Roofing Materials: Six Common Choices for Homes

There are many materials to choose from when picking your roof, including asphalt, metal, wood, slate and clay. Rather than going with the type that was previously on your home, you might consider a longer-lasting or more modern roofing material. Choosing the right roofing requires that you consider longevity, appearance, pricing, and structural integrity.

Below are the most common types of residential roofing options.

asphalt shingles are the most common

Asphalt composite shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States. Consisting of a fiberglass base with asphalt and mineral granules or cellulose covered with asphalt, three-tab shingles are a perfect choice for most residential roofs. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are lightweight and durable. Organic asphalt shingles are a heavier option. Composite shingles flex and adapt to movement due to expansion and contraction.

Ashpalt roofs typically come with a 20- to 30-year warranty and, depending on their quality and the climate in which they are installed, asphalt roofs last 12-30 years. Replacing damaged shingles is an easy, low-cost repair and installers/repair contractors are fairly easy to find.

CLAY TILES ARE VERY POPULAR IN SOME AREAS

These tiles are made from clay molded into rolled or interlocking shapes and kiln-fired for hardness. They are often left unglazed and feature a characteristic rusty red color. They can also be glazed and fired to form ceramic roofing tiles in a variety of colors.

Clay tile is a good material for hot climates or in coastal climates where there is salt air. You can expect a century of longevity from a properly installed clay tile roof. Clay is one of the most durable roofing materials.

CONCRETE TILE ROOFS

Concrete tile is an alternative to clay. With similar installation techniques and advantages, home owners may pay slightly less for the concrete option.

Concrete tiles are molded from sand-mix concrete, then colored to various tones. Some shapes resemble rolled clay tiles, while others are low-profile resembling wood shakes. Concrete tile can be finished with a decorative coating.

Concrete tile is a heavy, durable material. It is a good choice in regions where high winds can be a problem and has a longevity of 50+ years.

WOOD SHINGLE and shake ROOFS

Wood shingle and shake roofs are attractive on some types of houses, but they are expensive and have limitations in their usage. They don’t have the longevity of many alternate roofing materials, and are a poor choice in locations that are prone to wildfires or excessive moisture.

Although shingles and shakes are made from natural wood, there is a difference between wood shakes and shingles. Shingles are thinner, wedge-shaped pieces produced by precise sawing. Shakes are produced by splitting wood. They are rougher textured thicker wedges.

This roofing materials lifetime depends on climate and maintenance. In dry climates, a wood roof may last up to 60 years; in damp conditions, perhaps 20-30.

slate and synthetic slate ROOFS

An attractive roofing material, slate is commonly seen on luxury homes and may last hundreds of years.

Slate roofing is created from thin sheets of real stone. Installing slate is a highly specialized skill. An alternative to real slate, synthetic slate shingles are a convincing alternative. It is more lightweight, constructed from engineered polymers combined with recycled plastic and rubber. The lighter synthetic material is a viable option for houses that cannot support the heavy weight of natural slate.

METAL ROOFS ARE DURABLE AND FIREPROOF

The most common metal roof is the “standing seam roof.” The aluminum or steel panels meet in raised seams that interlock to keep moisture out.

Steel or aluminum shingles or shakes are another option. Made from stamped metal, shingles can be fabricated to look like traditional asphalt shingles, wooden shakes, or even slate or clay tiles. They are an excellent choice where appearance is a critical concern.

Metal roofs of are increasingly popular in regions with heavy snowfall or where there is danger of wildfires.

Metal roofs have an impressive longevity, and the material is recyclable! The largest consideration with metal options is that installation requires special skills.