How to Choose the Best Roofing Material for Your Home?: 5 Top Roofing Materials
The selection of the roofing material is one of the biggest decisions you make during the construction of your home. You can estimate the importance of the roofing material by the fact that about 55% of the project cost is devoted to the roofing material during its construction.
Besides longevity, aesthetics, maintenance cost, and the project cost of the roof depend on your selected roofing material. Here we’ll have a detailed look at the top 5 types of roofing materials, along with their pros and cons.
Best Types Of Roofing Materials
While selecting the roofing material, you must keep your location, home structure, budget, and your personal priorities in mind. Don’t underestimate the labor cost, which varies with material type, because 35% of your roofing project cost is utilized for labor wages.
Furthermore, the cost of your project will increase by 25% if you have to replace an existing roof. To help you out in selecting the compatible type, below are the top 5 roofing materials
1. Metal Roofing
The most prominent perk that is making metal a preferable roofing material among people is its weather resistance. Unlike other materials, metal roofing is more resistant to extreme weather conditions and protects the home damaging from UV radiation. The commonly used metal materials for the roofing include aluminum, galvalume, and galvanized steel.
Copper can also be used, but because of its expensive nature, it is reserved for windows or doors. Like asphalt, metal roofing also allows the owners to add a roofing layer without the removal of the existing roof. Its costs range from $1000 to $3500 per roofing square.
| Pros | Cons |
| The durability of metal roofing is relatively greater than other available materials. | Dents can appear more easily on some metals. |
| You can easily find out different colors for metal roofing. | Its cost is higher than other roofing materials. |
| It can be installed without the removal of asphalt, which helps you save money. | Finding a contractor expert in metal roofing is a difficult task. |
2. Asphalt Shingles
It is the most commonly used roofing material because of its economical price and easy installation. Even in modern residential constructions, you’ll find the owners preferring asphalt as it can be installed easily with the organic material, mainly fiberglass and cellulose. Luckily, this installation does not alter the appearance of this material, thus attracting the people looking for aesthetic appeals.
In addition, most of the roofers are well-experienced with asphalt shingles, so it doesn’t take long to complete the asphalt roofing. Its cost ranges from $400 to $1500 per roofing square. Further, if you’re looking for the roofing material that allows you to add another roofing layer over the existing one, asphalt is the best choice for you. So, whether you want to repair, construct, or add a roof layer over the existing roof this one is best option for you. So, go now and find an experienced contractor for your home roofing.
| Pros | Cons |
| It is the least expensive roofing material. | There is no guarantee about its longer durability. |
| It is available in various colors and shapes, like diamond and scallops. | Its designs are limited; mostly, you will find only plain or flat asphalt shingles. |
| It is quite easy to repair and install asphalt roofing. | If it loses its granules, the entire roof needs to be replaced. |
3. Clay Tiles
Owners looking for a natural roofing option can go with clay tiles. Earthen clay is used after molding for the manufacturing of the clay tiles. It’s the best choice mainly for the residential areas in hot weather. But it can’t be used for roofing on all types of homes. They are massive and heavy in weight, and if your house is not constructed in a way to carry the clay tiles, you may have to completely reconstruct the house for this roofing.
Furthermore, these tiles are durable under certain conditions but can be broken down easily when exposed to even lighter weights. They also become fragile in extremely cold weather. However, its ability to avoid moisture has reduced its maintenance cost and attracted most of the homeowners. Its cost varies from $200 to $2000 per roofing square.
| Pros | Cons |
| They provide protection against fire and an extremely hot climate. | They are massive, therefore difficult to handle and install. |
| Various shapes are readily available for clay tiles. | They are brittle and easily broken down during handling. |
| If installed and constructed efficiently, clay tiles can last for more than seventy years. | They cannot withstand the extremely cold weather. |
4. Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles have become a popular alternative to clay tiles. It has relatively similar durability and aesthetics to clay tiles, but at a cheaper price. Besides clay tiles, concrete tiles can also replace asphalt, wood, and slate. Because of its water-absorbing abilities, it requires regular resealing and repairing, thus increasing the maintenance cost.
They are also heavier in weight and can demand changes in the entire structure of the home for roof installation. Furthermore, it is sensitive to cold climates and can be broken down at temperatures. Its per roofing square cost ranges from $200 to $400.
| Pros | Cons |
| Concrete tiles are readily available in various designs. | They are heavy and can be complicated to install with an existing structure of a home. |
| They are cheaper than clay tiles. | They are cheaper than clay tiles. These tiles require regular maintenance and repair. |
| They can last for about 50 years because of their high durability. | They become brittle at low temperatures. |
5. Wood Shingles
They are one of the most biodegradable, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient options for roofing. Most people prefer wood roofing because of its classic appearance. Cedar and redwood are the main types of wood used for roofing. When looking for wood roofing, you’ll find two options including wood shingles and shakes.
Wood shakes will be a good option if you’re looking for a rough appearance for your roof, as wood shakes are usually handmade. On the other hand, wood shingles are prepared using machines and give the roof an orderly, arranged look. Its cost ranges from $600 to $900 per roofing square.
| Pros | Cons |
| They give the home a rustic and aesthetic appearance. | Wood roofing is prohibited in some areas, especially where there’s a fire risk. |
| Wood shingles are biodegradable. | They are not suitable for a wet climate. |
| They are durable. | They need regular maintenance. |
Final Words
You should select the roofing material according to your budget and priorities. Asphalt is the most commonly used roofing material. On the other hand, metal is best for weather-resistant roofing, and clay tiles are the preferred choice for hot areas. Further, concrete tiles are a cheaper alternative to clay tiles. Lastly, wood shingles are perfect for the rustic look of your home.
About the Author: Shanzaib Haider
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