When you are thinking about installing a new roof on your home, you have many options available to you. There was a time when you were limited based on the materials available, but that time has long since passed. Roofs not only protect your home and the contents inside, but they also add value and curb appeal to your home. It is no longer about finding a roof that is going to shelter you from extreme weather. Now, you think about increased value, the way it looks, and the pros and cons of all the different types of roofs to install on your home. This guide gives you information about the various types of roofs to help you make the best decision for your home and budget.
Asphalt Shingles
One of the most common types of roofs to install on your home for a long time was asphalt shingles. They have remained a popular option for many homeowners. They are cost-effective and look nice when installed. While they are called asphalt shingles, they are manufactured from mineral fibers, cement fillers, and asphalt. The average cost of an asphalt shingle roof is between $5 to $8 per square foot. You can expect a roofing company to charge between $10,000 to $16,000 if you have a 2,000-square-foot roof. When it comes to asphalt shingles, there are some things to keep in mind.
This shingle type is the most affordable, but they also have the lowest return on investment of all the roofing options. These types of roofs last about 30 to 50 years, while other options last forever. Architectural shingles are the most common. They are placed in random patterns to give the roof a natural look. You can also select three-tab shingles, which are a lower quality. There are luxury asphalt shingles that look similar to slate material. The luxury option is the most durable and provides the best curb appeal.
Slate Roofing
When you are thinking about the types of roofs to install on your home, you may want to consider slate roofing. This type of roof is made from natural stone. It lasts for a long time and gives your home a classic look. It can last for 100 years if it is adequately maintained. Slate roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles. You can expect to pay $20 to $30 per square foot, which comes out to be about $40,000 to $60,000 for a 2,000-square-foot house. Another consideration is that slate is heavy, and it is a difficult job to install a slate roof. If you have an older home, this may not be the best roofing material option for you because of its weight.
Slate roofs are well known in the roofing business for resisting storms, high winds, heat, and freezing cold. Slate shingles also have a Class A fire rating, meaning they are less likely to have severe fire damage or spread flames. This type of roof does not require a significant amount of maintenance and should not need many repairs. It comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, making it easy to match the current color scheme and design of your house.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are another option to consider when considering the types of roofs to install in your home. Clay tiles can be made from solid clay or shale that is molded and dried in a kiln. This type of roof gives your house a unique look. It is popular because it is durable and different. Clay tiles are on the more expensive side at $15 to $25 a square foot. You can expect to pay as much as $50,000 for a 2,000-square-foot roof. These tiles are an orange hue which is typically found in Spanish architecture, and may not be the right option for your house. When installed properly, this roof type can last about 100 years.
Roofing contractors say that these roofs provide additional insulation to your home, which makes them energy efficient. It helps keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They are durable enough to withstand hail storms and high winds. These tiles are heavy and difficult to manage and install. While they are durable against extreme weather, they are not durable under all circumstances. You cannot walk on them or allow tree branches to lean on them. This type of weight causes the tiles to crack.
Concrete Tiles
Another option for you to consider among the different types of roofs to install on your home are concrete tiles. These tiles are the cement that is formed into tiles with high heat and pressure. This is an affordable option that is durable and looks lovely on your home. Concrete roof installs cost around $5 to $11 per square foot, which means you can expect a 2,000-square-foot roof to cost between $10,000 to $22,000. This roof is more affordable than a clay roof. It can withstand winds up to 180 miles per hour and hail that is two inches wide. As long as it is installed properly, this roof should last about 50 years. This roofing comes in many different colors, materials, and shapes. You can find concrete roofs that look like stone or clay.
A concrete roof does require some amount of maintenance. It will fade and discolor. Concrete is porous and may have efflorescence. This is a process when water mixes with lime and causes a powdery white substance on the concrete. To prevent this, you can seal the tiles, but you need a professional to handle this task. As you can imagine, concrete tiles are heavy and are not the best option for an older home or one with structural concerns.
Sunroom Windows
When thinking about types of roofs to install on your home, do not forget any additions you put on your house or are considering. A sunroom may be an addition you are considering. If so, you need to think about a sunroom roof. There are many considerations when it comes to a sunroom roof. The structure and your budget are the most prevalent considerations.
You do have several options available for this type of roof. They include a single-slope roof which is commonly referred to as a shed roof. This roof type is attached to a tall wall to allow for less material and ease of construction. This type of roof is more affordable. A gable roof is also an option. They have a more traditional look to give the roof more ventilation and space. You can also consider a glass roof to enjoy the view of the open sky. It provides the ability to let in more light.
Wood Roofing
When thinking about all of the types of roofs to install on your home, you do not want to forget about a wood roof. A wood roof is an excellent option for a Cape Cod, Craftsman, or Tudor-style home. Wood roofs start as sandy brown and change to silver as it ages. You can expect a wood roof replacement to last up to 50 years, especially in dry weather. If in areas that are prone to fire, the wood needs to be treated. In wetter climates, wood roofs need to be replaced more often. They get damaged by water quickly. Common wood material includes pine, cedar, and redwood. These types of wood keep insects away.
Among wood options, cedar shaker roofing is the most popular. The cost is about $5 to $13 per square foot. Shaker wood is in a wedge shape to make the wood look more natural and rugged. This type of wood is more expensive to install. Wood shingles, on the other hand, are a uniform length because they are sawmills with the same thickness and width. This type of roof has clean lines. They are about $2 cheaper than shaker wood.
Green Roofing
A green roof is one of the more interesting and environmentally friendly types of roofs to install on your home. A green roof uses your existing roof and adds plants and soil to a waterproof layer. It is considered a living roof, and more and more people are installing them. These roofs improve air quality and drainage. It is on the expensive side at $20 per square foot. That means a 2,000-square-foot roof would cost $40,000. This type of roof also requires a high amount of maintenance. This is a great way to have a garden on your property.
Green roofing services give you an appealing-looking roof that is a fantastic insulator. They help control the temperature and noise level inside your home. This type of roof increases the value of your home. The plants are a natural gutter as they absorb all the water from rain and other precipitation. These roofs are heavy and can be too much of a load for your roof. The weight of the plants, decking, soil, and waterproof layers adds up quickly. This is a unique style roof and not the right roof for everyone.
Solar Shingles
Another type of shingle you may want to include in types of roofs to install on your home are solar shingles. These roof tiles are a relatively new technology replacing traditional roofing with solar panels. Installing solar panels allows you to generate electricity for your house. A roofer Charlotte NC will tell you that this roof costs about $20 per square foot and $2 per watt. If you have a 2,000-square-foot roof and nine kilowatts of power, it will cost you about $58,000. With this type of roofing, your power bills will decrease because you are producing your own electricity. It is a higher upfront cost but saves money over time. This roofing can even counteract carbon dioxide emissions. These modern tiles have a sleek look that can add to the value of your home.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is the last types of roofs to install on your home that you should consider. This is a great option, especially if you are interested in an Italian or Greek-style look for your house. Metal roofs come in numerous colors and shapes. It is durable and unique. A roofing contractor will explain the cost of metal roofing can be between $5 to $15. The metal you chose makes a significant difference in the cost. The average price of a metal roof for a 2,000-square-foot roof is about $20,000. When considering a metal roof, you have many options, including copper, steel, tin, zinc, and aluminum.
Metal roofs last a long time, as much as 70 years. They have to be replaced less often, and you see a higher return on your investment. They also have a Class A fire rating, so they are less likely to spread flames across your house. They are highly flame resistant. Metal roofs are constructed from materials that are more than 50% recycled which reduces waste in landfills. They are 100% recyclable. Metal material is expensive and can be up to two to three times more expensive. Repairs to the roof are also expensive. You may have heard the sound of raindrops on a metal roof. Some people love the sound, but others hate it. It can be noisy, especially during heavy rain and hail.
When thinking about the types of roofs to install on your home, you have many options to consider. You should think about the style and structure of your house along with your budget. You may want to consult a roofing contractor to find out all the options that will match your home. It is best to keep in mind that not all roofs may work for the structure of your home.