Choosing the right roofing material for your home is an important decision that requires careful consideration of factors like climate, budget, and aesthetic preferences. The roof is a critical component that protects your home from the elements while also impacting its curb appeal. With many roofing options to pick from, it can get overwhelming to select the best one for your needs. This guide will explore the most popular roofing materials, their unique characteristics, pros and cons, and approximate costs to help you make an informed decision.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles, also known as composite shingles, are the most common roofing material used for sloped roofs on residential homes in the US. They are composed of a fiberglass mat, asphalt coating, and mineral granules on the surface.
Pros
- Affordable – $80 to $300 per square installed
- Wide variety of colors and styles
- Easy installation
- Long lifespan of 20-30 years
Cons
- Vulnerable to damage from hail and high winds
- Prone to algae buildup in warm, humid climates
- Shorter lifespan than other materials
Asphalt shingles provide an affordable, low-maintenance, and attractive option for many homeowners. They come in architectural or 3-tab styles, as well as luxury shingles that mimic the look of wood shakes, slate, or tile for added aesthetic appeal.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood shingles and shakes are made from the split wood of durable species like cedar and redwood. Shingles are sawn on both sides while shakes are split for a rustic, textured appearance.
Pros
- Natural beauty and character
- Can be installed on challenging roof slopes
- Don’t require additional underlayment
- Long lifespan of 30-50 years
Cons
- Expensive – $400 to $1000 per square installed
- Flammable and vulnerable to rot without proper treatment
- Frequent maintenance needed to treat, paint or stain
- Not ideal for humid climates
Wood shingles and shakes impart a classic, rustic look suitable for Craftsman, Colonial, and mountain style homes. They need to be properly installed and routinely maintained to ensure their longevity.
Slate
Slate roofing tiles are hand-split from slate stone into thin, rectangular pieces. They have been used for centuries across Europe and North America.
Pros
- Extremely durable at 100+ years
- Fireproof and impact resistant
- Unique colors and textures
- Requires little maintenance
Cons
- Very expensive at $1000 to $2000 per square installed
- Heavy weight requires extra structural support
- Skilled installation required
- Limited supply of quality slate
Slate is ideal for historic homes or those wanting a roof to stand the test of time. The elegance and durability of slate offsets its steep upfront investment.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing comes in panels made from steel, aluminum, or copper. The panels interlock for water shedding and are installed over plywood or rigid insulation.
Pros
- Very long lifespan of 40-70+ years
- Resistant to rot, mold, insects, and fire
- Excellent rainwater runoff
- Energy efficient in hot climates
- Lightweight for easy installation
Cons
- Higher upfront cost of $650 to $1000 per square installed
- Noise from rain and hail
- Metal can dent from hail impact
- Needs extra attention to avoid leaks
Metal roofing excels in longevity, energy efficiency, and rainwater collection. It offers a sleek, contemporary look for modern home styles. Standing seam metal panels come in many colors and finishes.
Concrete and Clay Tiles
Concrete and clay tiles are extremely durable roofing materials crafted into interlocking tile pieces. They come in flat or barrel (S-shaped) profiles.
Pros
- Long lasting at 50-100 years
- Fireproof and impact resistant
- Cooler than asphalt shingles in summer
- Unique appearance options
Cons
- Heavy weight requires roof support
- More expensive than asphalt at $675 to $1350 per square installed
Cons
- Brittle tiles can crack
Concrete and clay tiles stand up well to rain, heat, and damage while providing excellent protection. Their Mediterranean style lends beauty and character to Southwestern, Spanish, and Italian architectural designs.
Rubber Roofing
Rubber roofing, or EPDM roof membrane, uses sheets of synthetic rubber bonded together and over the roof deck. It can be loose laid or fully adhered.
Pros
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Seamless waterproofing
- Can be installed over existing materials
- Recyclable and eco-friendly
Cons
- Oil and chemical resistant needed regularly
- Vulnerable to punctures
- Skilled installation required
- Shorter lifespan of 10-30 years
Rubber roofing is a versatile, low maintenance solution for flat or low sloped roofs. Overall affordability depends on roof size and ease of installation.
Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofs (or BUR) involve layers of reinforced fabrics and asphalt or coal tar applied in hot liquid form to create a watertight seal.
Pros
- Very durable at 20-30 years
- Can customize layers as needed
- Effective for flat or sloped roofs
Cons
- Labor intensive installation
- Unsightly black color
- Asphalt odors and fumes
- Prone to blistering if poorly installed
Built-up roofing provides heavy-duty protection from the elements at a moderate cost but requires professional installation for best results.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC roofing comes in flexible sheets that are joined together with hot air welding into a continuous membrane.
Pros
- Extremely waterproof and durable
- Seamless sheet installation
- Resistant to bacteria and ponding water
- Recyclable material
Cons
- Difficult for do-it-yourself projects
- Higher cost of $450 to $1000 per square installed
- Can be damaged by chemicals and oils
PVC roofing is highly effective for flat or low slope roofs. Long sheets up to 50 ft minimize joints where leaks can develop.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
TPO also uses flexible, heat welded sheets to form a single waterproof layer over the roof. This synthetic rubber material often contains reinforcing fibers.
Pros
- Lightweight, flexible, and durable
- Resistant to punctures, UV rays, ozone, and chemicals
- Energy efficient reflective white membrane
- Qualifies for LEED points
Cons
- Professional installation recommended
- Seams can split apart
- Not recyclable
- Costs $450 to $1000 per square installed
TPO offers durability and energy efficiency. Proper installation is key to prevent seam failure or water getting trapped beneath.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen combines asphalt with polymers, resulting in durable, flexible sheets installed with torches, hot asphalt, or adhesive.
Pros
- Customizable layers for strength
- Effective on irregular roof shapes
- Solar-reflective types available
Cons
- Shorter lifespan of 10-20 years
- Improper installation can cause leaks
- Flammable installation with torches
Modified bitumen provides a middle ground between built-up roofs and single ply sheets. Using multiple layers enhances its strength and weather resistance.
Green Roofs
Green roofs have waterproofing, drainage, growing medium, and vegetation over a conventional roof. They are also called living or eco-roofs.
Pros
- Provide building insulation for energy savings
- Absorb and filter rainwater
- Create wildlife habitat
- Enhance air quality
Cons
- Higher weight requires reinforced roof structure
- Professional design and installation required
- Regular maintenance needed for plant health
- Costs $25 to $35 per square foot installed
Green roofs require a significant investment but deliver aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits like stormwater management and habitat creation.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing
SPF roofing involves spraying layers of polyurethane foam to form a protective barrier over the roof.
Pros
- Seamless application conforms to any shape
- Insulating properties reduce energy costs
- Highly customizable layers
Cons
- Requires professional SPF equipment and training
- Can be damaged by UV light without coatings
- Difficult to spot leaks or make repairs
- Costs $1.50-$3.50 per square foot installed
SPF’s liquid application provides excellent insulation and waterproofing but requires expert installation for successful performance.
Solar Roofing
Solar roofing incorporates solar shingles or tiles with photovoltaic cells to generate electricity from sunlight while also protecting your home.
Pros
- Reduce or eliminate electric bill
- Diverse product options
- Increase home value
- Environmental sustainability
Cons
- Very expensive at $21,500 for average home installation
- Most efficient in high sunlight locations
- Possible HOA restrictions
- Skilled installation important
Solar roofing allows homes to take advantage of renewable energy while streamlining the aesthetics of solar panels. The significant upfront investment pays off over decades of energy bill savings.
Factors to Consider
With so many roofing materials to evaluate, focus on a few key factors:
- Climate – Consider weather patterns like heavy rain, snow, heat, and storms. Select impact and wind resistant materials if necessary.
- Budget – Weigh upfront costs versus expected longevity to get the best value. Saving money now could mean costlier repairs later.
- Roof Type – Choose materials suitable for the roof pitch, framing, size, and layout.
- Aesthetics – Pick a material and color that enhances your home’s style and appeal.
- Eco-Friendliness – Consider recyclable, renewable, or highly durable materials to minimize waste and environmental impact.
- Energy Efficiency – Insulating materials like foam or green roofs can reduce energy costs. Reflective coatings also help.
Conclusion
The roofing material you select can make a major impact on your home’s comfort, safety, energy efficiency, and cost of ownership. Do your research to weigh the pros and cons of each type based on your climate, budget, roof structure, and needs. Combining this guide with a roofing contractor’s recommendations will lead you to the ideal long-lasting roof for your unique situation. With proper installation and care, your new roof will protect your most valuable asset for decades to come.