Choosing the Right Roof: A Guide to Roofing Materials

A good roof protects homeowners from wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail, and direct sunlight, but those are all also elements that are steadily wearing down the roofing materials, so understanding the weather you need protection from is essential to selecting the best roofing material for your home. But that’s not all!    

There are a number of factors to consider when wondering how to choose the right roofing material, so we’ve compiled a handy, in-depth guide to help homeowners hunting for a new dome determine what’s the best roofing material for their unique property and environment. 

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Importance of a Durable and Reliable Roof

No one wants a leaky roof. And everyone would prefer their ceiling doesn’t fly away in the wind. But shelter from the storm is just one of many reasons homeowners need a roof that is both durable and reliable. Before we get into the roof material types available, we want to remind readers why this subject truly matters.

• Property value should be a priority, as a house is not just a place to live, but an investment in your financial future. A top-tier quality roof that is both efficient and attractive can boost the value of any home and offer major curb appeal to new buyers come sale time. 

• Energy efficiency saves you money every day. For those living in a hot climate, air conditioning is essential, and for those in a cold climate, heat is perhaps even more essential. Either way, those amenities can cause a utility bill to soar! Buy the best roofing material that works for you by preventing heat from entering or leaving the home, thereby reducing energy consumption. 

• Less maintenance means more money in your bank account as the years go by and your family starts growing under the very roof you’re shopping for now. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest roofing solution, high quality materials are more resistant to wear and tear, and will ultimately last longer and require fewer repairs. 

• Structural integrity is a key concern for any homeowner, and there’s a lot that can go wrong when the roofing materials aren’t quite right. Water damage, for example, can lead to mold and rot in the frame, which can cause collapsing ceilings and weaken the walls. Similarly, sagging roofs can critically damage the structure supporting the roof, while missing shingles or tiles can also expose the structure to the elements.  

• Sound insulation may not be on the top of every homeowner’s mind, but if you’re planning on making a lot of noise inside your home or you live in an area with a lot of noise outside the home, the right roof can drastically reduce noise pollution entering or leaving the abode it’s covering. 

Types of Roofing Materials and Variables to Consider

Drive or stroll through most neighborhoods and you’ll notice the wide variety of roofing materials available for homes these days. Metal, wood, tile, slate, shingles, synthetic and even green options are available, but before deciding on any type of material to top off your house, consider these five factors:

Climate: “Location, location, location!” The cliché phrase isn’t just a selling point for real estate agents, it’s a crucial factor for roofing materials. Homes in the desert don’t face the same threats as those in the mountains or near the beaches, and vice versa, so understanding the weather patterns your home needs to withstand is essential when shopping for the best roofing material. Wooden roofs, for example, aren’t a great idea for areas prone to wildfires, while asphalt shingles are not ideal for hot climates due to poor heat reflectivity. All types of roofing materials have pros and cons relative to the environmental elements homeowners need protection from.  

Budget: While we encourage people to consider roofing materials as a long-term investment, we understand different people have different budgets, making this the second-most important factor to consider. 

Durability: Whatever your budget may be, make sure it’s being well spent! Not all roofs are built to last a lifetime, and some may wither under weather and wear down quicker than anticipated, requiring repairs and more maintenance before inevitable replacement. 

Aesthetics: Every homeowner has their own unique style. Whether they intend to fit in or stand out in their neighborhood, the right roof is essential to top off any architectural vision. The best roofing material is relative to your ideal design. Certain materials pair well with rustic homes, while more modern pads require more modern roofing materials.

Maintenance: Before deciding on a roofing material, make sure to understand the type of maintenance it requires in the years ahead, as some require more than others. Asphalt shingles, for example, are prone to wear and tear, and need to be replaced in a timely manner to avoid water damage, while wooden shingles can fall victim to rot from the elements and insects. Meanwhile, metal material requires less maintenance in addition to providing durability and resistance to harsh weather. 

Common Roofing Materials

We’ve already mentioned a few types of common roofing materials, but now let’s dive deeper into those options as well as others that may fit your climate, budget and aesthetic. 

• Asphalt Shingles: This is the most popular roofing material in the United States, and for good reason. They’re affordable, durable, lightweight, and come in a variety of different colors, catering to custom design visions. Asphalt shingles cost between $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, and typically come with a 20-30 year warranty. This roofing material is known to last anywhere between 12 and 30 years, and requires regular maintenance to go the distance. Expect to inspect annually for loose or cracked shingles, which will need to be replaced to prevent water damage to the structure. These shingles are also vulnerable to UV degradation from the sun,  which causes oxidation of oils in the material and reduces elasticity, leading to cracks and breaks during intense storms.  In short, asphalt shingles may be more affordable in the short term, but due to regular repairs and eventual replacement, can cost more in the long run.

• Clay Tiles: Though significantly more expensive, this roofing material option is known to offer the longest lifespan. Though clay tiles can cost up to $30 per square foot, expect them to last between 50 and 100 years with proper maintenance. Not only are they durable and aesthetically pleasing, they stand up to harsh weather, including high wind, hail, fire and extreme temperature fluctuations, all while reducing energy consumption in warmer climates by keeping homes cool. 

• Metal Roofing: This low maintenance option is durable and affordable, costing between $8 to $16 per square foot, and known to last between 30 and 50 years. The industrial-strength roofing material can withstand pretty much any type of storm, including rain, hail, snow, fire and intense winds. Insects can’t wear it down, either, and it won’t grow mold or rot. Though all roofs require regular inspection, metal roofing only needs occasional cleaning. Additionally, metal roofing reflects solar radiant heat, potentially reducing the cost of cooling your home by 25%.

• Wood Shingles/Shakes: This aesthetically pleasing roofing material can cost between $4 to $7.25 per square foot for shingles and an average of $6 to $9.50 per square foot for shakes. The latter add charming and textured rustic flare to any home, but they’re susceptible to rot from water, won’t fare well against fire, and need vigilant maintenance to prevent moss, algae, and insect infestation. Wood shingles, on the other hand, appear smoother and more uniform, offering a more elegant appearance while the smoother surface is easier to maintain, less likely to trap debris, moss or algae. Shakes are more durable, known to last 30 to 40 years with proper maintenance, while shingles can be expected to last between 25 and 30 years. 

• Slate Roofing: Sleek, stylish and durable are among the benefits of this attractive, but expensive roofing material ranging from $10 to $30 per square foot. Slate is not only a premium natural material, but also one that requires skill and expertise to properly install, so expect to pay a premium for the labor as well and don’t try to do it yourself. Though slate roofing requires a higher cost up front, this material is known for low maintenance and long lifespan. Depending on the specific kind of slate used, these roofs are known to last between 75 and 200 years. 

• Synthetic Roofing: This is a broad umbrella of man-made roofing materials designed to mimic natural favorites like slate, wood, clay and tile, made from rubber, plastic, or polymer composites blends. They’re highly customizable and generally cheaper than their natural counterparts, and may even last longer, too. Depending on the type and style, synthetic roofing generally costs $6 to $18 per square foot and can last as long as 50 years with proper maintenance. 

• Green Roofing: Also known as a living roof, this material made of vegetation can be more costly than other options and no doubt requires expert installation, but can also offer significant long-term savings, reducing cooling costs up to 70% and creating lower indoor air temperatures. Cost of material and installation can range from $15,000 to $30,000, and this type of roof is known to last between 30 and 50 years while also boosting property value and curb appeal. While traditional roof materials are worn and torn by environmental elements, green material protects the underlying roof structure, leading to fewer maintenance issues. 

• TPO Roofing: Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a bright white, single-ply roofing membrane that is increasingly popular for commercial roofing material because it’s flexible, durable and eco-friendly. Lifespan is 20-30 years if properly installed and maintained. These roofs are highly reflective, so there’s less heat absorption and therefore lower energy costs to cool the building underneath. This typically isn’t used for residential structures, though, more commonly seen topping warehouses and shopping centers. But it can absolutely work well on a home with flat or low-sloped roofs, and is one of the cheapest roofing materials, costing an average of $5 to $7 per square foot.   

• EPDM Roofing: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, or rubber roofing material, is another durable and affordable option for low-sloping roofs, costing between $4.25 and $14.50 per square foot. Though typically black, it can be white as well, and like TPO roofing, it is more common on commercial buildings. It’s expected to last between 20 and 30 years, and is known for high temperature and UV resistance, but it is vulnerable to punctures, tears, and seam issues.

Which Roofing Materials Last the Longest?

It’s a good question if you’re on the hunt for the best roofing material and value longevity. As you may have already noticed, the answer in the section above, the big winner is slate, which is known to last well over 100 years. It’s an expensive investment upfront but can last longer than your own lifetime, with proper maintenance, before it needs to be replaced. Coming in second place in the longevity race is clay and concrete tiles, which can last between 50 and 100 years with proper maintenance. Standing seam metal roofs, depending on the type of metal, are also known to last upwards of 50 years. Copper roofs, in particular, often exceed 70 years before needing replacement. Synthetic roofing materials are known for affordability and longevity, known to last over 50 years with proper maintenance. 

How to Choose the Right Roofing Material 

Feel free to call the experts at Parish Roofing Solutions at any point in the process of deciding on the best roofing material for your property, but here’s a six-step process to make sense of everything we just laid out.

1. Analyze your climate, which includes temperature fluctuations and weather patterns, to determine what kind of protections your home needs from the elements and the types of roofing materials that are the most reliable for the region. Also, take note of the types of roofs you see around your community, as they are a good indication of what will work for your home, too. 
2. Decide on a budget so you know how much you’re prepared to spend and how to get the most bang for your buck. Smaller budgets may outright eliminate certain roofing materials from the realm of possibility. The cost for the project will also depend on how much material is needed to cover the surface, so also be sure to calculate the square footage of your roof.
3. Determine durability of the options that fit your climate and budget. How many years would you like your roof to last before replacing it? What kind of regular maintenance are you willing to do or can afford to hire professionals to do for you? Understand the pros and cons of the roofing materials you’re considering before committing. 
4. Energy efficiency will likely be a key component of your decision because utilities can get expensive. As you’ve read above already, certain roofing materials offer more economic benefits than others, so take stock of those and factor them into your decision. The best roofs protect your wallet as well as your home. 
5. Refine your aesthetic after you have narrowed down the options that fit your climate, budget, durability, and energy needs. Now it’s time to focus on the desired design, which may require a pivot. Perhaps your budget has already ruled out the slate roof of your dreams, but what would an asphalt shingles look like on your home, instead? Maybe metal roofing materials can work. 
6. Check local building codes to make sure your desired roofing material complies with local regulations. The last thing you’d want to do is buy a bunch of roofing materials only to learn you can’t use them. Don’t skip the last step! 

Book Your Free Consultation

You don’t have to do any of this alone! Book a free consultation with Parish Roofing Solutions to talk about your roofing needs, ask any questions about the price and process, and get expert feedback from one of our tried and tested roofing professionals. At Parish Roofing Solutions, you’re our number one priority.