Any time you make a large investment, you want to get the most out of it, and see a return on said investment. And if you’re in the market for a new roof, you may be wondering what is the best roofing material? This decision is crucial for homeowners who want to get the most years out of their new roof.
Durability plays a huge role in this selection, but each roofing style has something different to offer, as well as different price points. Elite Exteriors is proud to have helped tons of homeowners find the best roofing material for their roof replacement needs, and is here to help you decide if one of the top durable roofing systems is a fit for you.
Table of Contents
– 5 Best Roofing Materials
– 1. Cedar Shake
– 2. Composite Shingles
– 3. Luxury Asphalt Shingles
– 4. Slate Tiles
– 5. Standing Seam Metal Roof
5 Best Roofing Materials
In this article, we will go over the 5 Best Roofing Materials For Durability and Longevity, as well as general pricing to see if the lifespan is worth the cost. While reading, please keep in mind that any prices are to give a general idea. A roof inspection is the only way to get an accurate estimate, as every house is different, and there are a few different factors that impact the cost of a roof replacement.
Another thing to consider is that how long your roof will last is directly impacted by how your roof is installed. Proper roof installation and satisfactory attic ventilation are necessary in order for you to get the most out of your roof. A vetted, experienced, and reputable contractor will ensure that your roof is installed correctly, and that your attic has the ventilation it needs to last as long as it should.
1. Cedar Shake
When it comes to the best roofing material, we will start the list here with cedar shake. A cedar shake roof is a premier roof system made from gorgeous natural cedar shake shingles and other wooden materials. It’s a fan-favorite, and is sure to add curb appeal to any home.
A cedar shake roof is one of the best roofing materials because it’s extremely durable, lasting around 30 years in the right conditions. Further, if you properly maintain your cedar shake roof, live in the right climate, and invest in quality materials, you may even get up to 50 years out of it!
With that being said, these stunning roofs come with a heftier price tag. A cedar shake roof costs around $25.00-$30.00 per square foot. Aside from the higher price point, the only other true downside is that cedar shake shingles have been known to lose their color, crack, and curl over time.
2. Composite Shingles
The installation of the composite roof above won Elite Exteriors the DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor 2022 Project of the Year award
What is the best roofing material? A great option for someone who is looking for something durable and good looking is composite shingles. Composite, or synthetic, shingles are newer to the roofing industry, but are becoming increasingly popular.
Composite shingles are made of engineered polymer and recycled materials, and are as aesthetically appealing as they are durable. They are designed to look just like a slate roof or a cedar shake roof, but their Class 4 Impact Rating makes them truly unique.
A composite shingle roof will last for around 40-50 years. This applies to both synthetic cedar shake and synthetic slate, but they will have different price points. A composite cedar shake roof will cost around $14.00-$18.00 per square foot, while a composite slate roof can cost anywhere from $10.00-$20.00 per square foot.
When it comes to the best roofing material, you can’t go wrong with composite. And if it’s in your budget, choosing composite is a great way to make sure your roof investment lasts and looks great.
3. Luxury Asphalt Shingles
Similar to composite shingles, luxury asphalt shingles are one of the best roofing materials because they mimic slate roofing tiles. And they aren’t your typical asphalt shingles! They are larger and thicker than the other types of asphalt shingles, which means they should last for around 30 years or so.
With that being said, luxury asphalt shingles are about twice the price of architectural asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material in the country. For example, if you have a two-story home with a steep and complex roof that’s not easy to access, a new luxury asphalt shingle roof will cost around $8.50 per square foot.
4. Slate Tiles
When searching for the best roofing material in terms of durability, longevity, and looks, slate is the way to go. A slate roof is made mostly out of natural slate tiles and other slate roofing materials, and will usually last anywhere from 75 to over 100 years! As long as it is installed properly, a slate roof should last a lifetime.
A stunning slate roof is the longest-lasting roof on the market, but it’s also one of the most costly. Slate roofs cost anywhere from $15.00-$30.00 per square foot. It’s important to note that the installation process is a slow one, and your home must be able to withstand the weight of the slate, as the tiles are very heavy.
5. Standing Seam Metal Roof
Next in the running for the best roofing material: standing seam metal roofs! A standing seam metal roof system consists of a series of metal panels seamed mechanically or locked together at the seams. The metal panels can expand and contract freely when the metal goes through thermal expansion.
When using steel panels, you should be able to get 30 years out of your new standing seam metal roof. The metal is durable on its own, but the true durability comes from the metal’s painted finish. This protects the metal from the elements, and keeps the color from fading.
Many homeowners opt for the Kynar 500 finish, and this comes with a 30-year warranty. However, a standing seam metal roof with a Kynar 500 finish can last up to 50 years in the right conditions. A standing seam metal roof should cost around $15.00 per square foot, and this will vary depending on multiple factors including the complexity of your roof, its accessibility, and the roofing contractor you choose to work with.
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So, what is the best roofing material? You can’t go wrong with any of the styles described above, but an experienced roofing contractor will be able to present all of the options to you, and help you make an informed decision with ease. Choosing a reputable contractor you can trust is key to making the roof installation process a breeze, and obtaining a roof that’s durable, long lasting, and a source of pride.
Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship and incomparable quality; and it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty. We would be honored to help you with your roofing needs, and to answer any questions you may have when it comes to your roof. We also offer FREE initial consultations and inspections, and for more information, give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or fill out our online form.