Choosing the right contractor to work with, and choosing the right roofing types for your home, are two of the most important decisions you will have to make when it comes to your roof replacement. In this instance, choosing the right roofing types means choosing the roofing materials that fulfill your wants and needs. When it comes to the decision-making process, homeowners will need to consider curb appeal, budget, and how long you want your roof to last.
In this article, we will discuss the 4 Main Roofing Types in order to help you make your decision. When reading about the different roof types, we want you to keep aesthetics, budget, and longevity in mind. Each roofing system has something different to offer, and we’re here to help you make an informed decision when choosing the materials that are best for you.
Table of Contents
– Asphalt Roofing Types
– Metal Roofing Types
– Premium Roofing Types
– Flat Roofing and Membrane Roofing Types
Asphalt Roofing Types
Asphalt roofing is one of the most popular roofing types, and consists of asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components. It’s very common to see asphalt roofing no matter where you live, and the advantages to this roofing type are that it’s affordable, easy to install and repair, and comes with plenty of options when it comes to warranties and colors. The disadvantages of asphalt roofs include lower aesthetic appeal, a shorter lifespan compared to other materials, and they require maintenance inspections once a year after installation.
If you’re in the market for an asphalt roof, then you will want to consider the three different types of asphalt shingles. The first type is 3-tab asphalt shingles. These will lay flat on your roof, and will have three tabs on each shingle strip. Their lifespan is about 15-20 years, averaging a 25-year prorated warranty. 3-tab asphalt shingles cost around $4.00 per square foot, and if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly choice, this may be the best option for you.
The second type of asphalt roofing comes in the form of architectural asphalt shingles. This roofing style can provide some dimension to your roof, as the random patterns can add depth or simulate the look of a shake roof. Architectural asphalt shingles will typically last around 20-25 years, and have a 30-year prorated warranty, with the option to get a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty. This costs around $5.86 per square foot, which is a great option for those looking for cost-efficient curb appeal.
The last type of asphalt shingles are luxury asphalt shingles. This high-quality option offers larger shingles with shadow lines, making it look more like a slate roof. The lifespan for luxury asphalt shingles is about 20-30 years, but can last up to 50 years under the right conditions. They come with a 30-year prorated warranty, with the option to upgrade to the 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty. Luxury asphalt shingles will cost around $7.50 per square foot, and are a great option for those who want the benefits of asphalt shingles with some added curb appeal.
Metal Roofing Types
Metal roofing systems are the second roofing type we will discuss. They are made from steel, copper, or stainless steel, and are essentially metal panels with a painted finish that are held together by other metal roofing components. When it comes to metal roofing, you will choose between a screw down metal roof with exposed fasteners, or a standing seam metal roof. Both are great options, and each serves a specific purpose.
A screw down metal roof means that metal panels are fastened down using screws and washers, screwed through the face of the metal into the decking. The advantages of a screw down metal roof are its durability, and the painted finish makes for a variety of color options. The disadvantages are as follows:
– Can be noisy when it rains
– Expansion and contraction capabilities are limited
– Roof maintenance is required to replace screws over time
– Can be prone to leaks, especially when not installed properly
A screw down panel metal roof will usually last anywhere from 20-30 years, and warranties will vary pending the painted finish the manufacturer uses. Prices start at $4.50 per square foot, and this is a great option for those looking for an affordable metal roof. We recommend this option for those looking to roof a barn or a non-living space.
The second metal roofing type is a standing seam metal roof. This is when a series of metal panels are installed together at the seams, or seamed mechanically with the ribs, anywhere from 12 to 24 inches apart. This option is recommended for residential roofing when it comes to metal roofs, because unlike the screw down metal roof, a standing seam metal roof can expand and contract freely. Advantages of this option include the following:
– Durable
– Long-lasting
– The painted finish makes for a variety of color options
– Increases curb appeal
– Requires little maintenance
With the advantages comes some disadvantages, as well. The disadvantages of a standing seam metal roof include oil canning over time, they can be noisy when it rains, are about double the cost of an asphalt roof, and take more skill to repair and install. With that being said, standing seam metal roofs can last anywhere from 30-50 years, and will typically come with a 30 year warranty.
Pricing starts at around $12.00-$15.00 per square foot. This is a great option for those looking for a long-lasting roof that’s sure to increase your home’s value and curb appeal.
Premium Roofing Types
Premium roofing systems are the ideal roofing type for those looking to increase their home’s aesthetic appeal. The materials are certainly more expensive, but if your budget allows for premium roofing materials, then we highly recommend considering this as an option. The three types of premium roof systems we will go over are composite roofing, cedar shake, and slate.
Composite shingles, or synthetic shingles, are made out of recycled materials or a synthetic polymer that are created to look just like a cedar shake or slate roof. There are tons of advantages when choosing composite roofing, including the following:
– Composite materials are eco-friendly
– They are long lasting and extremely durable
– They look just like the real thing, but aren’t as expensive
– Composite shingles are lightweight, which can extend the life of your roof
– They come with an excellent materials warranty
– Composite shingles have a high-scoring impact rating, making it resistant to damage from the elements
The only significant disadvantages to mention are that composite roofing is newer to the roofing industry, and can be expensive. However, composite shingles are known to last anywhere from 40-50 years, and come with a limited lifetime warranty that varies per manufacturer.
Composite shingles start at around $12.00-$15.00 per square foot, but can get up to $20.00 per square foot, or more, depending on your selection. If you’re wanting roofing materials that can greatly increase your home’s curb appeal, are long-lasting, and more affordable than authentic shake or slate tiles, then this may be the way to go.
The next type of premium roofing we will discuss is cedar shake roofing. This is a premium roofing system made of natural wood materials. This gorgeous roofing type is sure to turn heads, and can last longer than asphalt shingles. There are some significant disadvantages to consider when it comes to cedar shake, however, including the following:
– Availability of materials
– Can cost three times more than an asphalt roof
– Requires expert skill to repair and install
– Climate can affect the longevity of your cedar shake roof
– There is no material warranty
With that in mind, cedar shake roofs can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years, depending on the climate in your area. Because it’s a natural material, however, there is no material warranty. This can cost anywhere from $25.00-$30.00 per square foot, and is a great option for those who aren’t necessarily worried about budgeting, and want a breathtakingly beautiful roof.
The last type of premium roofing we will discuss is slate roofing. This is a premium roofing system made mostly of natural slate tiles and other slate roofing materials. Slate materials are lifetime materials, and can certainly make your roof, and your home, stand out. The disadvantages are as follows:
– Slate is very expensive
– Slate is heavy, so your home must be able to withstand the weight of the materials
– Foot traffic on your roof can damage the tiles
– It takes a slate specialist to install and repair it correctly
– No material warranty
Even though there is no material warranty, since it’s a natural material, your slate roof can last 75-100 years! It costs anywhere from $15.00-$30.00 per square foot, or more, depending on your selection. If cost isn’t a concern, then this is an outstanding option for those who want a beautiful roof that will last a lifetime.
Flat Roofing and Membrane Roofing
As far as roofing types go, if you have a flat roof, or a roof with a low slope, you may have to decide between a metal roof or a membrane roof system. And while metal is a marvelous option, many homeowners choose to go with a membrane roofing system. A membrane roof system is made out of sheets of rolled, synthetic, water-repellent membrane. The sheets come in widths of either 5 feet, 10 feet, or 20 feet.
The advantages of membrane roofing include the cost, as they are cheaper than metal roofs. Certain membrane roofs can keep the room beneath it cool, as well, and its water-proofing capabilities are another benefit. This roofing type is mostly used for commercial projects and/or low slope roofs. There are three types of membrane roof systems to consider including EPDM, TPO, and PVC, which we will discuss below.
The first membrane roof system we will go over is EPDM, which stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. This is a synthetic rubber membrane that comes in black, and is most commonly used in medical facilities and other commercial roofing projects. This type of roof system can last up to 30 years, and will usually come with a 10 year warranty.
It costs around $14.00-$17.00 per square foot for a smaller roof, and about $12.00 per square foot on larger projects. EPDM is recommended for a roof over a garage, as well as any other non-living area where you can see the roof from a window. This is because its black color doesn’t get or look as dirty as a white membrane roof.
The second type of membrane roof system is TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin. This is a single-ply, white membrane roof system that reflects heat, and is seen in both commercial and residential roofing projects. TPO can last up to 25 years, and typically comes with a 10-year warranty. This can cost around $14.00-$17.00 per square foot for a smaller roof, and about $12.00 per square foot for a larger project.
We recommend this type of roofing if you have a flat roof, or a low-slope dormer over a bedroom. TPO is a great option in this situation, as it can help to keep the room beneath it cooler. As opposed to EPDM, we do not recommend installing this in a place where it can be seen from a window. This is because the white membrane will look and become a lot dirtier in a shorter amount of time.
Last but not least is PVC, or polyvinyl chloride membrane roof systems. This is a single-ply, white membrane which is used in both residential and commercial roofing. It’s a bit more flexible, and has been around longer than TPO.
PVC roof systems can last up to 25 years, and will usually come with a 10-year warranty. This can cost around $14.00-$17.00 per square foot for a smaller roof, and about $12.00 per square foot for a larger project. Similar to TPO, we recommend PVC for a flat roof over a living space where the area cannot be seen from a window. This is because PVC is also white in color, and can get dirty over time.
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Now that you know the different roofing types, you can make an informed decision as to which materials are best for your roofing needs. All of the aforementioned roofing types will make for a great looking roof, but each has their pros and cons to consider. It’s important to choose the materials that fit the style you’re looking for, while also staying in your budget.
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. Elite Exteriors also offers FREE initial consultations and inspections, and for more information, give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or fill out our online form.