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An Owners Guide to The Best Roof Materials
As a property owner, you have a lot of important decisions to make regarding the care and maintenance of your home or commercial building. One of the most important choices you'll face when getting a roof replacement is what type of roofing material to use. There are a lot of options on the market these days, and it can be tough to weigh the pros and cons of each. To help you out, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular roofing materials available, along with their key benefits and drawbacks.
In order to provide an ordering of these 5 options, we'll rank each on a scale of 1 through 10 in the following categories:
- Cost
- Lifespan
- Maintenance
- Visual Appeal
Asphalt Shingles
Cost - 10
Lifespan - 9
Maintenance - 9
Visual Appeal - 6
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in the United States. They come in three varieties: 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. All three types have their own benefits and drawbacks.
When it comes to asphalt, there is 3-tab vs architectural shingles. They're also the fairly durable, with a lifespan of up to 30 years. However, they're not very aesthetically pleasing, and they can be prone to leaks.
Dimensional asphalt shingles are more expensive than 3-tab shingles, but they look a lot nicer and are more resistant to leaks. Their lifespan is between 30-50 years.
Luxury asphalt shingles are the most expensive option, but they also offer the best look and durability. They can last for up to 50 years. Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in the United States. They come in three varieties: 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. Dimensional and luxury asphalt shingles are more aesthetically pleasing than the 3-tab type, and they also provide more insulation. However, they are also more expensive.
Metal Roofing
Cost - 8
Lifespan - 10
Maintenance - 7
Visual Appeal - 8
Metal roofing is a popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking for a durable and long-lasting roofing material. Metal roofs are made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and copper. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and they're also very resistant to leaks and weather damage.
In addition to different metal types, there are many different profiles of metal panels and metal shingles available.
The main downside to metal roofing is that it's expensive compared to other options. It can also be difficult to install, so it's best suited for experienced contractors. Metal roofing is becoming more popular among homeowners, but it is more expensive than asphalt shingling. Standing seam metal roofs are recommended for residential properties. Metal roofs are durable and last a long time, but they can be dented by hail or falling objects and may become noisy in rain or snow storms.
Composite/Synthetic Shingles
Cost - 8
Lifespan - 10
Maintenance - 9
Visual Appeal - 10
Composite (synthetic) shingles are made of recycled materials like rubber and plastics. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and they're also very resistant to leaks and weather damage.
The main downside to synthetic shingles is that they're expensive compared to other options. They can also be difficult to install, so it's best suited for experienced contractors. Composite shingles are becoming more popular among homeowners, but they are more expensive than asphalt shingling.
Cedar Shake Roofs
Cost - 7
Lifespan - 8
Maintenance - 8
Visual Appeal - 9
Cedar shake roofs are made from cedar wood and come in a variety of colors. They're also very resistant to leaks and weather damage.
Cedar shake roofs are made of natural wood materials and are considered aesthetically pleasing but require more maintenance than other roof types. Cedar shakes need to be treated regularly with a sealant to prevent moisture damage, and they should be replaced every 10-20 years depending on the climate where you live.
Slate Roofs
Cost - 6
Lifespan - 10
Maintenance - 8
Visual Appeal - 10
Slate roofs are made from slate tiles and come in a variety of colors. They're also very resistant to leaks and weather damage.
Slate roofs are made of natural stone materials and are considered very aesthetically pleasing. However, they require more maintenance than other roof types.
Slate roofs are made primarily from natural slate tiles mined mostly in Italy; they are heavy and require a sturdy frame to support them but last much longer than other roof types with little required maintenance. Slate roofs can be very expensive, however, so they may not be an option for everyone.
Making Your Roof Replacement Material Decision
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding on a roof replacement material. Cost is definitely a consideration, but you should also think about the lifespan of the material, the amount of maintenance it requires, and how aesthetically pleasing it is.
Our ranking finished in the following order:
- 1) Composite/Synthetic Shingles at 9.25/10
- 2) Asphalt Shingles and Slate Roof tied at 8.5/10
- 3) Metal Roofing at 8.25/10
- 4) Cedar Shake at 8/10
If you're looking for a durable and long-lasting roof, metal roofing is a great option. Metal roofs come in a variety of materials, colors, and styles, and they're also very resistant to leaks and weather damage. However, metal roofs are expensive compared to other options.
If you're looking for an affordable option that still offers good durability, asphalt shingles are a good choice. Asphalt shingles come in three varieties: 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. Dimensional and luxury asphalt shingles are more aesthetically pleasing than the 3-tab type, and they also provide more insulation. However, they are also more expensive.
For more information on your pricing, visit our blog titled "How much does a new roof cost?"
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly option, composite (synthetic) shingles are a good choice. Composite shingles are made of recycled materials like rubber and plastics. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and they're also very resistant to leaks and weather damage. However, synthetic shingles are expensive compared to other options.
There's no "one size fits all" answer when it comes to choosing a roofing material for your property. The best roof for your home or business will depend on a variety of factors, including climate, budget, aesthetic preferences, and required maintenance levels. We hope this overview has given you a better idea of some of the pros and cons of different types of roofing materials so that you can make an informed decision about what's right for you.
If you're still not sure which roofing material is right for you, contact a roofing contractor in your area for more information and advice.
