You are as safe from the elements as the roof over your head, and we mean that literally. That's precisely why you have to choose the best roofing material for your home. While there isn't a universal option for every home, there are a plethora of options to choose from.
We'll look at some of the best roofing materials used in the US. You'll learn about their objective values, cost, and lifespan. With that knowledge, you can choose a material that perfectly fits your home's roof. When you're ready, call the best roof replacement company in Illinois to get the job done quickly.
Quick Overview of the Best Roofing Materials
Here's the short version of every popular and durable roofing option on planet Earth:
Note: There is no universally best material for roofing. Asphalt roofing might be good for a house in one town, but not ideal in another town. You have to find the right material according to your needs, which includes the structure of your roof, budget, and goals.
Best Roofing Materials: Why They Deserve Your Roof
Your roof needs the best material, and you need more information to make an educated choice. Here's a detailed dive into each type of roofing material and their specifications.
1. Asphalt Shingles: Most Common Roofing Material
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the US. According to the Freedonia group, about 80% of the house roofs in the US use Asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingle roofs are widely popular because they are very cheap, offer a great variety, and are resistant to the elements.
Architectural asphalt shingles also offer better design appeal and durability. While these shingles are great, they have a lower lifespan than counterparts like clay and concrete tiles. On the bright side, asphalt shingles are much easier to replace at an affordable price.
2. Metal Roofing: Extremely Durable and Weather Resistant
Metal roofing is a more modern approach to resilient roofing. These roofs use durable metal sheets to insulate your roof from rain, hail, and the sun. While metal roofs have a high upfront cost, they require low long-term maintenance.
These metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years, which makes them a great cost-to-time material. On the downside, you'll have to hire more professional roofers to install a metal roof, which inflates your upfront cost. Use our roof replacement calculator to get an accurate estimate.
3. Clay and Concrete Tiles: Traditional Roofing Material
Clay tile roofs have been around since the Neolithic age, and rightfully so. Concrete tile roofs are a relatively modern addition that brings down the cost. Nevertheless, these tiles are resilient to every type of weather, while providing great insulation from summer and winter sun.
The beautiful design gives your property great appeal and value. The biggest downside of these tiles is their weight, which might require structural reinforcements. Clay and concrete tiles are also more expensive compared to other types of roofing material.
4. Slate Roofing: Long-lasting and Durable
Slate is one of the most durable roofing materials, second only to clay and concrete. It offers amazing climate resistance, resisting hot and cool temperatures, making it a versatile option for old and new roofs. The best part is that almost any roofing contractor can install it.
The downsides of slate roofing are frequent maintenance and high costs. While slate roofing is cheaper than some types of metal roofing, the $10 to $30 cost per square foot is relatively high. Alternatively, slate tiles require more maintenance in stormy regions.
5. Wood Shingles and Shakes: Heat Resistant and Appealing
Wooden shingles are one of the best roof types for protection against warm temperatures. Wood has a high heat capacity, which makes it very resistant to high temperatures. These roofs also have great curb appeal because of their synergy with greenery.
The downside is that wood catches fire more easily. It's not the best choice for places where wildfires are more prevalent. Wood roofs are also more susceptible to rot and require more frequent maintenance.
6. Synthetic Roofing: Modern and Durable
Synthetic roofing is a relatively modern product that relies on polymers, rubber, and other materials. These products look like slate tiles but are much lighter and more affordable. The plastic and polymer combination makes them much more resilient to moisture, heat, and strong impacts.
The downside of synthetic roofing is the varying quality of the products. The long-term feasibility of these roofings is also questionable because of limited research. Nevertheless, it's an option that is always on the table.
New Roofing Innovations
Over the years, there have been multiple new roofing innovations. These new roofing choices for homes are designed to balance cost with climate resistance and extra benefits. Here are some of the newest roofing innovations:
- Cool Roof: These are new, innovative roofing methods where shingles, coatings, and other materials are used for extraordinary reflection, weather resistance, and durability. Cool roofs are gaining popularity in hot climate states like Texas and Florida because of their energy efficiency.
- Solar Shingles: As the name implies, these are solar-cell shingles that blend with normal shingles. These shingles give you the same benefits while generating electricity. Solar shingles are great for homeowners who want to undercut their electricity bills with the added benefit of a cool house.
- Green Roofs: These are a part of the eco-friendly movement across the United States. Green roofs use a combination of vegetation to make your house cooler. These roofs are known for their insulation and cooling effects.
- Recycled Roofing: It's a sustainable roof that is designed and built with recycled plastic, rubber, and other synthetic materials. Some synthetic roofing materials are a form of recycled roofing. While not as popular as other innovations, recycled roofing is more sustainable and eco-friendly.
How to Pick the Best Roofing Material for Your Home?
Choosing the best roofing material is about understanding your location, climate trends, and budget-to-lifespan ratio. These are the four factors that help you get the roof that turns your house into a castle. Here is a detailed peek into all the considerations:
- Climate Sustainability: A good roofing option protects you from the local climate of your region. For example, a wooden roofing shingle roof might help you against rain and heat, but they aren't safe in green areas prone to wildfires.
- Durability and Lifespan: Good roofing material should be durable with a long lifespan. The lifespan of a product determines its long-term affordability. The durability of the right roofing material makes it resilient to unusual weather elements like heavy hail and stormy winds.
- Aesthetic Appeal: A roof is an important part of the curb appeal of your property. Some roofing materials offer more curb appeal compared to others. A good example of this is clay tile roofs compared to classic asphalt shingles.
- Existing Structure: Replacing a roof with heavier material could debilitate the structural integrity. It is of the utmost importance that you take care of structural integrity. Naturally, you have to hire the right roofing team who have the skills to take care of your roof.
After you choose a material, you'll have to think about installation. A building material is only as good as the skill of the worker who installs it. If you want the best value for your money and specialized roofing services, contact Global Exterior Experts.
FAQs - Best Roofing Materials Explained
What is the best roofing material?
Metal roofing is often considered the best roofing material because of its intrinsic values. These roofs are fireproof, water-resistant, and offer great maintenance value. Some structures that you can consider are corrugated and standing seam metal roofs.
Which roofing material lasts the longest?
Slate and clay or concrete tiles last the longest because of their durability and weather resistance. These materials can easily last more than 70 years, and in some cases have lifespans of 100+ years. The only downside of these materials is their heaviness and steep price tag.
What is the most expensive roofing material?
Slate roofs are often the most expensive because of their per-unit price, installation, and additional structural reinforcement costs. The cost of slate roofs is why they are often associated with high-end homes.
What is the cheapest roofing material?
Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing material. These are also the most popular roofing materials in the US, thanks to their affordability, availability, and ease of installation. While they don't have the lifespan of clay or slate, asphalt does offer weather resistance and durability.
Bottom Line on Best Roofing Materials
Some of the best roofing materials include asphalt, clay, slate, metal, wood, and synthetic polymers. The most expensive materials won't always be the right material for your area or needs. You have to choose the right roofing material by considering your home's structure, purpose, weather patterns, and budget.
When you've selected the material you need to protect your home, contact a credible roofing company. At Global Exterior Experts, we combine convenience with affordability. You get a professionally fitted roof at an affordable price that you can't resist.
Call us at +18774554562 or reach out via email at info@globalexteriorexperts.com for any questions. If you're all set to go, get a free roofing estimate. Get in touch today to get your home protected with the best roofing materials.
.webp)