7 Best Roofing Materials for Your New Roof

Are you thinking about getting a new roof? You’ll have to consider a few things first. A roof has many important features; you shouldn’t base a decision only on one aspect. 

One of your priorities is going to be the price, for sure, but going with the cheapest option usually isn’t best.

Which roofing material you choose is going to depend on factors such as: 

• The area where you live, 
• The type of weather you usually experience, 
• Whether you’re willing to pay extra for environmentally conscious upgrades,

and more. 

All of these features can impact cost and longevity. With that said, we’ve prepared a list of the seven best roofing materials used for residential roofs.

We hope it will help you decide on your own roofing system!

Types of Roof Materials

As we already mentioned, choosing the right materials requires you to consider several factors. 

The most important ones are:

• Your budget
• Desired appearance
• And longevity.

We’ll touch upon each material’s pros and cons in this post. However, you can always contact a trusted and experienced roofer for a second opinion.

Here are the seven most popular roofing materials used in residential roofing:

Asphalt shingles 

For decades, asphalt shingles have dominated the roofing market. They have been the number one choice for most homeowners across the United States. Asphalt is a popular roofing material, mainly because it’s widely available and affordable.

Although they are not the most energy-efficient material, they still offer many benefits.

First and foremost, they are one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market. They offer good quality for their price, too. They will do a good job protecting your home. 

Since there are various color and style options, they’ll significantly add to your home’s curb appeal. 

How Long Do They Last?

Asphalt shingles are fire-resistant, and their installation and repair are fairly easy. They come in 3-tab, architectural, and luxury options: 

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles 

This option is a bargain when it comes to asphalt shingles. However, they can last between 15-20 years, even with proper maintenance. If not cared for, their lifespan can be significantly shortened.

Architectural Asphalt Shingles 

Architectural shingles rank somewhere in the middle when it comes to their cost and quality. With proper maintenance, they can usually last between 20-30 years.

Luxury Asphalt Shingles 

These shingles have the longest lifespan and are of the highest quality. The files are triple the density of regular asphalt. They’re a bit on the pricier side in the asphalt shingle family, but can last 25-40 years, depending on how well you maintain them.

Solar Shingles

Solar shingles are solar panels integrated into the roof. Many believe that solar roofs are the future. Solar shingles function the same as any other common roofing material. What sets them apart, however, is that they generate solar energy into electricity!

With solar shingles, you’ll give your home a more modern look while producing your own power. You can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bills by installing solar shingles on your roof. You’ll decrease your carbon footprint, too.

Today, many governments offer financial incentives for homeowners to install renewable energy systems.

Switching to solar energy with solar roofing can be a wise financial decision.

What’s Their Expected Lifespan?

Solar shingles can last up to 30 years. Their lifespan depends on how they were installed and how they’re being cared for. Because of how they’re placed, they’re less likely to be seriously damaged.

They can withstand fire pretty well, too.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are thin pieces of wood sawn off from logs. These shingles are machine-cut, which makes them smooth with clean edges. They’re 100% natural and made of fire-resistant wood, such as cedar, redwood, or southern pine. 

Besides their attractive look, they are renewable, biodegradable and recyclable. Wood shingles are more energy efficient than other materials.

What’s Their Expected Lifespan?

Wood shingles have an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years. However, with proper cleaning and maintenance in a suitable climate, they can last up to 50 years.

Wood Shakes 

Like its shingle neighbor, wood shakes are comprised of cedar, pine, or redwood. They offer a natural, elegant look to your home. They are thicker and more textured than wood shingles.

Since they’re thicker, they are a bit more expensive, too. Interestingly, wood shakes offer greater insulation than asphalt shingles. They will make your home comfortable and reduce heating and cooling costs.

They are wind- and hail-resistant, too. This means they can withstand most levels of storm damage.

What’s Their Expected Lifespan?

Not only are they thicker than wooden shingles, but they are resistant to UV as well. Wood shake roofs can last an average of 35 to 40 years, and even longer if you live in a mild climate!

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Tile roofing is one of the oldest types of roofing. Their roots go far back to even ancient times! That doesn’t come as a surprise, as they can be long-lasting and durable.

Thanks to modern techniques, they are even stronger and more beautiful today. They are resistant to insects, moisture, and fire. Unless a tile cracks, there’s no leaking at all.

Clay tiles help regulate indoor temperatures, too. You can recycle them at the end of their lifespan, which makes them a sustainable roofing option.

They offer fewer style and color options than the others, but there are still quite a few designs to choose from.

What Is Their Expected Lifespan?

Concrete and clay roofs can endure most harsh weather conditions. Concrete tile roofs are less expensive and last about 50 years. Clay roofs cost more, but can last up to 100 years with the proper maintenance.

You may only have to replace your roof once in your lifetime, paying off your investment in the long run. That’s a win-win in our book!

Slate Tiles 

A slate roof is one of the most visually appealing roofing options out there. Not only does it enhance your property’s appearance, but the slate material helps keep it safe.

Many homeowners find slate roofs appealing because they require minimal maintenance. Slate tiles are lightweight and sustainable. Slate is one of the densest roofing materials. It’s efficient in regulating home temperatures.

All of these benefits make them more expensive than other materials, however. Slate is a natural material with a low environmental impact. It is entirely recyclable. In the manufacturing process, there are no toxic chemicals used.

Although strong and beautiful, slate tiles can be expensive and require professional installation.

What’s Their Expected Lifespan?

Slate tile roofs are one of the most durable roofing materials available. They can easily last at least a century. They are highly resistant to weather damage, such as hail, wind, or rain. With this type of roof, you can sit back and enjoy your peace of mind for many, many years.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs have seen quite a rise in the residential roofing area. More and more homeowners are replacing their old roofs with new metal roofing. That’s not a surprise, when we look at the growing trend for sustainability and durability.

This roof has a life expectancy of up to 100 years, which means that once you install it, it could be the very last roof you will ever install! A metal roof reflects the sun and the heat, keeping your energy usage in check and your utility bills low. 

Metal roofs have developed and progressed throughout the years. Today, they come in many styles and dozens of different colors. As a homeowner, you will undoubtedly find one that matches your home’s style perfectly.

Metal roofs offer outstanding impact, wind, and fire resistance. They are highly efficient in shedding rain and snow, too. That means there will be much less chance of ice dams forming on them.

These features make metal roofs more costly than their counterparts.

What’s Their Expected Lifespan?

Metal roofs have a lifespan of 50 years or more, making them a great option for long-term projects.

Although the initial cost of installing a metal roof can be high, it pays off in the long run.

Contact Us for a FEE Quick Estimate Request

It’s never easy when it comes to choosing a new roof for your home. Installing a new roof is one of the biggest investments you can make as a homeowner. It’s a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly!

Consider the most important features of a roof before deciding on the one you want. The seven options that we listed above are some of the best and most popular ones.

We believe you’ll find the one that suits your needs best.
Fortified Roofing fits the bill if you’re looking for professionals to help you. For more information on picking your ideal roofing system, contact Fortified Roofing today!