Finding a residential roofing material that fits your house can be quite an overwhelming task when you don’t know where to start. Before you begin comparing catalogs of tiles and other roofing materials, think about your property. How would you like it to look?
After spending thousands of dollars building your dream house, you need to install a roofing material that’s long-lasting, robust, and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Such material will protect your property for a long time and help you save on repairs.
This guide explores various residential roofing material types on the market. You’ll also learn the various factors to consider when choosing a residential roofing material for your house.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Residential Roofing Material
When installing a new roof or replacing an existing roof, you need to consider the most essential factors like costs and location. That way, you’ll choose what’s best for your house.
Here are all the factors to consider.
Local Weather and Climate
Since your roof is the main barrier between you and nature, you need to select a roofing material that will reliably protect you from external factors. The roofing material should withstand extreme local weather conditions, like heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Roofing Material Appearance
The roof can change the overall look of your home. Ensure that the type, color, and texture of the material you select matches your home’s exterior finishes and style. It should be consistent with your home’s design.
Roof Slope
Your roof’s slope will influence the type of roofing material to install. Tiles, shingles, and slate-like materials are suitable for roofs with steep slopes. On the other hand, flat or low-pitched roofs need to be coated with roofing materials to avoid possible leaks.
Durability and Longevity
If you plan to stay in your house for many years, consider installing a roofing material that can last for many years. Installing a roofing material that can last for up to 50 years can be very costly in the long run if you don’t intend to live in the house for long.
Fire Resistance Ratings
Are you looking for a fire-resistant roofing material? Roofing materials have different fire resistance ratings. Materials with Class A ratings have the highest fire resistance, followed by Class B, and Class C. Avoid buying unrated roofing materials.
Roofing Material Cost
Invest in a roofing material that matches your budget. Most homeowners opt for asphalt shingles because they are affordable. Below are the costs of different roofing materials.
- Asphalt Shingles: $150 – $300 per square
- Metal Roofing: $600 – $700 per square
- Wood Shakes & Shingles: $450 – $900 per square
- Concrete & Clay Tiles: $1,200 – $1,800 per square
- Slate Roofing Materials: $900 – $1,600 per square
Roofing Material Types for Residential Properties
Now that we’ve looked at the costs of roofing materials, you have an idea of the various roofing materials available on the market. Let’s look at the features of each material.
Residential Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market. They are a popular selection for many homeowners in the United States. Notably, they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making it easy to find what suits your home best.
The shingles consist of a fiberglass base topped with mineral (asphalt) granules. They can last for 20-30 years, depending on the maintenance level. The good news is, asphalt shingles are easy to replace when the existing ones degrade.
Residential Metal Roofing Material
If you want a roofing material that can last for many years, consider investing in metal roofing. They are durable, strong, and highly resistant to fire. Metal roofs can also withstand extreme weather conditions like heavy rains and strong winds.
There are different types of metal roofs for residential properties, including aluminum, copper, steel, tin, and zinc roofing materials. Each metal roof has unique features. For instance, aluminum is the most lightweight roofing material on the market.
Wood Shakes and Shingles
Wood shakes and shingles are other excellent choices for homeowners longing for a naturalistic look. They are lightweight, easy to install, and can last for several years. If installing wood roofs in fire-prone areas, roofers have to treat them with fire retardants.
Notably, wood shingles and shakes vary in terms of smoothness and thickness. Shakes are hand-cut and thicker, giving them a more rustic appearance. Shingles are machine-cut and boast a smooth surface and clean edges, making them look more uniform.
Concrete and Clay Tile Roofing
Clay and concrete tiles have been in use for decades and still offer a perfect roofing solution for many residential properties. Since the materials are heavy, they can last for years.
Like metal roofing materials, clay and concrete tile roofing materials come in various forms, including concrete tiles, clay tiles, and fiber-cement tiles. The main drawback of these roofing materials is that they are heavy, making the installation process difficult.
Slate Roofing Materials
Slate roofing material is a perfect choice for homeowners who long for roofs that can resist extreme weather conditions. Because slates are natural stones, they are resistant to fire and mildew. They can last for up to 100 years, making them extremely durable.
One good reason to invest in slate roofing material is that they require little maintenance. Slates also come in a vast range of colors, including grey, black, green, red, and purple. Unfortunately, they are among the most expensive roofing materials.
Final Words
When searching for the best residential roofing materials, consider all the factors, including your budget. Ensure that the roofing material you’ve chosen matches the style and design of your home. You do not want to replace your roofing material regularly as that may become costly. A professional roofer can help you make the right choice.
Contact our roofing experts at Roof Master today to help you find the best residential roofing material.
