How to Choose a Roof for Your Home

Featured, Homefront, Homefront Featured, Roofing by Joe Cuhaj


Photo Courtesy of CertainTeed Corporation

From natural materials like slate and wood to manmade products such as asphalt, sheet metal, and plastic polymers; there are more types and styles of roofing to choose from today than ever before. While each has its advantages and shortcomings, they all can add a distinctive design element to your home. So which one is right for you?

What to Look for in a Roof

There are many factors to consider when selecting a roof including:

  • How long will it last?
  • Does it hold up during natural disasters such as wildfires or hurricanes?
  • Is it too heavy for the existing roof framing?
  • Does the roof have enough slope?
  • Will the look complement the style of the house?
  • Is the type of roofing allowed by local building codes?
  • And finally, how much does it cost?

Pros and Cons

Some types of roofing may be better suited for your house than others. Factors such as the slope of the roof and strength of the framing could limit your choices. In areas prone to wildfires or hurricanes, look for a product with a high fire rating or good wind resistance. In addition, steps can be taken during the installation of many types of roofing to improve their resistance to fire or wind. Below is a rundown on the different types of roofing available.

Asphalt Composition Shingles


Photo Courtesy of CertainTeed Corporation

  • The most popular roofing for homes, comprising over 80% of residential roofing.
  • Made of either an organic fiber mat (better for cold weather and wind resistance) or fiberglass (more fire and moisture resistant) which is then impregnated with asphalt and coated with mineral granules.
  • Available in either traditional 3-tab shingles or thicker laminated “architectural” shingles.
  • Algae resistant shingles are available in humid climates to prevent staining.
  • Moderate in weight.
  • Can be used on fairly low to steeper sloped roofs.
  • Good fire resistance, fair wind resistance.
  • Inexpensive.

Metal


Photo Courtesy of Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation

  • May be composed of steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc alloy.
  • Steel roofs come with either a zinc coating or painted finish.
  • Copper roofs are installed unfinished and acquire a protective green patina with age.
  • Available in sheets or in shingles that resemble other materials.
  • Absorb a third less heat than asphalt.
  • Made up of mostly recyclable material.
  • Can be installed with the fasteners hidden (standing seam) or exposed.
  • Lightweight.
  • Available for low or steep sloped roofs.
  • Good resistance to both fire and wind.
  • Moderate (steel) to expensive (copper) in price.

Plastic Polymer


Photo Courtesy of EcoStar

  • Molded from a high-tech plastic polymer material.
  • Available in a number of different styles that resemble slate or wood shakes.
  • Expected to be long lasting and low maintenance.
  • Made from recycled materials and can be recycled again when replaced.
  • Light (ArmorLite) to moderate (EcoStar) in weight.
  • Can be used on moderate to steep sloped roofs.
  • Good fire and wind resistance.
  • Moderate in price.

Clay Tile


Photo Courtesy of Ludowici Roof Tile

  • Traditional Italian or Spanish look, can also be made to resemble wood shakes or slate.
  • Color can fade over time.
  • Long lasting and low maintenance, but brittle and can break.
  • Heavy, requires reinforced roof framing to support.
  • Can be used on moderate to steeper sloped roofs.
  • Excellent fire resistance, fair to low wind resistance.
  • Expensive.

Concrete Tile


Photo Courtesy of Eagle Roofing Products

  • Can be made to resemble traditional clay tiles, wood shakes, or slate.
  • Color can be throughout tile or only applied on the surface.
  • Long lasting and low maintenance but can break.
  • Heavy, requires reinforced roof framing to support.
  • Can be used on moderate to steeper sloped roofs.
  • Excellent fire resistance, fair to low wind resistance.
  • Moderate in price.

Slate

  • One of the oldest roofing materials.
  • Requires specially trained workers to install.
  • Long lasting, durable (varies depending on where it was quarried).
  • Heavy, requires reinforced roofing structure to support.
  • Steep sloped roofs only.
  • Good resistance to fire and wind.
  • Very expensive.

Wood

  • Available in sawn shingles or split shakes.
  • Commonly made of cedar, but can be made of other rot resistant woods as well.
  • Gives natural look, weathers to a silvery gray.
  • Short lifespan, requires periodic maintenance.
  • Moderate in weight.
  • Can be used on moderate to steep sloped roofs.
  • Good wind resistance, poor fire resistance (can be treated with a fire retardant).
  • Moderate in price.

Roofing Comparison

The following table gives an overview of the various materials available. Weight and cost are listed per square of roofing (100 square feet) and include both labor and materials. Actual price may vary depending on the particular product used, the complexity of the job, and labor costs in different parts of the country. The cost per year indicates the price of the labor and materials per square over the roof’s projected life.

Product Weight/Square Lifespan Cost/Square Cost/Year
Asphalt (3-tab) 190-250 lb. 15-20 yr. $75-$125 $4-$8
Asphalt (laminated) 240-340 lb. 20-30 yr. $125-$200 $4-$10
Metal (coated steel) 80-150 lb. 30-50 yr. $250-$450 $5-$15
Plastic Polymer 70-300 lb. 50+ yr. $400-$650 $7-$13
Clay Tile 600-1,800 lb. 50+ yr. $800-$1,000 $13-$20
Concrete Tile 550-1,000 lb. 50+ yr. $300-$500 $5-$10
Slate 800-1,000 lb. 100+ yr. $1,100-$2,000 $10-$20
Wood (cedar) 200-350 lb. 15-25 yr. $350-$450 $14-$30

Warranties

There are two warranties to consider when roofing your home. The manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in the roofing material. A separate warranty may be issued by the roofing contractor to handle problems arising from improper installation.

A warranty is no better than the company that writes it, so make sure the product comes from a reputable manufacturer with the financial resources to stand behind it. This applies to the roofing contractor as well, since a fly-by-night roofer may be long gone before their guarantee expires.

It is important to read the warranty carefully to see what is covered and excluded. Some warranties are not transferable when you sell your house while others are limited to the cost of materials or are prorated over time.

Your roof is your home’s single most important defense when it comes to protecting it from the elements, so it makes sense to make sure it’s done right.

Further Information

Asphalt:

Tile:

Metal:

Plastic Polymer:

Slate:

Wood:

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3 Comments on “How to Choose a Roof for Your Home”

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  1. judy cash Says:
    October 25th, 2009 at 15:28

    Would ‘living roofs’ be used on top of any of these types you have listed? And how do you support them?
    Thanks.

  2. Nick Says:
    October 29th, 2009 at 12:41

    clay roof tiles are highly reflective and offer energy star rated products, too. They provide natural insulation and last many many years.

  3. Jenny Dean Says:
    May 11th, 2010 at 17:41

    I have a DaVinci plastic slate roof. It is awesome. Check it out at http://www.davinciroofscapes.com/

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