Top 3 Types of Roofs and How to Find the Best Type of Roof for You
If you are looking for a full roof replacement, now’s the time to make a decision on the type of roof that you want. Roofers around the country offer various materials based on their client’s preference and style. At Duluth Roofing, our top three sellers are asphalt shingles, metal, and cedar shake. Each of these types of roofs have pros and cons that you need to consider before making your decision.
1. Asphalt Shingles – Simple, Economical, Familiar
When looking for the best type of roof for your home, the most affordable and most popular option is asphalt shingles. Drive through the majority of neighborhoods in America, and you’ll find shingle roofs in a variety of colors and styles. Asphalt shingles can be used in any type of climate. Because of its ease of installation and affordability, the majority of roofers recommend it to their clients.
While common and economical, asphalt shingles do have a few faults. For instance, out of all the various types of roofing materials, asphalt is not very environmentally friendly. Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan than other types of roofs, and they are more likely to obtain storm damage than other more durable options. When considering asphalt shingles, it’s important to consider how long you plan on living in the house and whether you want the roof to outlast your stay.
2. Metal Roofing – Environmentally-Friendly, Long-lasting, Durable
Metal roofing is growing in popularity due to its environmentally-friendly properties and long lifespan. As steel mills continue to evolve, there are more textures and colors of metal roofing available to homeowners. Metal is very durable and can withstand inclement weather with minimal damage. For homes located in the southern United States, metal roofing reflects heat away from the home, which could help save as much as 40% in energy costs.
The metal can be recycled as well and is a sustainable option. For homeowners who value roofs with long lifespans, metal roofs can last up to 50 years. A few potential pitfalls with metal roofing involve installation and fixes. Your roofer must be qualified and knowledgeable about metal roof installation. Poor installations can lead to leaks. While metal roofs are more difficult to damage, they are also more difficult to repair. If your asphalt shingles are damaged in a storm, it’s usually a quick fix. But if your metal roof gets damaged, it’s a more costly repair that usually involves replacing an entire panel.
3. Cedar Shake – Trendy, Unique, Natural
Have you heard of cedar shake roofing? Cedar shake roofing is a unique, striking material used to create a strong aesthetic. Cedar shake is completely natural and recyclable. While it’s more expensive than metal roofing, it is easier to repair. Similar to asphalt shingles, cedar shake can be patched rather than completely replaced. If you want a natural and outdoorsy look to your home, take a look at cedar shake. However, be cautious if you live in an area with fire risks, as the material is much more flammable than asphalt or metal.
While cedar shake roofs are beautiful and unique, they also have the shortest lifespan. But, cedar shake is also more durable than asphalt shingles, so your roof will require less maintenance over the years. If you are looking for a natural look and feel that makes your home stand out, cedar shake might be a great choice for you.
Which type of roof is best for me?
As you’ve read, each of the above types of roofs have positives and negatives. So how do you choose the best type of roof for your home? We’ve compiled a short list of questions to ask yourself to help you with this decision.
- What is my budget?
If you are building a new home or if you are looking to replace an existing roof, think about your budget before you get attached to a specific style of roof. Asphalt shingles are the most affordable option for homeowners on a budget. If a budget is not a concern, you can look into more expensive options like cedar shake.
- Do I have a flat or low sloped roof?
Flat roofing systems are a bit different from common sloped roofs. If you have a flat or minimally sloped roof, look into EPDM rubber roofing. It’s one of Duluth Roofing’s bestsellers! EPDM rubber roofing lasts just as long as metal roofs and is extremely durable. While most commonly used on commercial buildings, it can also be installed on residential homes.
- What is my aesthetic?
Take a look at the homes in your neighborhood. Do you want your home to stand out from the rest? Or do you want to align with the homes around yours? If you want your home to have a unique aesthetic, you might want to consider metal or cedar shake.
- What’s my climate?
For homes in the north, snow is an important weather component that you need to consider when choosing a roof option. Metal roofs have more trouble with snow loads and need to be treated with more care and caution in the winter months. If you live in a dry climate, cedar shake could be more of a fire hazard in the dry months.
- How long will I live in my home?
If you plan to live in your home for 30 or more years, you might want to consider a roof with a longer lifespan, like metal. If you’re only planning on living in your home for the next 10 years, asphalt shingles are a cheaper option to consider for more short-term housing.
Deciding what the best type of roof is for your home is an important decision. Talk to your roofing professional if you still have questions. While our number one seller is asphalt shingles, that doesn’t mean that it should be your automatic selection. Your home is a reflection of your style and personality, and your roof should be no different!
Do you have questions about how to choose your roofing material? We are happy to help! Feel free to send us a question on our contact page.
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We’re excited to meet you and learn more about your unique roofing needs. To get the ball rolling, please submit an inquiry. A member of our team will be in touch immediately to schedule a meeting to review your project.