Five Stunning Residential Roofing Materials
The style of your home depends a lot on your roof. Traditional asphalt tiles tend to be affordable, functional, and versatile. But if you want to break out of the mold, you may want to consider a different material.
Residential roof replacement can be a great way to give your home a facelift, enhancing its curb appeal and even improving your resale value. But you may be feeling a bit lost when it comes to the choice of material.
In this post, we’ll go over five stunning residential roofing materials that will have you the envy of your neighborhood. We’ll explain what each material looks like, how it holds up, and the relative cost.
Slate
Slate roofing shingles are made with stone, and true slate contains no additives.
What It Looks Like
The simple, clean look of slate tiles can give your home a touch of elegance and class. Slate tiles are available in a variety of colors, such as shades of:
- Black
- Grey
- Green
- Red
- Violet
Slate looks great with many housing styles, including Colonial and European.
How It Holds Up
Slate has an excellent reputation as a durable roofing material. It’s naturally fireproof and highly durable. Slate roofs can last 50 years or more. Plus, the tiles can be recycled, offering the added benefit of sustainability. However, some have pointed out that slate has the tendency to chip and splinter due to the layers of material present in each roofing tile.
What It Costs
Slate can be very costly, however, and the material doesn’t lend itself well to DIY weekend warriors. But the cost of the initial roofing installation is offset by the fact that you won’t be requiring frequent roof repair due to slate’s natural durability.
Wood
Wood can provide a slightly more affordable weathered look for your home, though some fire codes may prevent you from using wooden shingles.
How It Looks
Wood roofing products come in two basic types: Machine-cut and handmade.
Machine-cut wooden tiles are—you guessed it—cut by a machine and have a more uniform appearance. Wood “shakes” are handmade and have a rougher appearance.
Wooden shingles tend to weather to varying shades of grey, which can offer an attractive, yet weathered appearance. This rustic look is perfect for Cape Cod and Tudor-style homes.
How It Holds Up
The biggest drawback to wooden shingles is that they are not fire-resistant. It’s possible that some residential fire codes will forbid the use of wooden shingles. But homeowners can still pursue Class-A-fire-rated wood shingles for their home.
Wooden shingles will typically last 25-30 years. However, they are also subject to moisture damage and moisture and mold, which could require future assistance from residential roof repair experts.
What It Costs
The cost of wooden shingles is comparatively affordable to slate, though moisture damage can lead to frequent roof repair costs over time.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay tiles provide a classic look to your roof, though they can be heavy.
How It Looks
These scalloped tiles create a distinctive appearance for the Mediterranean, Southwestern, and Spanish-style homes.
How It Holds Up
Clay and concrete tiles are very durable and resistant to weather elements, such as hail damage. They are also fire-resistant and highly energy efficient. Unfortunately, the weight of the concrete tiles can require additional framing. A tile roof in this style can last 40-50 years.
What It Costs
These tiles can be expensive and can only be professionally installed. Their durability and energy efficiency may be worth the cost, however, and provide a great, iconic look for your home.
Metal
Metal roofs can be made from aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc. They provide a great modern look to your home, although they have a few drawbacks.
How It Looks
Metal roofs aren’t terribly common for residential customers, but they can offer a sleek, modern look for both contemporary and cottage-style homes.
How It Holds Up
Metal roofing tends to be durable. In some instances, it can last up to 75 years. However, metal roofs are notoriously vulnerable to hail damage, which can create dents that will eventually require roof repair and maintenance.
What It Costs
The cost of a metal roof depends on the type of material. Some cheaper materials can be very affordable while other materials can quickly outpace the cost of slate or concrete tiles. But, due to their vulnerability to the elements, roof hail damage repair services should be factored into the cost of maintenance.
Synthetic
Synthetic roofing materials may be a great choice for customers who want the look of the above products with the durability and price point of synthetic roofing material.
How It Looks
Synthetic materials can easily duplicate the look of many of the above products, which also allows homeowners to refine their choices and customize their material to the specifications of their home.
How It Holds Up
Synthetic materials tend to be lighter without compromising durability. However, some synthetic materials have the reputation for being vulnerable to moisture damage.
Some synthetic roofing manufacturers will warranty their products for up to 50 years, which adds considerable value.
What It Costs
The cost of synthetic roofing tends to be higher than traditional asphalt tiles, but the advantages outweigh the costs for many consumers. Of course, some homeowners may prefer “authentic” materials to a synthetic alternative, but others appreciate the option of choosing synthetic materials.
What to Consider in Residential Roof Replacement
Besides aesthetics, homeowners may also want to consider some other factors when selecting their roofing material.
How Heavy Is This Material?
Some materials, such as concrete tiles, can be quite heavy and may require special framing. A preliminary roof inspection may help determine the load-bearing requirements of your existing roof.
Does the Material Meet Fire Codes?
Some wooden materials won’t pass fire codes (depending on your residential area). Some materials may need to be specially treated to ensure maximum safety. Local roofing experts can offer you guidance on what materials are approved for your area.
What Colors Are Available?
Some materials, like slate and metal, may have additional color options to consider. This may help make the most of your roofing project as well as maximize your home’s curb appeal.
Is the Material Durable?
Paying for roof hail damage repair isn’t fun, so be sure to choose a material that is durable and weather-resistant. Some materials are also vulnerable to moisture. If so, you might want to look into the cost of roof cleaning.
How Might This Influence My Insurance?
Your homeowner’s insurance probably depends on the structural elements of your house. You may wish to contact an agent and ask whether your insurance policy will be impacted by a roof replacement.
Does the Material Come with a Warranty?
Some manufacturers offer a warranty on their products, which gives the homeowner peace of mind that the roof over their head is guaranteed to last.
How Can I Contact Knowledgeable Roofers Near Me?
The team at Kanga Roof provides residential roof repair and related services with expert-level skill and for affordable prices. We can provide you with a roof inspection and offer input on the type of materials that will be right for your home.
Should you choose a different material for your roof, we can provide residential roof replacement and give you your dream home.
We can help you balance your home’s practical structural needs with your desire for a stunning, elegant home that will bring you satisfaction for years to come.
Contact us, and we’ll help you with your home improvement project.