There are many different roof materials to choose from when your roof is ready for replacement. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Wooden Roof Materials
Advantages: Wooden shingles give your home a natural look and are aesthetically pleasing. Typically, wood roofs last for up to 30 years. Factors that affect how long yours will last include:
- Local climate
- Thickness of the shingle cut
- Type of wood
- Maintenance
While wood shingles, like cedar, weigh less than slate or clay, they are strong and durable.
Disadvantages: Wooden shingles are more expensive than some other types of roofing materials. Expect to pay up to $7 per square foot. In some areas, this kind of roofing has been banned because of wildfire risks. Wooden shingles must be properly treated and maintained in order to prevent them from:
- Drying out
- Cracking
- Warping
- Mildew
- Insects
Asphalt Shingles
Advantages: Of all the different roof materials, asphalt is one of the most affordable. You’ll only pay only about $2 to $5.50 per square foot for basic 3-tab shingles. Architectural shingles are thicker and higher quality, so they cost more and last longer.
Disadvantages: Asphalt shingles don’t last as long as some other roofing options. Expect an asphalt roof to last somewhere between 15 and 30 years, depending on the type of shingle. In comparison, there are other roofing options available that will last for more than 50 years.
Asphalt shingles are vulnerable to damage from:
- Heat
- Storm damage
- Strong winds
Metal Roof Materials
Advantages: A metal roof can be made from roof materials like aluminum, copper, and steel.
Metal roofing material comes in many different colors and textures. They’re also available in various styles that allow them to compliment any style of architecture.
Paint and metallic coatings help make metal roofs durable. Some will last as long as 60 years. Metal is fire resistant, which may lower your homeowners insurance premiums. Your home’s resale value will typically increase when it has a new metal roof installed.
Disadvantages: Metal roofs can be noisy during storms and are not the cheapest option. Expect to pay $7 to $9 per square foot.
Tile Roofing
Advantages: Tile is one of the most fire-resistant roofing options you can choose. It’s also resistant to insects and rot. Tile roofs can last for over a century. Since tile is a good insulator, a tile roof also helps reduce your monthly energy costs.
Disadvantages: The tradeoff for the above advantages is that tile is costly to install. Materials typically cost anywhere from $4 to $10 per square foot. Your home’s structure needs to be able to withstand the weight of tile, so you’ll need to consult a structural engineer to find out if it will work for your home. Labor costs are higher for tile than other roofing materials.
Compare the different roof materials available and then make the selection that best fits your budget and preferences.
Ryan Sorensen Construction & Inspections serves Eastern Oregon with home inspections. Contact us to book yours today.