If you are considering replacing your roof, a wide array of options lies before you. Several roofs have different features, lifespans, advantages, and disadvantages.
Knowing that roof replacement is quite an investment, we have created this post to guide you through the most sought-after roofing materials, their advantages, and disadvantages.
Our discussion will feature the following roofing materials:
• Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles
• Asphalt Architectural Shingles
• Concrete Tile
• Clay Tiles
• Metal Roofs
• Slate Shingles
• Wood Shingles
Roofing Types, Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages
1. Asphalt 3-tab shingles
For many years, Asphalt 3-tab shingles have been the undisputed best roofing materials for homes. Homeowners particularly love them because of their color and durability. The roofing material comprises fiberglass/asphalt that has granules for extra protection.
Asphalts are easy to install and affordable, with an impressive lifespan. The average asphalt shingles have a 20-year lifespan.
Advantages of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
- Ease of Installment is one reason many homeowners love this roof. You can install them on old shingles if the deck is still strong.
- Asphalt 3-tab shingles are very affordable. They cost between $1.50 and $5.50 for the average shingle per square.
Asphalt shingles are easy to find. You can find them in shops around you. - Fire resistance is a primary strength of asphalt shingles. They can withstand a burning fire for about two hours before they begin to damage.
Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
- Asphalt shingles are not environment-friendly. The gas emissions associated with their production is quite high. However, they can be recycled and used as pavements.
- Asphalt shingles have a short lifespan compared to other roofing materials. They last between 15 and 20years, but other materials stay for 50 years and above.
- Asphalt shingles can be destroyed by a storm, strong winds, and extreme heat.
2. Architectural shingle features
Architectural shingles have the same features, materials, and features as asphalt shingles, so we won’t repeat those details. However, architectural shingles go a step further to add an extra layer while manufacturing the layer. This material improves the aesthetics and lifespan.
Architectural shingles are a little costlier than their asphalt counterparts. They cost between 22 and 28 dollars per square foot. However, the lifespan of architectural shingle material is 30 years.
3. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is the name for a group of roofs, including aluminum, steel, and copper. Metal roofs are made of corrugated panels that are not very attractive to the eyes. However, modern metal roofing materials now come with designs that work well with almost all architectural styles.
Metal roofing panels are made from copper, aluminum, or steel. The producers add metallic coating alongside the painted finish to increase the appeal and prevent rust. However, aluminum panels naturally resist corrosion and rust.
Depending on your climatic condition, metal roofs have a lifespan between 40 and 80 years.
Advantages of Metal Roofing
- Metal roofs come in over 100 colors and a variety that suits multiple home styles.
- They are durable because of the added paints and coatings. Metal roofing can last for 60 years.
- They are fire-resistant, which can reduce your insurance fees, especially in fire-prone regions.
- A metal roof increases a house’s sales value.
Disadvantages of Metal Roofing
- Metal roofs can cost as much as 21 000 to 50 000 for installation. They also cost between $7.00 and $9.00 per square foot.
- You need an experienced and licensed contractor to handle your metal roofing.
4. Wooden Shingles
Wooden shingles are popular and they have been for centuries. The roof is made from composite wood or hardwood materials. Wooden shingles can last for 30 years in moderate climates.
Wooden shingles cost between $4.50 and $9.00 on the average per square foot.
Advantages of Wood Roofs
- Longer lifespan compared to asphalt roofing. The lifespan however depends on your local climate and the wood type.
- Wooden shingles are natural-looking and appealing to many homes.
- Wooden shingles are made from biodegradable materials and are environmentally friendly.
- Wooden and Cedar shingles are lightweight compared to other roofing materials, but they are strong and can prevent moisture.
Disadvantages of Wood Roofs
- Wooden shingles raise fire concerns, especially in fire-prone areas. You might need additional security against fire.
- Wooden shingles need preservative treatments to prevent them from cracking, warping, and drying out.
5. Tile Roofing: Clay, Slate, and Concrete
The group of roofing materials is the most durable. National Association of Home Builders estimates that they can last for 100 years and above.
Tile roofing materials cost a lot for purchase and installation. They are at $4.00 to $10.00 per square foot.
Advantages of Tile Roofing
- Tile roofing is non-combustible, fire-resistant, and rot-resistant.
- Tile roofing has an amazingly long lifespan.
- They have energy-reducing qualities.
Disadvantages of Tile Roofing
- This roofing material is very heavy and might affect your home’s structure.
- Always discuss with your structural engineer how the weight of your tile roofing will affect your house.
Your roof’s lifespan depends on the kind of roof you purchase. No two roofs have the same lifespan, features, or even price.
Wood shingle roofs have a lifespan of 30 years with regular maintenance. They look beautiful on any building because of their natural look. But the cottage and Tudor homes carry the roof perfectly. The 
Clay tile roofs are not dull and drab like you might imagine. They come in several unique and natural colors, especially the 
Do you ever wake up and wonder whether your roof is in good condition? Hardly anyone does. We see our roofs as that part of the building that will take care of itself. That is until we wake up one morning and we can see the sun shining through a hole or the rain coming down into our homes. Then the frenzy begins.