Types of Roofing Materials
Buying a home is a huge investment. A big part of this investment is proper care and maintenance of your roof. There are a lot of choices when it comes to choosing roofing materials. Titan’s Roofing specializes in residential and commercial roofing with asphalt shingles, but there are other options out there that we do not do. Here are a list of the options for every roof, budget, and lifestyle.
Asphalt Shingles:
Asphalt makes up over 80% of residential roofing. This material is popular because they are economical and easy to install. Asphalt shingles are made of either organic paper fiber mat or fiberglass. Organic paper fiber mat is better for cold weather and wind resistance. Fiberglass is more fire and moisture resistant. This material is available in three tab shingles or in thicker laminated shingles. Asphalt shingles is used on low or steeped sloped roofs. They also work with many architectural styles. It is one of the least expensive materials (Prices range from $70 to $120 per square). However, asphalt is not eco-friendly because it is a petroleum based product. They can be recycled, but are often taken to landfills. Compared to other materials, asphalt has a short lifespan. If properly maintained, shingles can last 20 to 25 years. Asphalt shingles also don’t provide the insolation other materials offer.
Metal:
This material is more expensive than asphalt, with prices starting between $100 to $300 a square, but some styles can cost $600 to $800 a square. Metal shingles are composed of steel, aluminum, copper or zinc alloy, which is why there is a large price range. Steel is least expensive and comes with a zinc coating or a painted finish. Copper roofs are the most expensive, come unfinished, and acquire a protective green patina as they age. They are available in two types, sheets and shingles, depending on what style you want. Available for low or steeped roofs, metal looks great on bungalows, cabins, contemporary and cottage-style homes. It is also durable and can last 40 to 75 years. Metal offers good resistance to both fire and wind. This material can also be made from recycles materials or be recycled when replaced.
Synthetic Roofing:
Synthetic roofing materials include rubber, plastic and polymer roofing. It is used to give the look, color and texture of slate and wood. These materials is strong and easy to maintain. They are also long lasting and are warrantied for up to 50 years. Synthetic roofing is also not as fragile, heavy or expensive as natural products. It is also fire and wind resistant. Prices start at $300 a square and they can be made from recycled materials and recycled when replaced. Synthetic roofing can be used on moderate to steep sloped roofs and work with different architectural styles. However the quality can vary and some of these products can absorb water.
Clay and Concrete Tile:
Clay and concrete tiles are long lasting, low maintenance materials, but they can break. They are also heavy and require reinforced roof framing to support. These materials offer excellent tire resistance and fair to low wind resistance. Clay and concrete tiles work well with Mediterranean, Mission, Southwestern and Spanish-style homes on moderate to steeper sloped roofs. They can be made to resemble wood shakes or slate. Prices start around $300 to $500 a square, but if maintained properly, tiles can last around 40-50 years. Clay and concrete tiles are made from natural materials but require significant energy to manufacture.
Slate:
Slate is one of the oldest roofing materials. Made from natural slate rock, this material is brittle, but durable and resistant to wind and fire. Slate is a natural material, making this roofing option eco-friendly and recyclable. Normally this material is available in the natural grey, but it also included shades of black, green, grey, red and purple. Slate is heavy and requires reinforced roof framing to support. Slate works well with Colonial, European and French chateau homes. It can only be used on steep sloped roofs. Because slate is a natural material and requires specially trained workers to install, it is very expensive. Prices start at $600 a square and up. However, slate can last more than 50 years and sometimes 100 years or more.
Wood Shingles and Shakes:
Wood shingles were the go-to roofing choice for hundreds of years. They are commonly made of cedar, but can also be made of other rot resistant woods, like redwood. A major problem with wood shingles is they offer poor fire resistance. If you live in a fire-prone area, look for Class A fire-rated wood roofing products that include shingles treated with a fire-resistant coating. Wood is available in sawn shingles or thicker split shakes and weathers to a silvery grey. Shakes pair well with bungalow, Cape Cod, Cottage, Craftsman and Tudor-style homes. They can be used on moderate to steep sloped roofs and are moderate in weight. Wood is eco-friendly, but this roofing materials offer a short lifespan of 25-30 years. Their price starts around $100 to $150 a square and this material requires periodic maintenance.
