Types of Roofing Materials

The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home because it is the most exposed area to extreme weather conditions and is your first line of defense against heat, the rain, snow, and strong winds. Because of that, it’s also the one that receives the most damage.

If your roof has become too damaged and you’re thinking about getting it replaced, it’s best to understand your options before you call the roofer and hire out the work to be done. For starters, you have to consider its composition, the cost of the material and installation, the style that you want to have, its durability, and of course its longevity.

Check out this list that we have written for you to find out the type of roofing materials available and be able to weigh your options.

Composites

Engineered or composite roofing materials are made of reclaimed materials, typically a blend of plastic and rubber, that are made to simulate a slate or shake roof. They come in a variety of colors and styles that can last between 15 to 50 years but are still more cost-effective than other materials because of their low price and low installation costs.

Characteristics:

  • Provides a very convincing slate-like appearance and texture, with color.
  • Lightweight, strong, and flexible.
  • Fifty-year limited warranties are common.
  • Typically costs about $295-400 per square, uninstalled.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are perhaps the most popular choice for roofers and homeowners because of their durability and relative inexpensiveness. They have a wide variety of colors and styles, as well as being easy to install and being suitable for a wide range of colors. They provide reliable waterproofing and can last an average of 20 years. Most manufacturers, however, indicate that asphalt shingle roofs have a 50-year life expectancy.

Characteristics:

  • Made of cellulose or fiberglass mats that are coated with asphalt and other granules.
  • Lightweight, strong, and flexible.
  • Available in many different colors.
  • Flat and lightweight.
  • Heavier means more durable
  • Algae-resistant granules available.
  • Typically costs about $50 per square, uninstalled.

Laminated Shingles

They are constructed with a thicker base than asphalt shingles at which multiple layers of material are adhered to, giving it a layered or three dimensional look. They typically weight about 50% more than the standard asphalt shingles.

Characteristics:

  • Uses a fiberglass mat instead of a cellulose core.
  • Lightweight, strong, and flexible.
  • Has a shake-like profile.
  • Provides greater fire and wind resistance than standard asphalt shingles.
  • High-end products can weigh up to 450 pounds per square and can last up to 40 to 50 years.
  • Typically costs about $60-80 per square, uninstalled.

Slate and Tile Shingles

A sophisticated choice for roofing material, it comes in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and thicknesses. It is a natural product that is mined or quarried from the earth and is very labor-intensive to install. It requires adequate truss strength for proper installation because it is very heavy. However, it is one of the best materials for roofing because it can create many different looks for any architectural style because of its natural appearance and it is fire resistant, invulnerable to rot, and easy to maintain. It’s expected to last 100 years.

Characteristics:

  • Available in different colors and grades, depending on origin.
  • Very durable and are often considered virtually indestructible.
  • Can weigh 700 to 2,000 pounds per square.
  • Requires reinforced roof framing.
  • Can last 100 or more years.
  • Typically costs about $300-600 per square, uninstalled.

Ceramic Roofing Tiles

Ceramic tiles are generally durable and go extremely well with Mediterranean or Spanish-style houses, and other houses that have a summer feel to them. They can come in flat, ribbed, or scalloped styles and provide a noticeable texture to your home exterior. They are resistant to fading, fireproof, and can last from 50 to 70 years. They are, however, prone to erosion in climates with fluctuating weather.

Characteristics:

  • Although they are usually curved, they can also come in flat profiles for English and French looks.
  • Plenty of glaze colors available.
  • Can weight 1,000+ pounds per square.
  • Usually requires reinforced roof framing.
  • Very durable and can last 50 to 100 years.
  • Typically costs $250-500 or more per square, uninstalled.

Wooden Roofing Tiles

They are an eco-friendly roofing choice because they are manufactured from natural wood. They are available in a variety of different thicknesses and sizes. They are popular among homeowners because of how gorgeous they become when they age as they add vintage, rustic look. They are classy and can last up to 30 years.

Characteristics:

  • Blends well with the landscape with its natural look.
  • Shingles are flat and machine-sawn on both sides.
  • Shakes are thick and may be hand-split.
  • Requires a roof with at least 4:12 slope to shed water.
  • Can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years.
  • Fungicide and preservatives should be applied every two to five years.
  • – Typically costs from $100 per square, uninstalled.

Traditional Metal

Traditional metallic roofs are very common materials for roofing in areas that are frequently visited by extreme weather conditions. They typically have longer warranties than other materials, are fire retardants, light weight, and easy to install. They reflect the sun’s radiant heat, reducing heat buildup in the attic. They come in zinc, aluminum, stainless steel, tin, and copper.

Characteristics:

  • Can come in standing seam, corrugated, or faux-shake styles.
  • Aluminum won’t rust but lower grades may dent.
  • Shakes are thick and may be hand-split.
  • Can last up to 50 years; color coatings guaranteed against fading for 25 years.
  • Typically costs around $100-260 per square, uninstalled for steel and aluminum.
  • Fungicide and preservatives should be applied every two to five years.
  • Typically costs around $250-500 per square, uninstalled for copper.