Which roofing system is best?

Asphalt Shingles Relatively light, inexpensive, and easy to install, asphalt shingles are the best choice for most homes. They come in sheets that are layered on a roof to give the illusion of more expensive individual tiles, such as cedar and slate, that are installed one tile at a time. You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. For the best possible experience, use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge to view this website.

Choose asphalt shingles because they are one of the easiest types of roofing to find, affordable, and versatile. The most durable types of roofs are slate and clay shingles, but they are more expensive than materials such as metal or wood. Functional roof alternatives, such as green roofs and solar shingles, are among the most expensive types. Replacing an old roof is one of the best and most profitable ways to invest in a home.

Choose the type of roof that best fits your home, climate, and budget, and make sure that if you're installing a new roof, you find the right roofing contractor for you. Manufacturers mix fiberglass, asphalt and mineral compounds to create a variety of colors such as gray, brown, red, green or blue. However, its color will fade over time due to sun exposure. The color and quality will look different depending on whether you choose architectural or three-tab shingles.

Architectural asphalt shingles are individual shingles that are thicker than the three tabs to create a durable layered texture on your roof. Higher quality material and longer installation make architectural shingles more expensive. However, they can last 15 to 30 years and are more weather resistant. Three-barbed asphalt shingles are thinner and cut to look like three shingles.

This allows for faster installation and creates a uniform, brick-like pattern. They are prone to high winds and generally last 7 to 15 years. These are often the most affordable roofing option. Did you know? Paris' blue-gray roofs get their color from zinc panels that were first installed in the 1830s.

Wood ceilings pair well with charming Cape Cod cottages, cozy Craftsman and Tudor style homes. They start to brown sand and silver with age. Wood roofs can last 50 years in dry climates, but should be treated in fire-prone areas, such as California. Humid climates, such as the East Coast, cut through wooden roofs more quickly due to water damage.

While expensive to install and repair, clay shingles last longer than almost all other types of roofs. It's common in places like Southern California and Florida because clay roofs are perfect for warm climates, can withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour, and are incredibly fire resistant. You can choose between natural slate, quarry or synthetic alternatives, such as fiber cement slate or bituminous styles. Synthetic slate is much more affordable and has many of the same benefits as.

Once you know the truth about green roofs, you could top your list. Typically one of the most affordable types of roofs, roll roofs are quite popular with homeowners and builders on a budget. All installation materials are affordable and labor is also cost effective. Ideal for roofs with a lower slope, this rolled material can be easily nailed into place.

However, you should not nail flat roofs. Doing so can cause water leaks. Rachel is a home improvement writer and content editor. In addition to being a contributing writer at Forbes, she writes for small businesses and creative agencies.

She uses her home improvement expertise to give homeowners the knowledge they need to furnish and care for their homes. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics related to the home, including home improvements and repairs. He edited home repair and design content on websites such as The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. He has also presented videos on DIY tips and solutions for the home and has launched several home improvement review boards with licensed professionals.

The most common residential roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles are popular because they are inexpensive and easy to install. These shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose) without changing the appearance of the tile. Asphalt shingles will last between 15 and 30 years. They are by far the most popular roofing material due to their cost-effectiveness.

This roofing material should last between 30 and 50 years. Wood shingles are usually made of fire-resistant woods, such as cedar or redwood. When it comes to energy efficiency, wood is a natural insulator, wood shingles are naturally about twice as efficient as asphalt shingles. And because they're 100% natural, asphalt shingles are one of the most sustainable roofing materials on the market.

Metal roofing materials will last between 30 and 50 years. Made of steel, copper, zinc alloy, or aluminum, metal roofs are slightly more expensive than their asphalt and wood counterparts. That said, they are significantly more durable. Not only are most metal roofs created from recycled materials, but many are also 100% recyclable.

A slate roof can last 75 to 150 years. One of the oldest roofing materials, slate is also one of the most expensive. Slate is one of the most expensive materials because it will last the better part of a century, and if the roof is well built, more than 150 years. Because of this, slate is an incredibly sustainable roofing material.

Roofing waste (specifically asphalt shingle waste) accounts for 3% of all waste in landfills. This is because homeowners have to replace most roofing materials every 30 to 50 years. A roof that could last three times longer than its competition is much better for the environment. GAF Premium Designer shingles combine handcrafted shapes with layered dimensional designs.

This gives your roof the improved look of traditional slate or wood slats at a fraction of the cost. Unique colors and designs mean you have plenty of options to find the look that complements your home. Then, get some references, stop by the houses they covered 5 to 15 years ago to see how the roofs they have installed are maintained. Many roofing contractors try to use a 3-tab cut tile as the “start course” on their roof.

All other things being equal, always look for the highest solar reflectivity rating (SRI) available and lightest colors for the highest energy efficiency of a roofing system. If you're looking for a little more durability, a composite tile roof (40-50 years old) and a standing seam metal roof (50 years old) are the way to go. If the look of your roof isn't important, I would recommend using any of these asphalt tile roofs. But it is more suitable for sheds, garages and perhaps porch roofs, and not a very good solution for most house roofs.

While material is incredibly important, proper installation can make or break your roof (literally). A cedar roof is a premium roof system made of natural wood materials (cedar) and is one of the most aesthetically pleasing roofing materials on the market. Here is your Complete Guide to Buying a Roof to learn everything there is to know about buying a new roof. Here are brief summaries to help you narrow down your options or choose a roof that fits your home and your purposes.

The drip edge forces water to adhere to the flashing, and then directs the water down and away from the edge of the roof. Energy Efficiency Will Report Total Cost If you choose a cheaper roofing material that isn't very energy efficient, your electricity bills will be higher. It also gives you the cost, how to find a great roofing contractor, how to pay for a new roof, and much more. The go-to roofing option for hundreds of years, many homeowners love the look of shingles and wood slats and how they wear down to an attractive shade of gray.

If you want the slate, tile, or wood look without the installation and maintenance costs, consider today's composite roofing. . .