Many factors play a role in choosing the right roof for your home and with all the variety available in today’s marketplace it can seem like a daunting process. Maybe you’re building from scratch or adding on, or maybe you’re looking to save money in the long run with a more energy-efficient roof. You may also be thinking about what material is the right option such as asphalt shingles, clay tiles, solar panels, metal, or slate. Make no mistake, choosing the right roof for your home is a big deal but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right help and knowledge, you can easily choose an option that will best suit your home and lifestyle.
Before we dive into this guide any further let's talk about some basic roofing terminology that is essential to understand before deciding what roof is the best option for your home.
The space of your home is typically calculated by using the measurement “square feet” however, when it comes to your roof, contractors will typically determine the size needed by using squares. In short, a “roofing square” is equivalent to 100 square feet in space, which is the same as a 10-foot by 10-foot square. For example, a 2000-square-foot roof equals about 20 roofing squares. Contractors may use the term “cost per square” to give an estimate so it will pay to understand the terminology before calling a specialist to come out and give you an estimate.
When it comes to the roof of your home, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The materials that will work best for your home depend greatly on a multitude of factors climate being the primary focus. Each specific roofing material also has its own set of pros and cons, factors such as cost, weight of the material, desired lifespan, maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, weather, and roof pitch all come into play when choosing the most effective material for your roof. Depending on the structure of your home and how it was built will also determine what type of material makes the most sense to use. To understand what material makes the most sense for your home it will certainly help to understand what types of roofs are available at your expense.
The most commonly used roofing material we see nowadays and what many American homes consist of is the standard three-tab asphalt shingle. This type of roofing shingle is composed of a base mat or an organic substance called cellulose fibers or an inorganic material called glass fibers. Fiberglass asphalt shingles will usually last longer than typical asphalt shingles ranging from 30 to 50 years whereas asphalt will last about 15 to 30. Fiberglass shingles will also hold their shape and structural integrity better resulting in a more durable solution. However, if cost is a concern the asphalt shingle option will be much cheaper. Architectural shingles are another option to consider that offers better-quality material and includes a thicker, more sturdier shingle that’s approximately 50% thicker than the 3-tab shingle and also offers a better aesthetic look and greater curb appeal. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective and long-lasting solution asphalt will provide you with the best options. GAF asphalt shingles are probably your best option here because they are Class A fire rated for superior protection and are much thicker than fiberglass shingles making them easier to withstand severe weather conditions like fast winds and heavy rain. We are proud to partner with GAF and have installed many roofs with their high-quality materials.
Wooden shingles bring a unique element to the table when it comes to roofing. Early European settlers in North America were drawn to this type of design from local Indigenous groups that used overlapping sheets of bark to create a structural barrier that covered the top of their homes. There are many theories as to why wooden shingles were so popular among early settlers but the fact that wood was so readily available made it an easy choice to use for a roofing solution. Wooden Shingles or “shakes” as many call them today are still a commonly used roofing material that offers not only an aesthetically pleasing look but also helps greatly insulate your home. Because they have such low density it makes warming and cooling your home much easier. Wooden shingles also offer greater protection when it comes to wind damage, they are more resistant to high winds than asphalt shingles are. The disadvantages to using wooden shingles include poor longevity, being more vulnerable to insects and other pests, higher maintenance, discoloration quicker, being more susceptible to fires, and towards the end of their life leaks are far more likely to happen than asphalt roofs.
If you looking for the most energy-efficient roofing style then solar shingles are going to be your best bet. Solar shingles or solar roof tiles are made of slim photovoltaic (PV) sheets that replace current shingles on a roof or you can lay the tiles down on various types of roofing materials such as asphalt and metal. Depending on where you live It is very common to see solar panels installed on clay roofs as well. However, unlike your typical asphalt roofs, to properly install solar panels on a clay roof you must remove the clay tiles and then replace them once the solar panels are installed. Clay tile roofs are a bit trickier to install the panels on as well. For a proper installation, your installer must secure the feet of the solar racking equipment directly to your roof and the only way to access this desired area is to lift the clay tiles. There are many pros and cons to using solar panels but the most important thing to consider is how much sunlight your area gets every year. Places like Colorado and Florida will experience many more days of sunlight than areas like Oregon or Washington.
Clay tiles offer a unique design that is widely popular in Mediterranean and Spanish architecture. Dating back to 10,000 B.C. clay tile roofs were predominately used in the Neolithic Age in ancient China. From there, this timeless design was seen across the Middle East and would eventually spread through regions such as Europe and other parts of Asia. The Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans all roofed their homes and other structures with clay tiling, and by the 17th century, this classic and timeless design was seen throughout America. Aside from the stylish composition and aesthetically pleasing colors, clay roofs are a popular choice because of their longevity. Unlike traditional asphalt-style roofs, which will usually last around 15 to 30 years, clay tile roofs can last from 50 to 100 years if maintained properly. Clay tile roofs are around $16,000 to $30,000 to install but the longevity of them and energy efficiency can certainly make them a great option in the long run. By installing a clay tile roof on your home you can expect your energy costs to drop by as much as 20%. A few common styles of clay tile roofs include:
Metal roofing has become a popular choice among commercial building owners and residential homeowners in recent years. The easy installation and durability make this a great choice when choosing the right roof for your home or business. You can expect a metal roof to last you anywhere from 40 to 70 years and because of the material’s durability, it can withstand harsh climate changes including gusts of winds of up to 140 miles per hour. As far as purchasing a metal roof, on the lower end you can expect to spend around $9000, and on the higher end $16,000.
For those looking for a “once and done” option a slate roof might not be a bad choice considering the lifespans of these roofs can last up to 200 years. Also, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective approach slate-style roofs are an excellent option because they’re made of natural material that is recyclable and able to be used for other applications after its life has reached its end. Slate roofs offer an appealing vintage aesthetic with outstanding curb appeal, that mimics Victorian and Edwardian style architecture.
When determining what style or material suits your home's roof the best, you’ll need to consider how steep or flat your roof pitch is. A roof pitch simply means how steep the angle of your roof is, and is calculated by the number of inches or feet it rises vertically for every 12 inches or feet it extends horizontally. It’ll be in your best interest to choose a roofing material that compliments the pitch of your roof. For example, steep-slope roofs work very well with asphalt shingles or metal materials, low-slope roofs may need specific membranes or coatings that will ensure water protection and be resistant to UV exposure.
The cost of your roof will depend greatly on what type of material you are wanting to use. Depending on what type of budget you have to work with asphalt shingles will typically be the most affordable option if you’re looking to save money upfront. If money isn’t a factor and your goal is to save money in the long run with a more energy-efficient roof then you may want to opt for solar panels or clay tiles. If you’re having issues deciding on what type of roof you think is the most cost-efficient and provides the best curb appeal, then discussing your options with a roofing professional will ensure you make the correct decision not only when it comes to price but also protection and durability.
Deciding the best roofing material for your home or business can easily become a time-consuming process, and while this guide should help you in the decision-making process it probably isn’t enough to make a choice you will truly be comfortable with. With so many factors that come into play like budget, maintenance requirements, desired lifespan and longevity, color, design, and material it may seem like a never-ending road but with the right help and expertise, you can easily choose an option that integrates well with your taste and the structure of your home. Our team of experts will be happy to guide you through this important process so you can feel at ease every step of the way. Condition One Commercial is a vert-owned faith-based company that always puts the needs of our clients first. Simply put, our mission isn’t complete until yours is!
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