Best Roofing Materials for Your New Roof

When considering your options for a new roofs, there are lots of factors to review that should influence your final decision. A roof has important features and your decision should not be based on only one, such as the price, for example.

Which roofing material you choose should depend on the area where you live, on the weather that you have, whether you want energy efficiency, etc. All the features that a roof has will influence and inform one another, affecting its price and longevity in the end.

Here is a list of some of the best and most common roofing materials used on residential roofs across the U.S., which will help you make the best decision for your own roofing system.

Asphalt Shingles
For decades, asphalt shingles have been dominating the roofing market and have been the number one choice for the majority of homeowners across the United States. In recent years, however, while they are still predominantly used, the number of their installations on residential homes has been decreasing, giving way to some more energy-efficient solutions.

While they are not the most energy-efficient roofing material, asphalt shingles come with a variety of beneficial features that many homeowners still find highly advantageous.

First and foremost, they are one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market and they offer good quality and durability for their price, as well. They will do an excellent job protecting your home and they will also add to its curb appeal, as there are various color and style options to choose from.

If you live in a moderate climate and an area that doesn’t receive a lot of storms and harsh weather, then an asphalt shingle roof is the best and most affordable solution for you with an approximate life expectancy of 30 years.

Asphalt shingles are fire-resistant, they come with good wind ratings, and their roof repair and installation are fairly easy.

Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood shakes and shingles have predominantly the same features as each other, however, they do differ in a few aspects. The most important difference is in the way they are made – shingles are machine-cut, which makes them smoother with cleaner edges, whereas shakes are hand-cut for a more rustic appearance. Shakes are also thicker for this reason and therefore a bit more expensive.

When it comes to the main features that matter most to homeowners, both shakes and shingles have the same advantages. One of the most distinctive ones is their natural beauty and the great curb appeal they bring to any home.

When it comes to fire ratings, these roofing materials need to be treated in order to be fire-resistant. Treated wood shingles are, therefore, Class A fire rated and more costly, whereas untreated wood roofing will be Class C rated and generally more high-maintenance. It is, therefore, always recommended to install a treated wooden roof.

Wood shakes and shingles provide your home with good insulation and they are a bit more durable than asphalt shingles – they can last 5 to 10 years longer – but their repairs will be a bit more costly if they are required.

Metal Roof
With the growing trend and need for energy-efficiency, sustainability, and durability, metal roofing has seen quite a rise in the residential roofing area. More and more homeowners are replacing their old roofing materials with a new and more durable metal roofing,

This roof has a life expectancy of up to 100 years, which means that once you install it, it can be the very last roof you will ever install. Apart from that, homeowners greatly appreciate its energy-efficient features as it reflects the sun and the heat, keeping your energy usage in check and your utility bills low.

Metal roofs have developed and their production progressed throughout the years and today they come in numerous styles and dozens of different colors. Any homeowner will, therefore, undoubtedly find one that matches their home and architectural style perfectly.

Metal roofs offer outstanding impact and wind resistance, as well as fire resistance, and they are highly efficient in shedding rain and snow, which means that there will be much less chance of ice dams forming on them.
All of these features make metal roofs more costly than asphalt shingles, but the price is generally offset precisely by those beneficial qualities.

Clay & Concrete Tiles
Tile roofing is one of the oldest types of roofing, used since ancient times, which doesn’t come as a surprise due to their longevity and durability. They have, of course, grown and improved over time. They have been modernized, and today, they are even stronger and more beautiful.

Both clay and concrete tiles come with a life expectancy of more than 50 years as well as high durability and resistance to insects, moisture, and fire. They are a sustainable roofing option as they are completely recyclable at the end of their lifespan.

While they don’t offer as many styles and color options as asphalt shingles do, there are still quite a few options to choose from and they will all undoubtedly enhance your home’s overall curb appeal.

Slate
Slate tiles are known as one of the most aesthetically appealing roofing options for your home – one that will enhance the looks and architectural style of any property. They are also one of the most durable options, which is reflected in their higher cost, as well.

Other advantages that many homeowners find appealing and valuable include the small amount of maintenance that they need, they’re lightweight, more sustainable, and energy efficient.

Slate is a naturally occurring material whose production has a very low impact on the environment, it is completely recyclable, and can be reused. It is also one of the densest roofing materials on the market, which makes them highly energy-efficient and beneficial in regulating your home’s indoor temperature.

Conclusion
When it comes to choose a new roof for your home, it is never an easy task. It is a task that should not be taken lightly as the roof is one of the largest investments that you will make when it comes to your home.

Consider all your roofing options care-fully and factor all of the important features into your final decision. The five options that we have listed here are some of the best and most commonly used and you will surely find the one that suits your needs best. For more information and the ideal roofing options for your area, consult with your local roof contractor.