5 Most Popular Roofing Material Styles

Every home is different. The performance of a roofing structure will depend on the type, the home’s region, and other important factors. If you’re wondering, “Which type of roof is best for my home” then you’ll be disappointed to know that there isn’t a definite answer.

As a homeowner, you will ultimately have to decide which roof is best for you. To assist you in that process, here is a complete list of various roofing structures, as well as individual pros and cons.

Rolled Roofing

Description:

Rolled roofs are very common in low-slope homes in residential areas, as well as sheds, shops, and other out-buildings. This material, made from asphalt and other substances, is rolled on the top of homes using high-temperature heating technology or simple roofing nails. Each roll covers approximately 100 square feet.

Pros:

Rolled roofs are generally inexpensive, generally costing anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.
Installation is both fast and convenient.

Cons:

This structure doesn’t last long and isn’t very durable compared to other materials (10 years maximum).

Asphalt Composite Shingles

Description:

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing structure in North America. It’s made from fiberglass material and covered in asphalt. Asphalt shingles are designed with three tabs for simple installation and are versatile to accommodate virtually any type of home.

Pros:

Asphalt shingles are very simple to install.
They are moderately affordable, ranging from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
These shingles can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years.
There are a wide variety of asphalt shingles in different colors and styles.

Cons:

Asphalt shingles perform very poorly in extreme heat and freezing temperatures.
Asphalt shingles are not environmentally friendly. This is because asphalt is a form of petroleum, a hazardous byproduct.

Metal Roofing

Description:

Metal roofing has surprisingly become very popular in the United States. The most common type of metal roofing is a standing seam roof. This type can be composed of both aluminum and steel and is installed using interlocking panels. Metal roofing is ideal for regions with heavy snowfall and wildfires because the structure is both rigid and fireproof.

Pros:

Metal roofs last for a very long time (30-50 years). Some can last for more than 70 years.
Metal roofing is fully recyclable and environmentally friendly.

Cons:

They are expensive to install, usually running between $6 to $12 per square foot.
Installation requires special skills, tools, and expertise.

Clay Tiles

Description:

This roofing structure is composed of earthen clay structures shaped into interlocking panels or rolls. After being hardened with intense heat, they usually have a reddish-orange color. Additionally, it can be heated at a higher temperature to create ceramic roofing tiles. Clay tiles are ideal for regions with an extremely hot and dry climate and are commonplace in the desert and southern coastal regions.

Pros:

These tiles are highly durable and can last more than a century.
Clay tiles are simple to install.

Cons:

Clay tiles are very expensive, costing $10 to $18 per square foot. Specialty clay tiles can cost as much as $30 per square foot.
Clay tiles aren’t customizable enough to appease most homeowners.

Slate Shingles

Description:

Slate shingles are aesthetically the most beautiful roofing solution available. These shingles are authentic, made of pure stone. Slate shingles are, however, not very common in suburban areas for obvious reasons due to their price.

Pros:

A slate roof is very durable and can last anywhere from 75 to 200 years.
Slate shingles are installed in thin sheets and are easy to carry.

Cons:

Slate shingles are incredibly pricey and can range from $30 to $75 per square foot.
Installation requires specialized expertise from a professional.

Which Roof is Best For You?

Do you need help in choosing the right roofing material for your home? Have you already made a decision and need help with the installation? In either case, give us a call at (843) 896-3996 to speak to a member of our team today. Consider Wando Roofing Company Charleston your trusted roofing contractor in Charleston, we’ll never sell you a roof you don’t need!

If you’d like to explore the different types of roofs a little more before reaching out to a professional, we’ve created some helpful roof resources. Check out some of our favorites:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have more questions about your roof? You can find answers to common roofing questions below.

Q: Can I just replace the damaged shingles?

A: A roof consists of more than just shingles. In some cases, you can just replace the shingles if the area of damage is small. However, that’s not possible if most of your roof is damaged. It’s best to replace the structure entirely to save money in the long run.

Q: Can a new roof lower my energy bills?

A: A new roof can certainly lower your energy bills. An old or damaged roof won’t ventilate your home properly and cause your monthly energy costs to spike. A new roof will eliminate that problem for you.

Q: Is a roofing replacement a good investment?

A: A new roof can improve the curb value of your home, lower energy costs, and save you money. It’s often the best course of action for homeowners.