There are many different types of roofing materials to choose from, and even more roofing designs are coming out every day. From traditional asphalt shingles to eco-friendly options like green roofs and living roofs, there’s sure to be a perfect fit for your modern home. Depending on your climate, budget, and style preferences, you can consider several residential roofs. Here are eight types of roofs we believe are ideal for your next roofing project:
Asphalt Composite Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials on the market, and for good reasons. Made from fiberglass or organic mat base and coated with asphalt and ceramic granules, asphalt composite shingles are durable, affordable, and easy to install.
They can last up to 30 years when perfectly installed and well-maintained over the years. Asphalt composite shingles also come in various colors and styles to find the perfect match for your home’s exterior. You should expect to part with anything between $1.50 and $5.00 for every square foot installed.
Wooden Shingles
Wooden shingles are another popular roofing material, especially for homeowners who want a more natural look for their homes. Made from cedar, redwood, or pine, wooden shingles are durable and can last up to 60 years with proper installation and maintenance in relatively dry areas. However, they tend to serve a few years (between 20 and 30 years) in damp climates.
While wooden shingles are more expensive than asphalt composite shingles, they provide better curb appeal and are eco-friendly. The average cost of installation of wooden shingles is between $5 and $10 per square.
Foam Roofing
Foam roofing is a type of flat roofing that consists of spray-applied polyurethane foam. Foam roofs are seamless, which means they don’t have the seams and gaps that other types of roofing have. This makes them highly durable and resistant to leaks.
Foam roofs are also energy-efficient, as they reflect sunlight and help keep your home cooler in the summer. The average installation cost for foam roofing is between $3 and $5 per square foot. Before settling for this type of roofing, ensure you can easily find foam roof repair services in your locality.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is one of the most durable types of roofing available. It can last up to 80 years and is resistant to fire, wind, and hail. While many homeowners tend to think of metal roofing as a modern roofing option, they’ve been around for centuries since the 1800s. However, their continued rise in popularity results from the affordability of the popular metal roofing materials like aluminum and zinc.
Metal roofing is also energy-efficient, as it reflects sunlight and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. The average installation cost for metal roofing is between $12 and $14 per square foot.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofs are one of the most expensive types to install, with an average cost of between $20 and $30 per square foot, but they’re also one of the longest-lasting roofs, lasting up to 200 years. Slate is a natural stone that is both fireproof and waterproof, making it an ideal roofing material for those who live in areas prone to wildfires or hurricanes.
Green Roofing
If you’re racing to achieve an energy-efficient green home, then a green roof is an excellent option to consider. Green roofs, also called living roofs, are covered with vegetation and provide insulation for your home while helping to reduce your carbon footprint.
The installation cost will depend on the size and complexity of your green roof, but it’s typically between $15 and $30 per square foot. This is an ideal choice of roofing in areas with a lot of rainfall or snowfall.
Tile Roofing
If you live in an area with high winds, tile roofing is a great option. It’s also an excellent choice for homes in fire-prone areas as it can withstand high temperatures. Tile roofs are made from either clay or concrete, and they come in a variety of colors and styles.
The downside of tile roofing is that it’s one of the most expensive roofing options, with an installation cost of between $10 and $20 per square foot. It’s also heavy, so your home will need to be structurally sound to support its weight for the 50 to 100 years it intends to last on your roof.
Solar Roofing
Solar roofing is a type of roofing that uses photovoltaic cells to generate electricity. Solar roofs can be made from various materials, including asphalt, metal, and tile. They usually have a blue or black color.
Solar roofs are a great way to reduce your energy costs, as they can generate enough electricity to power your home. They also have a long lifespan, with most solar roofs lasting 20 to 30 years.
The type of roof you choose for your home will go a long way in determining its curb appeal, energy efficiency, and overall lifespan. It’s essential that you invest enough time and money in searching for the right roof for your home to avoid any regrets down the road. With so many different types of roofs on the market, there’s sure to be one from the list that’s perfect for your needs.
