Are you a homeowner looking for a help with deciding which type of roof is best for you? With so many varying roofing material styles and prices available, selecting the perfect roofing material for your project might seem overwhelming. Consider the following to help you find the best roof to fit your specific needs and budget.
The five main roofing alternatives available to you can be narrowed down to:
- Metal roofing
- Asphalt shingles
- Slate tiles
- Flat roof
- Concrete tile.
Choosing the right one for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. We’ve narrowed down the pros and cons of each of the five.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing seems to be an increasingly popular roofing material option. It is not difficult to see why; it is low maintenance, easily installed, super lightweight (about half the weight of asphalt) and has less of a negative impact on the environment than other types of roofing materials. On the downside, metal roofing will eventually need to be repainted and while it is easy to install, it is recommended that you choose a roofing contractor who is experienced with the material.
Advantages:
- Low maintenance
- Easy to install
- Super lightweight (about half the weight of asphalt)
- Attracts no insects (such as termites or carpenter ants)
- Eco-friendly and considered a sustainable material
- Ideal for hotter climates as it is good at reflecting the sun’s rays
Disadvantages:
- Will eventually need to be repainted
- Requires a contractor who is experienced with the material
Asphalt/Composite Shingles
Asphalt shingles are arguably the most popular roofing material in North America. Advantages include the fact that they are inexpensive, quite durable with a lifespan expectancy of up to around 50 years (depending on the weather conditions in your area), their inexpensiveness, ease of installation and waterproofing ability and the variety of colours and styles they are available in.
On a less positive side, these types of shingles tend to fade easily and become discoloured and have a shorter lifespan than some other types of roofing.
Advantages:
- Inexpensiveness
- Recyclable
- Ease of installation
- Easily obtainable
- Waterproofing ability
- Long life expectancy (around 30 – 50 years)
- Available in a variety of colours/styles
Disadvantages:
- Tend to fade or become discoloured easily
- Have a shorter lifespan than some other types of roofing materials
- Not as aesthetically attractive as some other types of roofing materials
Slate Tile Roof
Slate tile roofs are made of natural stone and known for their aesthetic beauty. They are also one of the longest lasting roofs you can install, with the ability to last over 150 years if cared for correctly.
Advantages:
- Beautiful, sophisticated appearance
- Longevity
- Fire resistance
- Environmental-friendliness
- Ability to insulate homes
Disadvantages:
- Expensiveness
- Potential difficult of installation – or rather difficulty finding roofing contractors who are experienced with handling this roofing material
- Cannot be gauged
- Weight (anywhere from 800 to 1500 lbs)
- Difficulty finding tile replacements which match
- Very slippery to walk on
Flat Roof
Flat roof is one of the least expensive roofing materials, costing just about .80 cents a foot. Additionally, you can take advantage of this type of roof by using it to house solar panels, roof top gardens or air conditioning units, among other possibilities. Not to mention, without having the arched/sloped roof of many traditional homes, you can increase your interior housing space.
On the other hand, drainage can become an issue as this type of roof does not tend to drain as well as others and this can cause you to have to make several repairs. Other drawbacks are its limited durability with a lifespan of just 10 – 15 years typically and its reputation as being less glamorous
Advantages:
- Inexpensiveness (costs just about .80 cents a foot)
- Provides the opportunity to take advantages of roofing space
- Increased interior housing space
Disadvantages:
- Drainage can become an issue
- Limited durability (lifespan of just 10 – 15 years)
- Reputation for being less “glamorous”/aesthetically pleasing
Concrete Tile
The advantages to concrete tiles are numerous: they tend to last longer than shingles, they are very fire resistant, easy to repair and are one of the less expensive options at your disposal with very low installation and maintenance costs.
To add to that, concrete tiles are available in many different colours and styles. Unfortunately, they are often a challenge to install, requiring a roofing specialist who is experienced in this area.
Advantages:
- Longer lasting than shingles
- Non-Combustible
- Easy to repair
- Less expensive – low installation and maintenance costs
- Available in many different styles and colours
Disadvantages:
- Require an experienced roofing specialist for installation
Which is Your Best Option?
Ultimately, it is up to you to weigh the options and decide which of the above better fits your needs. You will want to consider:
- How much you are willing to spend
- Your priorities and purpose for the repair/remodeling job
- How durable you will need the roof to be
- Your weather/climate and environmental conditions
- The weight-bearing ability you will need from the roof
- The type of construction or way in which your property is built
- Aesthetic considerations
- Availability of roofing contractors/roofing distributors in your area
Aside from these main five options, there are other roofing alternatives such as green/living roofs, reclaimed wood, recycled carpeting shingles and others which you may want to look into as well.
Make your roofing repair process simple and fast – check out How To Choose a Reliable Roofer and Rooftop & Attic Ventilation: Help Your House to Breathe for more expert advice.
Looking for a reliable roofing contractor? Look no further! Call us now for a free no obligation estimate at 1.855.582.7263 or fill in the form at the top of the page and we’ll get back to you soon!