Whether it’s banana leaves, thatching, asphalt or ceramic tiles, the materials you select as a roof covering are typically influenced by your local climate. Sure, your architecture plays a role as you certainly would not use inexpensive asphalt shingles on an elaborately designed home, and there are planned communities governed by HOAs that restrict your ability to change the appearance of your home. Overall, though, if you are looking to get an excellent roof for the geographical area in which you live, there are certain things to consider when determining the best roofing materials for your climate.
Affordability, Efficiency and Safety
As a rule, you should expect your roof to last at least 20 years or longer, so your choice of roofing materials must consider the weather, despite how dramatically transformational that has become in recent years. Wind, rain, hail, snow and intense sun rays all deliver unique challenges for certain materials. In addition, we have learned the hard way how some roofing materials are safer than others. Further, your choice of roof decking, shingles or tiles and insulation will have an impact on your utility costs. Given all these factors, it is easy to see there is much to consider when deciding on which roofing materials to use.
Let’s face it: The expense associated with having a roof installed is not a minor issue. The temptation to go with the lowest bidder is a great one, however, there are several reasons to avoid inducements designed to sway your choice. You need to weigh the costs of a cheap roof now against those that would come later. Unfortunately, the roofing industry is rife with unscrupulous fly-by-night charlatans looking to get that big paycheck today only to be among the missing tomorrow when you need them to fix their mistakes.
A professional roofing company like Family Roofing is prepared to balance your expectation for high-quality materials with your budget constraints. An ethical roofer does not cut corners. He is trained to give you reliable service and performance producing a secure roof that will last for decades.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
Keeping a roof over your head connotes great meaning both for what it represents in terms of a secure place to live and for all that it takes to achieve one. The typical cost to install a roof ranges between $5,113 and $9,813 with the national average somewhere around $7,300. Further, a reputable roofer will be up front with you as to whether you need a replacement, or if you can get by with repairs. An example of the difference is replacement for $6,500 versus repair coming in at about $550.
As you commit to the expense and labor-intensive work of roof renovation, it becomes evident that maintaining this consequential cover is paramount to the security of your home, your occupants and the value represented by all that is contained within your home. As the years go by, regular inspections and spot repairs can greatly save you the potential problems that can arise from ignoring your roof.
Types and Qualitative Differences in Roofing Materials
Unless your roof features a single sheet or piece of roofing material that covers the building, you can accept that the materials used fall under the category of the shingle roof. Shingles are made from a variety of materials and the choice, as you have seen here, may be influenced by the climate in your region, your tastes and your budget. The goal in selecting the right shingles has everything to do with protecting the roof decking, defending against leaks, decreasing the risk of losing materials when there are storms, increasing energy efficiency and the beautification of your home.
The following are the different shingle types, their costs and the pros and cons:
Asphalt
The most economical and common material found on American rooftops. Light, easy to install and recyclable as the technology has advanced. Susceptible to high heat and sunny weather and their longevity can be reduced in hot, arid climates. Cost for professional installation ranges between $1,700 and $8,400.
Wood Shake
Attractive both to look at and to invasive insects. All-natural material susceptible to deterioration and prone to fire, if untreated. Susceptible to mold in damp climates and prone to splitting or cracking in high-heat climates. Easy to replace if you are handy with wood working. Cost for professional installation ranges between $6,800 and $20,000. Simulated wood shake shingles made from recycled plastic or rubber increases fire protection and can range from $12,600 to $18,900.
Metal
Rust- and algae-resistant, waterproof and longest-lasting roofing material. Excellent choice for regions that are typically wet. Susceptible to denting from hail, but hail presents a threat to most all roofing materials. Flat metal sheets provide greater wind resistance than shingles, which can be blown off in the kind of hurricane-force winds seen in Florida. High in cost but an attractive choice for homeowners planning to stay in their homes for a long time.
Costs vary based upon options:
- Steel ranges from $5,100 to $22,000
- Aluminum, which is light weight ranges from $11,900 to $24,200
- Copper, which takes on a patina ranges from $25,500 to $39,600
Tile
available in both concrete or ceramic, long-lasting, comes in custom shapes and colors, easy to replace single tiles. Popular in desert climates as seen in Arizona and Nevada. Blocks heat, wind resistant and requires special tools for installation. Needs an expert installer. Cost for professional installation of concrete tiles ranges between $7,650 and $21,000 and ceramic tiles for $11,900. However, customization increases the range between $17,000 to $60,000.
Note: Tiles are heavier and require extra reinforcement in colder zones like the Midwest to support both the roofing materials and the weight of heavy snows.
Slate
long-lasting, natural look, popular for larger houses like the Federal-style of American colonial architecture found on the East coast. Cost for professional installation ranges from $17,000 to $120,000 depending on the square footage, the site location and complexity of the installation. Recycled rubber is used to produce a synthetic version of slate shingles ranging from $11,900 to $27,000.
Note: Rubber roofing is more wind-resistant but attracts heat both while working with the materials and drawing heat into the house. It is possible to purchase light shades of all types of shingles to reflect sunlight to diminish heat capture. In colder climates, dark shingles help draw the heat into the house.
As a structural element, your roof constitutes the single-most significant area of your home not only providing protection from the elements and nature, but also as a contributing factor affecting indoor air quality management. To summarize the choices of the best roofing materials for your climate, metal may be the best for wet or humid zones, tile is the best choice for desert regions and asphalt remains a good choice in cold regions. You must consider all the factors that impact your choice of roofing materials. A professional roofer will walk you through the steps to determine the best option for your home.
