Top 6 Roof Types

Joel Martinez
Nov 13, 2017
5 min read

From wood shake to asphalt shingles, roof types is an important matter that contributes to the totall ook and style of your domicile.Updating your existing roof allows you to add value to your home and communicate your home's look and feel. While roof framing, groundwork and correct installation are always important, the material you elect for your roof can bring the exterior of your home to the next level.

"It's really an break to upgrade your home in terms of aspect, style and color," says Tom Bollnow, senior director of technical services for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).

When going for roof types, take into account the following questions.

* How heavy is this material and will it demand special framing? * Is the material obtainable in a range of colors and styles that complement your home? * Does the material meet up the fire codes in your neighborhood area? * Are there special installation and maintenance issues to think about? * Does this material offer agreeable performance in extreme weather conditions that are common in your vicinity? * What is the asking price, life span and warranty for this product?

The answers to those questions will help you determine the best choice for your home. There are lots of alternatives for roofing materials available and here is a rundown of roughly of the most general ones.

Asphalt Shingles

The most common residential roof types used in the United States, asphalt shingles are general for the reason thatthey are economical and simple to install. These shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose) without altering the form of the shingle.

Pros: Asphalt comes in a diversity of colors, is widely available and is one of the least expensive materials.

Cons: Asphalt has a shorter life span than other roof types, doesn't supply the insulation other materials offer, and the quality varies.

House Styles: Asphalt shingles work with a lot ofarchitectural styles, especially traditional suburban styles.

Cost and Life Span: Prices sort from $70 to $120 a square and, if maintained accurately, shingles will go on 20 to 25 years.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Clay and concrete tiles add together texture and elegance to a roof. Genuine flat, ribbed or scalloped clay tiles are particularly durable but also very heavy, and must have to be installed by a professional roof contractor. Concrete tiles are versatile and are less costly than genuine clay, but also have a heavy load.

Pros: Clay and concrete tiles are long-lasting and non-combustible, and concrete tiles are energy economical.

Cons: Clay and concrete tiles are expensive, heavy and commonly need furtherframing.

House Styles: Clay and concrete tiles perform well with Mediterranean, Mission, Southwestern and Spanish-style homes.

Cost and Life Span: Prices start off roughly $300 to $500 a square and, if maintained properly, tiles will go on around 40 to 50 years.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are tough to extreme weather conditions. Accessible in two types, panels and shingles, metal roof type come in aluminum, copper, stainless steel and zinc.

"They're sleek, lightweight, long-lasting and recyclable, and something to consider if you're concerned in rainwater harvesting," says architect Amy A. Alper.

Pros: Metal roofing is lasting, lasts longer than asphalt or wood, and offers high solar reflectance.

Cons: Metal roofing is fairly expensive.

House Styles: Metal looks great on bungalows, cabins, contemporary and cottage-style homes.

Cost and Life Span: Prices frequently start around $100 to $300 a square, but some styles can cost $600 to $800 a square. Metal roofing can go on40 to 75 years.

Slate

Offering lots of beauty and a distinctive elegant form, slate colors include shades of black, green, grey, red and purple.

Pros: Slate is very durable, fire-resistant and a sustainable roof that can be recycled.

Cons: Slate is pricey, heavy, and needs extra framing and professional installation. The quality can change with imported slate.

House Styles: Slate works well with Colonial, European and French chateau homes.

Cost and Life Span: Prices start at about $600 a square and up. Slate can go on more than 50 years and sometimes 100 years or more.

Wood Shingles and Shake

The go-to roofing option for hundreds of years, numerous homeowners love the appearance of wood shingles and shakes. Wood shakes are handmade and rougher-looking than wood shingles, which are typically cut by machine.

If you live in a fire-prone region, look for Class A fire-rated wood roofing products that consist of shingles treated with a fire-resistant coating.

Pros: Wood shingles offer a rustic look and are a natural product commonly made from cedar, redwood and southern pine.

Cons: Fire codes in various areas prohibit use. Wood shingles can be a concern in wet climates, and can mold, split or rot.

House Styles: Shake's rustic aesthetic pairs well with bungalow, Cape Cod, cottage, Craftsman and Tudor-style homes.

Cost and Life Span: Prices begin at around $100 to $150 a square and will go on around 25 to 30 years.

Synthetic Roofing Products

There are at the present synthetic roof types, including rubber, plastic and polymer roofing, developed to offer you the color, look and texture of natural materials like slate and wood. These products are designed to be strong and easy to maintain. Some of these materials are fire-resistant.

Make clearly to check with the manufacturer and ask concerning warranty information. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) advises you look at full-size samples of the synthetic product and the manufacturers' brochures.

"Look for installations that have been in place at least 10 years to see what the wear characteristics of that material are in your zone," says Bollnow.

Pros: Synthetic roofing is often not as fragile, heavy or costly as natural products.

Cons: Various of these products can absorb water and the quality varies. Newer products aren't as time-tested as traditional materials.

House Styles: Synthetic roof types work with different architectural styles.

Cost and Life Span: Prices begin at roughly $300 a square, and are warrantied for up to 50 years.