Which Roofing Material is Right for Me?

With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know which roofing material is right for your building and wallet. To help you better understand your roofing needs, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to roofing materials for your re-roofing or new construction project. We’ll go over the pros and cons including repair options, durability, cost of materials, and more. Let’s get started. 

Asphalt shingles are definitely the most popular option on the market today. While they are not only durable and relatively inexpensive, they also come in a variety of colors and styles. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to install. They are made of fiberglass between asphalt and ceramic granules. Fiberglass adds strength, while the asphalt, (usually mixed with minerals), is waterproof. Typically they last around 30 years - but this can be less depending on hot the temperature is in your location. Rapid temperature changes may cause asphalt shingles to crack, leading to a shorter life span. They are the least eco-friendly option, being that most landfill facilities don’t recycle them. 

Slate and tile roofing have a sophisticated look and feel for an upscale home. They are fire resistant, water-tight, invulnerable to rot, and expected to have a lifespan that can last up to 100 years. They are eco-friendly, and the thick tiles can help regulate the temperature of your home - thus reducing your energy bill. The downside is their fragileness - even walking on them can break or crack them - and this makes them unsuitable for climates with frequent-fluctuating weather. They’re also a more pricey option due to their long life-span and durability. 

Metal roofing is incredibly low-maintenance, lightweight, and eco-friendly. They’re long-lasting and durable - with a lifespan of up to 40-70 years and the ability to withstand winds up to 120 mph. Because of this, they’re a bit pricey - around 10x the price of asphalt shingles. Overtime, the metal will begin to lose its shine and require maintenance from a roofing professional. 

Flat roofing is very lightweight and easy to repair yourself, as a homeowner. Leaks are rare, in the case that surface damage does not occur. They are more expensive, and replacement costs are high. Flat roofing also has a shorter lifespan (up to 15-20 years) because they have no pitch, and there is nowhere for water to run. However this makes them easier to maintain. 

Wood shakes and wood shingles come from western red cedar, cypress, pine and redwood trees, making them a very eco-friendly and stylistically-beautiful option. They are extremely durable and resistant to severe storms. They are energy-efficient, keeping the temperature inside your home regulated. However, they are definitely a pricier option in comparison to the options above. However, as time goes on, this longevity of wood shakes and cedar roofing provides a higher return on investment.