Sustainability and energy efficiency are the key drivers in many of today's decisions regarding home renovations and remodeling. Because the roof covers a large and visible area of a home, homeowners need to be mindful of the roofing materials they choose when replacing a roof. As one of the most expensive components in a house, a roof is expected to last some 20 years before it needs to be replaced. Of course, this time frame will depend on a few variables. Some factors include the climate in your area, the quality of the roofing material used and the maintenance over the years. According to Forbes Home, the cost to replace the roof on an average-size home is $11,500.
Finding the right roof for your home is a function of four specific factors: appearance, longevity, roofing material prices and structural issues. The traditional choices for roofing materials include asphalt composite shingles, metal shingles, wood shakes and shingles, and clay tiles. With more eco-friendly materials on the market, you may want to choose a more durable material than one you had installed before.
Shingle options
Asphalt composite shingles are the most popular roofing materials in North America. One reason may be their low cost relative to other materials. Coming in at between $1.50 and $4.50 per square foot, asphalt shingles are a good choice for most homes. Made of a fiberglass base topped with asphalt, they are lightweight and durable. An organic version is available at a premium price and is slightly heavier. Depending on the material quality, these roofs made out of asphalt shingles are expected to last between 12 and 30 years. Asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of colors to complement the style of your home. For example, roofs for white houses can be almost any color. Light gray houses work well with gray, black, green, blue or even white-colored roofs. Keep in mind that darker colors will absorb heat, while lighter colors will reflect heat and keep your house cooler.
Metal shingles have gained in popularity, given their durability and versatility. Metal shingles can be produced to replicate the look of wood, clay or slate. This material, given its resistance to extreme weather such as heavy rains, hailstorms and high winds, is popular in areas that are prone to natural disasters. Like their asphalt counterparts, metal shingles are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. The cost for metal shingles comes in at between $8 and $16 per square foot.
Wood shakes and shingles are visually very appealing, but they do have some drawbacks to consider. They are not as durable as some other materials and would not be the best choice in areas prone to wildfires. Having said that, they are still popular among luxury homeowners. Both are made of natural wood, usually cedar. Shakes are thinner, produced by precise sawing while shingles are produced by splitting wood, so they have a rougher texture. In favorable dry conditions, these roofs could last up to 60 years. In damper climates, life expectancy is more like 20-30 years. Shingles will cost the homeowner between $4.50 and $9 per square foot and shakes go for between $6.50 and $14.
Clay tiles are known to be the most durable roofing materials, with some installations lasting longer than a century. Made from molded earthen clay, they are mostly left unglazed to give them their signature reddish-orange color. They can also be glazed to become ceramic roofing tiles. This is a popular choice associated with homes in the Southwest regions of the U.S. Clay tiles do not come cheap; using them for a roof requires an investment of between $10 to $18 per square foot. Ceramic tiles can run as much as $30 per square foot. An alternative to clay tiles is concrete tiles, which have many of the same advantages as clay but at a lower cost. These tiles will cost between $10 and $20 a square foot, and they can be finished in a decorative coating to mimic clay.
Slate roofs are often found on luxury homes and for good reasons They are among the most durable, with a useful life expectancy of between 75 and 150 years. While it is easy to quarry slate, it is not easy to install and requires a highly skilled and experienced professional. Such a professional may not be readily available in all regions. A lower-priced synthetic version of slate is now available. From the ground, it is very difficult to distinguish it from the real thing. It is also a lighter eco-friendly material made from recycled plastic and rubber selling for between $9 and $12 per square foot. You can expect to own this synthetic roof for a very respectable 50 years.
An eco-friendly option
A living green roof made from moss and soil is a very unconventional choice. However, it does promise some benefits. It can take pollutants out of the environment, provide thermal insulation and absorb rainwater. But it does require regular maintenance to make sure it is secure. Keep in mind that not all local building codes allow for this type of roof. Costs will vary according to specifications.
Roofing materials and technologies are constantly evolving and now even include smart roofs that can detect leaks and damage. Solar sensors and panels are other features to consider when installing a new roof. Contact us for ideas that go “above and beyond” to help you replace an existing roof.
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