Asphalt shingles are still by far the most popular option because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. In CR roofing tests, we found that some shingles perform better overall than others that cost more. And some offer a beautiful layered look or come in a variety of colors. You may be using an unsupported or outdated browser.
For the best possible experience, use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge to view this website. Choose asphalt shingles because they are one of the easiest types of roofs to find, affordable and versatile. The most durable types of roofs are slate and clay tiles, but they are more expensive than materials such as metal or wood. Functional roofing alternatives, such as green roofs and solar tiles, are among the most expensive types.
Replacing an old roof is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to invest in a home. Choose the type of roof that best suits your home, climate and budget, and if you're installing a new roof, make sure you find the right roofing contractor for you. Manufacturers mix fiberglass, asphalt and mineral compounds to create a variety of colors such as gray, brown, red, green or blue. However, its color will fade over time due to exposure to the sun.
The color and quality will be different depending on whether you choose architectural tiles or three-tab tiles. Architectural asphalt shingles are individual tiles that are thicker than the three tabs to create a durable, layered texture on the roof. Higher quality material and longer installation make architectural tiles more expensive. However, they can last 15 to 30 years and are more resistant to the elements.
Three-blended asphalt shingles are thinner and cut to look like three roof tiles. This allows for faster installation and creates a uniform brick-like pattern. They are prone to high winds and usually last 7 to 15 years. These are usually the most affordable roofing option.
Did you know that? The blue-gray roofs of Paris get their color from zinc panels that were first installed in the 1830s. The wooden ceilings go well with the charming Cape Cod cottages and the cozy Craftsman and Tudor style homes. They start out sandy brown and silver with age. Wooden roofs can last 50 years in dry climates, but must be treated in fire-prone areas, such as California.
Humid climates, such as the east coast, cross wooden roofs more quickly due to water damage. While expensive to install and repair, clay shingles last longer than almost all other types of roofs. It's common in places like Southern California and Florida because clay roofs are perfect for hot climates, can withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour, and are incredibly fire resistant. You can choose between natural quarry slate or synthetic alternatives, such as fiber cement slate or bituminous styles.
Synthetic slate is much more affordable and has many of the same benefits as natural slate. Once you know the truth about green roofs, it could top your list. Usually one of the most affordable types of roofs, rolled roofs are very popular with homeowners and builders with a limited budget. All installation materials are affordable, and the labor is also cost-effective.
Ideal for roofs with a lower slope, this rolled material can be easily nailed into place. However, it should not be nailed to flat roofs. Doing so may cause water leakage. Get expert advice about your home, design tips, how much to pay professionals and hire experts, every day.
Rachel is a home improvement writer and content editor. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for small businesses and creative agencies. He uses his experience in home improvement to give homeowners the knowledge they need to furnish and care for their homes. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics related to the home, including home improvements and repairs.
He edited home repair and design content on websites such as The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. He has also presented videos on DIY tips and solutions for the home and has launched several home improvement review boards with licensed professionals. When it comes to the roof of their home, all homeowners want the same thing. They want their new roof to withstand the elements, last longer, offer the best value for money, and looking good wouldn't hurt either.
However, while the objectives are the same, there are many different roofing materials available, from traditional slate to new solar energy. Because of their affordability, ease of installation and effectiveness, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the U.S. UU. They are lightweight, can be cut to fit any type of roof and require no special tools for installation.
In general, asphalt tends to perform better in temperate climates and can crack in extreme temperatures. Because it's lightweight, asphalt is also more prone to damage and to be blown away by the wind. As a result, asphalt shingles don't last as long as other roofing materials. Clay is one of the oldest roofing materials: shingles can even be found in buildings that are thousands of years old.
Clay tiles are weather resistant and require little maintenance, providing excellent insulation to regulate the temperature inside the house. However, all of these advantages make clay shingles significantly more expensive than asphalt, and because they are heavy, some houses may need additional frames to support the weight of a clay tile roof. Another roof with a long lifespan is metal. Whether made of steel, aluminum or copper, metal roofs are durable, energy efficient, environmentally friendly and elegant enough to increase the home's curb appeal.
They are tough enough to withstand heavy rain, snow and wind, do not crack in extreme heat, and can even be installed on top of an existing roof. But metal roofs are not without drawbacks: they are noisy, can be dented upon impact, and are also several times more expensive than asphalt. One of the most aesthetically pleasing roofs is slate. Because of its clean lines and classic appearance, slate has been a popular roof option among homeowners and architects throughout the centuries.
If you live in extreme climates plagued by high winds, storms and hail, slate is a strong, durable roof that resists the elements and lasts 100 years or more. It is also a natural material and therefore environmentally friendly. The drawbacks? Whiteboard is more expensive to manufacture and install. The slate also makes for a heavy roof, with a single square weighing (100 square feet) 800 pounds or more, and will place a significant burden on the structure of the house.
If the material is heavy, such as concrete or slate, the roof may require a special structure to support the weight. That can be a complicated matter if you want to replace an old roof made of lighter material with a heavier one. And finally, there are current or future expenses. Some roofs, such as metal roofs, require specialized labor to repair them.
However, often the types that require a higher initial outlay are those that last the longest and have the least maintenance costs. The most common types of roofs in this category are stainless steel, aluminum and zinc. However, copper, galvalume and tin are also options for metal roofing. We recommend contacting a roofing professional to install these types of roofs, but trying to install a self-made metal roof is definitely an option.
Whether you opt for metal tiles, sheets, or panels with vertical seams, you'll pay more for metal roofs than architectural tiles. Here are some examples of costs for different metal roofing materials:. For a more complete cost breakdown, read our cost guide for metal roofs. If you're looking to increase the aesthetic appeal of your home, wooden ceilings may be your best option.
You can choose between hand-cut wooden slats for a more rustic look or mechanized wooden tiles. When it comes to, it can provide the same resistance to wildfires and extreme conditions as many apparently tougher materials. Our ranking of asphalt shingles as the best roofing material in general is based on a representative sample of general utility and installation prices. Aside from that, it's a fairly easy type of roof to maintain for most homeowners without professional help, although we always recommend hiring a roofer.
If you work in the roofing industry, you may be able to differentiate between composite shingles and the roofing material that you mimic. A slate roof is one of the most beautiful and durable roof systems on the market, but it's also one of the (if not the most) expensive. Teak roofs last longer, 50 to 80 years, while cedar roofs have a shorter lifespan of 30 to 50 years. The 5 types of roofing materials offer something different to give your roof the exact look you want.
While there are two types of metal roofs, a metal roof with vertical seam is recommended for residential roofs. Your great-grandfather's house or barn could well have had metal roofs, and some of those 100-year-old roofs still stand strong. You might think that slate roofs would also occupy this place, but slate roofs are not suitable for some environments. Roser Roofing Systems offers stone-coated steel roofing products (Galvalume steel) that come with a warranty for hail damage caused by hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter.
However, if you really want your roof to stand out, you should consider a luxurious asphalt shingle, a metal roof with vertical stitching, a synthetic roof, a cedar roof or a slate roof. Flat roofs generally fall into a category of their own, but can be combined with the option of metal roofs to increase the durability of your home. Yes, in fact, metal roofs are usually more expensive compared to individual asphalt roofs. However, if you are looking for high-end asphalt shingle options, such as CertainTeed or Malarkey, as well as some GAF shingle lines, the difference in price between metal roofs and asphalt shingles is not that big.
I appreciate your examples of roofing materials, specifically the example of stone-lined steel roofs, and their resistance to wind and snow. You may not think about this until you meet with your local roofing contractor, but you should think about what you want your roof to look like. CRRC-rated Kynar 500 coated metal roofs also reflect much of the solar radiant heat during the day, so they don't get as hot as composite tile roofs. While the PVC membrane can withstand water build-up, it's always a good idea to have a way for water to run down the roof instead of accumulating and stagnating on the roof surface.
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