised of either shingles or shakes:
- Wood shingles are thin, wedge-shaped pieces of wood with a smooth texture created through specialized sawing techniques.
- Wood shakes are thicker and, because they are the product of splitting wood, have a rougher texture.
How long your wood shingles and shakes will last will largely depend on your climate and environmental conditions. In drier climates, wood shingles and shakes can last upwards of 50 years, while the same roof in a damp, coastal environment may only last 25 years.
Pros:
Wood shingles and shakes deliver a high curb appeal and are relatively wind resistant, capable of withstanding winds up to 245 mph. They also aid energy efficiency by adding insulation to your home.
Cons:
Wood roofs also have significant limitations, including a shorter lifespan compared to more durable roofing materials. Because wood is flammable, it can be a dangerous choice for regions prone to wildfires.
Costs:
Wood shingles and shakes can range from about $4.50 to $11.50 per square foot installed, with shingles at the lower price point.
Best For:
Because of their rustic aesthetic, cedar shingles and shakes are often found on Cape-Cod-style homes. They also pair well with Tudor-style, cottages, and bungalows.
Roofing Material 3) Membrane Roofing
One of the best choices for membrane roofing is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). EPDM is a synthetic roofing material, sometimes called “rubber roofing.” Similar to rolled asphalt roofing materials, EPDM is rolled, similar to a large rug. It is applied in big sheets of material to reduce the number of joining seams that can allow water to seep in. Membrane roofing also comes in other synthetic materials, including:
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
- Chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated polyethylene sheets
- Neoprene (polychloroprene)
- Polymer-modified bitumens
Pros:
Membrane roofing is a lightweight and flexible roofing material that is easy to install.
Cons:
The downside of that flexibility means membrane roofing can be punctured relatively easily, requiring patches or repairs more often than some other roofing material choices.
Costs:
Membrane roofing costs range from around $3.50 to $4.50 per square foot installed. If you maintain it properly, your membrane roof can last between 25 to 35 years.
Best for:
Low-pitch or flat roofs, bungalows, and tiny homes.
Roofing Material 4) Slate Shingles
Slate roofs are beautiful and practical but can require specialized installation skills by qualified installers like the specialists at Clean Roof Today.
Pros:
Slate roofs come in various shades and hues, giving homeowners more choices than some other roofing options. Most people find slate’s natural texture highly appealing, helping slate add curb appeal to every home it tops.
Slate roofs offer a lengthy lifespan. Many historical buildings from the last century still possess functioning slate roofs. That’s why you may hear slate roofs called “forever roofing.” Its long life also means it’s very eco-friendly, rarely winding up in landfills. Slate roofs are fire and water-resistant, making them solid choices for regions with harsh weather conditions.
Cons:
While slate can resist many elements, it is relatively easy to break if hit directly from debris, or in certain instances, hail, which can require occasional repair.
Costs:
For slate roofs, expect to pay between $35 to $100 per square foot installed.
Best For:
Slate roofs are best for any home where you want a set-it-and-forget-it roof that will last as long as your home and provide curb appeal.
Roofing Material 5) Metal Shingles and Shakes
Metal shingle and shake roofing materials offer the advantages of metal without the look of standing seam metal roofs. Metal shingles and shakes come in steel or aluminum and are made of stamped metal. Specific metal roofing styles can look like other styles of roofing materials, including:
- Asphalt shingles
- Slate roofing
- Clay roofing
- Wooden shakes
Metal shingles and shakes have a typical lifespan of between 25 to 50 years.
Pros:
Metal shingles and shakes are highly durable and last longer than many other roofing materials such as wood or asphalt.
Cons:
Metal shingles and shakes can increase efficiency, but only if properly installed. If your roof is incorrectly installed, you will not get the desired efficiency.
Costs:
Expect to pay between $10 and $15 per square foot installed.
Best For:
Cabins, bungalows, contemporary, experimental, or cottage-style homes.
Roofing Material 6) Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Durable and long-lasting, standing seam roofs are the most common roofing material for a good reason. They are made of steel or aluminum roofing panels that meet in interlocking raised seams designed to repel moisture.
Pros:
Standing seam roofs are great for heavy snowfall climates or regions with a likely danger of wildfires since this is a fully fireproof roofing material.
Standing seam roofs are fully recyclable and have a long lifespan of up to 75 years. Because of their design, standing seam installation requires specialized skills, like those provided by the specialists at Clean Roof Today.
Cons:
The most significant downside to standing seam roofs is difficulty with installation. There are fewer roofing professionals with the expertise necessary to install these correctly. When you partner with the standing seam specialists atClean Roof Today, professionals who bring a comprehensive understanding of metal roofing materials, you not only get the benefit of a long-lasting roof, but you also avoid improper installation.
Costs:
Standing seam roofing material generally costs between $8 and $15 per square foot installed.
Best For:
These are best for cabins, bungalows, contemporary, experimental, tiny, or cottage-style homes.
Roofing Material 7) Stone-coated Steel
Stone-coated steel roofing provides the best of both worlds: the appearance of traditional asphalt shingles with steel’s strength and durability. Stone-coated steel roofing is typically made of 24- or 26-gauge rolled steel sheets coated to prevent rust and topped with a thick layer of permanently affixed stone.
Pros:
With stone-coated steel roofing, you get a roof with a lifespan of between 45 to 75 years that can withstand heavy rain, wind gusts, hail, and most other severe weather conditions. Compared to different types of roofs, such as asphalt that requires annual maintenance to maintain peak performance, stone-coated steel roofs are nearly maintenance-free.
Cons:
The major con of stone-coated steel roofing is the initial cost. However, because of its low maintenance and long life span, most homeowners find stone-coated steel roofs save money over the lifetime of their roof.
Costs:
Stone-covered steel roofing prices typically range between $175 to $375 per square foot installed.
Best For:
These are best for cottage, contemporary, Cape-Cod style, or executive style homes.
Roofing Material 8) Synthetic Slate Tile
Synthetic slate tile is a solid alternative for traditional slate tile, but because it’s made of synthetic polymers, plastic, and rubber, it’s incredibly lightweight.
Pros:
If your house can’t handle the weight of slate tile, but you had your heart set on its appearance, synthetic slate tile roofing material could be the answer.
Cons:
It’s slightly less durable than natural stone, but you can still expect a lifespan of around 50 years for your synthetic slate tile.
Costs:
Expect to pay between $7 and $15 per square foot installed for synthetic slate tile.
Best For:
It’s best for bungalows, cabins, cottages, or any home incapable of supporting the weight of natural stone roofing materials.
Roofing Material 9) Clay Tile
Clay tile’s instantly recognizable reddish-orange hue is the roofing material of choice for many homeowners. These earthen clay molded tiles can be glazed or left unglazed, depending on your personal preference.
Pros:
Clay tile boasts a long lifespan of up to 100 years or more. They are an excellent choice for regions with high temperatures or coastal, salt air environments.
Cons:
Clay roofing tiles are heavy, and your roof must be capable of withstanding as much as 850 pounds per square foot. This can require additional structural support to ensure your home can handle a clay tile roof weight.
Costs:
Clay tile’s prices per square foot installed range from $12 to $20.
Best For:
These are best for bungalows, low-pitch and flat roofs, and homes in desert or coastal regions.
Roofing Material 10) Concrete Tile
Concrete tiles, with their use dating back centuries, are popular choices for homeowners who want roofing materials that are both stylish and durable.
Pros:
Concrete tiles come in a wide variety of colors, textures and can often mimic the appearance of more expensive roofing materials.
They have a long lifespan, often lasting as long as your home. They’re resistant to hail damage and wind, often withstanding wind strengths that easily tear other roofing materials off homes during extreme weather events. With a Class A fire rating, concrete roofing tiles are highly resistant to fire and are a solid choice for homes in regions that experience wildfires.
Cons:
Weighing in between 900 lbs to 1200 lbs per square, standard concrete tiles can be too heavy for certain homes, and their color can fade over time.
Best For:
Concrete tiles are best for bungalows, cottages, desert regions, and wildfire regions.
Roofing Material 11) Built-up Roofing
Built-up roofing provides excellent coverage at a reasonable price, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.
Pros:
Built-up roofing is water, ultra-violet resistant, and fire-resistant, thanks to its multi-felt and asphalt layering, topped with a hot tar and crushed-stone final layer.
Cons:
Built-up roofing can take longer than other roofing materials when it comes to installation.
Costs:
The cost can run between $3 to $5 per square foot, installed, making it an economical choice for many homeowners looking to protect their residential investment without breaking their bank accounts.
Best For:
This works well for flat and low pitch roofs, cottages, bungalows, colonial, and Cape-Cod style homes.
Roofing Material 12) Rolled Roofing
While not commonly used for homes, rolled roofing is a smart, economical roofing option for any out-buildings on your property, such as garages, sheds, barns, or gazebos.
Pros:
Rolled roofing is straightforward to install, with many homeowners opting to install on smaller out-buildings themselves. It is very accessible and can be found in most home improvement stores across the country. The average size of 3’x3′ per roll makes it convenient to transport without the need for special tools or transportation.
Cons:
Rolled roofing doesn’t offer much variety, with most colors settling within the primary color range. It also carries a shorter lifespan, averaging 7 to 8 years before requiring repair or replacement.
Costs:
Economical rolled roofing is easy on the wallet, with an average price of about $2 per square foot installed.
Best For:
It works best for low-pitch and flat roofs, out-buildings, garages, and sheds.
Roofing Material 13) Green Roofs
Green roofs are an energy efficient, environmentally-friendly choice that offers big wins when it comes to stormwater management.
Pros:
Green roofs, generally consisting of living plant materials such as moss and other greenery, help reduce stormwater runoff by absorbing and filtering large amounts of rainwater that would otherwise end up in your nearest sewer. Green roofs are effective at reducing air and noise pollution while providing a wildlife-friendly habitat.
Cons:
Green roofs can mean an increased weight load that may not be appropriate for all homes and require ongoing maintenance.
Costs:
Green roofs costs vary widely, starting at a few dollars per square foot installed, with virtually no upper limit.
Best For:
These can work for low pitch and flat roofs, bungalows, tiny homes, experimental homes, and cottages.
Selecting the Right Roofing Material for You
Whether you’re looking for ways to extend the lifespan of your roof, the ability to resist harsh weather, wildfires, pests, or mold, a pleasing aesthetic that can add value to your home’s value, or an economically friendly option, choosing the best roofing material for your home is one of the most important decisions you can make as a homeowner.
We know there are many choices, but finding the right roof type for your home doesn’t have to be difficult. Reach out today for a no-cost inspection and quote from the roofing specialists at Clean Roof Today.
