Are you considering replacing your home’s roof? A new roof can give you a healthier and safer home by protecting you from elements and moisture. It can also offer significant improvements to the curb appeal of your home.
However, replacing your home’s roof can also have economic advantages. For example, a new roof can increase the value of your property. It also offers a high return on investment. According to HomeAdvisor, roof replacement projects can have an ROI of up to 109%, meaning you can even make a profit on your new roof.
But what is the best type of roof that you should choose? When replacing your home’s roofing, you can consider several types of roofs. Below is a look at their benefits, drawbacks, and costs. We’ll also look at other roofing services to hire during and after installation – to maintain the optimal condition of your new roof.
Top 10 Roofing Options to Consider for Your Home
There are several types of roofs for residential properties. They range from asphalt shingles to metal, rubber shingles, tile roofs, etc. Here’s a look at the top ones.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roof for many homeowners. The roof is made from either organic (cellulose fibers) or inorganic (fiberglass) materials. It is then coated with asphalt to make it waterproof. It is an affordable roofing option, which costs between $5,000 and $13,000.
Besides affordability, asphalt shingles are easy to install. They also come in many shapes and styles, giving you countless aesthetic options. As for durability, the shingles can last about 25-30 years. In addition, you don’t necessarily have to replace the shingles in case of damage. Instead, you can hire emergency roof repairs and fix the damaged shingles with simple repairs such as a roof sealant.
However, asphalt shingles do come with a few drawbacks. One of the top ones is that they tend to fade when exposed to extreme sunlight. Additionally, the shingles can easily incur damage if you don’t care for them properly.
However, hiring the proper roofing maintenance services can mitigate the disadvantages of asphalt shingles. For example, hiring a new contractor to reapply a roof coating will protect your shingles from fading. Other roofing services to hire to extend the lifespan of your asphalt shingles include gutter cleaning, tree trimming, repairs (to fix broken shingles), and regular inspection services.
Metal Roofing
Metal is another popular choice of roofing material for homeowners. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, metal roofing is the second most popular type of residential roof in the U.S. The reason why metal roofs are popular amongst homeowners is the benefits they offer.
First, metal roofs are highly durable and last between 40 – 70 years. Metal is also resilient and can withstand hail, extreme wind, snow and ice, and fire. Additionally, metal roofs are pretty affordable – the average cost of installing a residential metal roofing is between $5,500 and $15,000.
When it comes to drawbacks, metal roofs can be noisy, thus requiring additional soundproofing. Secondly, they require specialized installation, so hiring experienced contractors is vital. Lastly, while resilient, metal can also experience dents, which can be aesthetically unpleasant and, in extreme cases, even weaken your roof.
Therefore, you must regularly hire a metal roofing contractor to inspect your new roof and repair any damage. You can also keep your new roof in top shape through maintenance services such as gutter cleaning, tree trimming, corrosion inspection and repair, and debris removal. Other roofing services to hire for increased longevity of your metal roof include power washing, painting, sealant, and coating application.
Tile Roofing
A tile roof is another excellent roofing option for your home. It is a popular type of roof that has been in use for several centuries, going back to ancient civilizations. Today, tile roofs are made of many materials, including ceramic, slate, steel, copper, plastic, aluminum, and composite.
Tile roofs can offer several benefits, starting with increased resistance to water and moisture damage due to the overlapping tile structure. Most of the materials for the tiles are also durable, making your new roof long-lasting. They are also environmentally friendly, as most materials used are natural or recycled.
Regarding the drawbacks, tile roofs are expensive – a new tile roof costs between $8,000 and $25,000. Additionally, some of the materials used can be brittle, thus requiring extra care. Nonetheless, like with every other type of roof, you can increase the longevity of your tile roof with proper care and maintenance. Some of the top roofing services to hire for your roof maintenance include tile repair and replacement, inspections, power washing, and algae removal (depending on the material).
Shingle Roofing
Apart from asphalt shingles, there are several other types of shingle roofs that you can consider for your home. These include metal, slate, cedar, fiber cement, ceramic, plastic, and composite shingles. The only difference between these shingles and asphalt shingles is the material used.
Shingle roofs have several benefits that make them an ideal option for your home. First, they are waterproof and can withstand moisture, snow, and ice. This is made possible by the roof installation technique of overlapping the shingles. Secondly, shingle roofs are attractive and can help improve your home’s curb appeal.
Shingle roofs are also affordable, with homeowners paying between $5,000 and $12,000 for a new roof. Also, shingle roofs can be very durable, depending on the material used. Unfortunately, some materials might be less durable than others. You can also expect more drawbacks depending on the material used. For example, the noisiness of metal shingles and the reduced durability of wood shingles. Nonetheless, proper care and maintenance can guarantee the longevity of your shingle roof, regardless of its material.
Solar Roofing
Solar roofing is another type of residential roofing that is becoming increasingly popular. According to Allied Market Research, solar roofing is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 15.1% between 2022 and 2031.
The reason why solar roofing is popular is because of the benefits it offers. Installing a solar roof in your home will provide free energy, which can help reduce your electric bills. Solar energy is also renewable, making solar roofing environmentally friendly.
Other benefits of solar roofs include increased home value and low maintenance costs. Additionally, you don’t have to replace your entire roof to install a solar roof, although this is still an option. Instead, you can add solar tiles to your roof during roof repairs or other home improvement projects.
Unfortunately, solar roofs have a few drawbacks, including high installation costs. On average, homeowners pay between $18,000 and $37,000 for a solar roof. However, the cost of your roof can even be higher depending on the size of your home. Another drawback of the solar roof is that there are also other
roofing services to hire besides regular roof maintenance. For example, you will need your solar panels inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure they function optimally.
Rubber Slate
Rubber slate is another option you can consider for your home’s roofing. The roof is made of synthetic slates, using recycled tires and other rubber products. Additives are added to the material to improve the stability and appearance of the roof.
Rubber slate roofing has several benefits, including increased durability. In addition, rubber slate is resistant to impact, water and moisture damage, wind damage, and mold. Therefore, you can expect reduced costs when it comes to roofing repairs.
Another advantage of rubber slate roofs is that they are affordable – the average cost for a new rubber slate roof is between $5,000 and $24,000. Rubber slate roofs are also low maintenance. As a result, there are fewer roofing services to hire to keep your roof in optimal condition. Nonetheless, you should hire regular maintenance services, such as gutter cleaning, roof inspection, tree trimming, and others to ensure your roof lasts longer.
When it comes to the drawbacks, rubber slate roofing is susceptible to fire damage. However, you can mitigate this by applying a fireproof coating to your slates. Besides fire susceptibility, rubber slates are also limited in color options.
Clay Tiles
If you’re considering replacing your roof, clay roof tile can be ideal for your home. It is one of the most popular residential roofing that offers numerous benefits. For example, clay tiles are durable and can withstand water, ice, snow, and wind damage. They are also attractive and can boost your home’s curb appeal.
Another advantage of clay tile roofs is their high return on investment. They are also trendy and can help your home sell faster. Lastly, clay tiles are environmentally friendly, making them perfect if you’re looking to lower your home’s carbon footprint.
Unfortunately, regarding drawbacks, clay tiles can be expensive – homeowners pay between $20,000 to $40,000 for a new roof. Additionally, clay tiles are tricky to install, and thus you need to hire an experienced local roofer. Lastly, clay tiles can be brittle and susceptible to mold and algae growth. Therefore, you need to maintain your roof to extend its lifespan. Some of the roofing services to hire to maintain your clay tile roof include roofing inspections, debris removal, mold and algae remediation, and pressure washing.
Wood Roofing
Wood is another excellent roofing option you can consider for your home. One of the top benefits of wood is that it will give your home a classic and unique look. Wood tiles are also available in several attractive shades and shapes. Therefore, it can help significantly improve your home’s curb appeal.
Wood tiles are also easy to install compared to most roofing materials. Additionally, they are resistant to impact and wind. Furthermore, wood is energy efficient and thus can help to lower your energy bills.
However, regarding drawbacks, wood is slightly more expensive – a wood roof installation can cost between $14,000 and $40,000. Wood is also less durable, vulnerable to water and ice damage, and susceptible to fire. Therefore, you must hire regular maintenance services, such as roofing inspections, debris removal, mold and algae remediation, and others to keep your roof in perfect condition.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tile roofing is another excellent type of tile roofing for your home. It is a top alternative to traditional roofs composed of materials such as clay and slate. It is a popular residential roofing option due to its various benefits. For example, concrete is available in several attractive designs and color options, thus helping to improve the curb appeal of your home.
Another advantage of concrete roof tiles is their durability – they withstand water, fire, ice, snow, and wind damage. Therefore, you can expect to spend significantly lower on roofing services such as repairs with concrete tiles.
Unfortunately, a concrete roof tile is more expensive, ranging between $19,500 and $36,500. This also means expensive tile roofing services for maintenance. Other drawbacks of this type of roof include the weight, which can be an issue during installation. Furthermore, the concrete loses its attractive appeal quickly when exposed to elements. Therefore, you need to maintain your roof to keep it looking good. Some of the top roofing services to hire for your concrete tile roof maintenance include leak inspection and repair, power washing, debris removal, and repainting.
Green Roofing
If you’re still looking for roofing options for your home, you can opt for a green roof. Green roofs are a modern residential roofing concept. However, they are very popular because of the benefits they offer. First, a green roof is visually appealing and can improve your home’s curb appeal, making it stand out.
In terms of functionality, a green roof helps with temperature regulation and sound insulation. It also helps improve air quality by increasing oxygen levels in your home. Lastly, a green roof is eco-friendly and can also help promote the biodiversity of the surrounding area with the green spaces created.
Unfortunately, a green roof is a complex project to undertake. Therefore, you need the services of an experienced green roof contractor to guarantee the success of your roof. You should also be prepared for a few drawbacks, such as high installation costs. Typically, homeowners pay between $13,000 and $50,000 for a residential green roof.
Another drawback of a green roof is the level of maintenance needed. Of course, there are regular roofing services to hire, such as roof inspection. However, you also need additional maintenance services such as irrigation, fertilization, weeding, and others to keep your green plants looking great.
The roof is one of the top home improvement projects you can invest in. With the right roof, you can make your house look more attractive and protect it (and your family) from the elements. You can also reap several other benefits, such as improved home value, better air quality, reduced energy bills, etc.
If you want to replace your home’s roof, the above are some of the top roofing options you can consider. Each type of roof also comes with varying costs, advantages, and disadvantages. Additionally, there are different roofing services to hire during and after the installation to ensure your roof remains in perfect condition.