As a homeowner, knowing the different types of roofs and the materials they are made from is important when you are making important decisions. For example, in deciding to buy a new home, the type of roof, the materials that were used, and its condition are definitely things you should look at.
When repairing or replacing your roof, the materials it’s made of will help you determine what kind of repair or replacement is needed as well as how long you can expect the repair or new roof to last.
Two of the most common questions when it comes to roofing is the roof’s price and its longevity. Understanding the material that your roof is made of will have a lot to do with answering these two questions.
Depending on where you live, the material your roof is made of is also important when determining your roof’s ability to protect your home from specific weather conditions such as strong sunlight, heavy rains, strong winds, hurricanes and so on. Also read, The Best Roof Types for Florida Homes.
If you want your roof to have a certain look or color, the material it’s made of will help you understand your various style and color options, helping you achieve the aesthetic look you want for your home.
To help you make these important decisions, here are the top five most common roofing materials and some basic information about each one:
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
In Florida, roofs made of asphalt shingles are the most popular kind of roof and in fact, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials in the United States. Easily available and relatively easy to install, asphalt shingles now also come in a variety of colors helping you match your home’s roof to the color you want. Asphalt shingles are also the most affordable roofing material, giving you affordable options when it comes to roof repairs or roof replacements. While being the least expensive roofing material, they also have the shortest life span usually lasting between 15 to 20 years and sometimes up to 25 years, provided you maintain your roof in good condition.
Metal Roofing
While metal roofs can be twice as expensive as asphalt shingle roofs, they tend to last much longer, usually 40 to 75 years. When weighing their longevity against their price, metal roofs are worth the additional upfront costs as they will outlast an asphalt shingle roof by more than two times its life span. Metal roofs can also come in a variety of colors, giving you a chance to style your roof to match your home. Their highly reflective quality also helps to keep your home cooler, helping you pay less in energy costs.
In the last several decades, metal roofs have grown to be more and more popular in U.S. homes and businesses. Metal roofs are not only fire resistant, but they can also proof your home against many other elements and harsh weather, such as heavy rains and strong winds, making them a modern and popular choice in new Florida homes. Lastly, metal roofs do not require much maintenance, some homeowners with metal roofs can expect to call for roofing repairs a lot less.
Clay and Concrete Tile Roofs
Clay or concrete tile roofs have a very specific look and can produce a very stylish roof great for Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes that are very popular in South Florida.
In addition to their looks, clay and concrete tiles have many benefits. Clay and concrete tile roofs are also fire resistant, making them a second option for any homes built in zones that are in risk of wildfires, such as in California. While clay tiles are one of the most expensive roofing materials, roofs built with clay or concrete tiles are very resistant and can have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years, while requiring little maintenance.
Slate Tile Roofs
Due to their weight, slate roofs require extra framing to install and so are usually the most expensive roofing option. Having a very specific look, not all homes require slate roofs. But if you choose to build your roof using slate tiles, the cost will generally make up for itself in longevity as slate roofs can easily last more than 100 years, making slate the longest lasting roofing material. Slate roofs are generally chosen by homeowners due to their elegant appearance. Like most roof materials, slate now also comes in a variety of colors. An additional benefit of slate tiles is that they can be recycled and reused.
Wood Shingle Roofs
Roofs made of wood shingles are generally chosen for their aesthetic look that goes along with a specific style of home, mainly found in mid or North Florida. While giving a very nice appeal, wood shingles are far more affordable than clay, concrete or slate tile roofs. On the downside, they are not fire resistant. For that reason, if your home is in a zone that is at risk of wildfires, a wood roof is not the right choice. Wood shingle roofs can last between 25 and 30 years, with similar price points, lifespan and maintenance needs as asphalt shingle roofs.
Whether you are looking to buy a new home, repair your roof or completely replace you roof, knowing what materials roofs are commonly made of as well as your options when it comes to price points is important. Should you need any help, No 1 Home Roofing offers free onsite consultations to help you get any questions answered so that you can make the right decisions for your home.