Updated Nov 5, 2022
Updated Nov 5, 2022
Installing a new roof can be an excellent way to increase your home’s value and curb appeal. However, there are several factors to consider when selecting a roof. This article will discuss 12 types of roofing materials and why each one might be the right choice for you.
We’ll go over the costs, benefits, and disadvantages associated with the following roofing materials:
As you read, consider which option would be best for your budget, home aesthetic, location, and climate.
Asphalt shingles are a cost-effective, popular roofing material made of asphalt, mineral fibers, and cement fillers. This material is an excellent choice for a homeowner seeking a versatile aesthetic at a lower cost.
Asphalt shingles cost an average of $5 to $8 per square foot. You’d likely pay about $10,000 to $16,000 for a 2,000-square-foot roof.
Pros
Cons
Built-up roofing (BUR) contains layered asphalt, ply sheets, and roof decking materials. The layers connect with bitumen, a petroleum-based mixture heated or cooled to adhere to the surface below. Built-up roofs are best suited for low-slope roofs with larger, flatter surfaces.
BUR typically costs $6 to $9 per square foot. A 2,000-square-foot built-up roof would likely cost between $12,000 and $18,000.
Pros
Cons
Metal roofing is an excellent option for homeowners seeking Italian Villa or Greek-revival style homes. This material comes in countless colors and shape options, making it a diverse yet durable choice.
Metal roofing costs between $5 and $15, depending on the type of metal you choose. This means metal roof installation costs an average of $20,000 for a 2,000-square-foot roof.
Pros
Cons
Membrane roofing is used on flat or very low-sloped roofs to provide insulation and protection from water damage. Membrane roofing is typically made of rubber or thermoplastics, making it a popular low-cost choice for large commercial buildings. However, the material is gaining popularity in residential settings, too.
Membrane roofing ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot. A 2,000-square foot membrane covering would likely cost around $12,000.
Pros
Cons
Tesla debuted designs for its patented solar roofing tiles in late 2016. These tiles introduced a modern roofing technology that replaces traditional roofing tiles with small solar panels. This means that simply by existing, the roof is capturing and generating electricity for your home.
Read More on Solar: Solar Energy Statistics & Facts
Solar roofing tiles cost around $2 per watt and $20 per square foot. A 2,000-square-foot roof with approximately nine kilowatts worth of solar power would cost around $58,000.
Pros
Cons
Slate roofing is a durable roofing material made of 100% natural stone. This high-quality stone is stunning, classic, and incredibly long-lasting. A slate roof will last well over a century with proper maintenance.
Slate roofing costs around $20 to $30 per square foot. This means that slate roofing for a 2,000-square-foot roof would cost $40,000 to $60,000.
Pros
Cons
Synthetic slate is a roofing material made from recycled rubber tires and other products that are melted down into tile molds. Synthetic or “rubber” slate is a practical way to keep rubber products out of landfills. It’s also a fantastic alternative to authentic slate tiles, which are too expensive for many homeowners.
Synthetic slate roofing costs between $8 and $13 per square foot. This cost translates to $16,000 to $26,000 for a 2,000-square-foot roof.
Pros
Cons
Clay tiles are made from solid clay or shale molded and dried in a kiln. This roofing material is popular for its long-lasting durability and picturesque appeal.
Clay roofing installation typically averages between $15 and $25 per square foot. A 2,000-square-foot clay roof could cost up to $50,000.
Pros
Cons
Concrete tiles are made of a cement mixture formed into tile molds under intense pressure and heat. This material is gaining popularity for its cost-effectiveness, durability, and stylish appearance.
Concrete roofing tiles cost between $5 and $11 per square foot. This means a 2,000-square foot concrete roof would tally in at $10,000 to $22,000.
Pros
Cons
Wooden shakes are made from split and treated cedar trees. This roofing material was traditionally split by hand with a mallet, ax, and pure muscle power. Modern processes mimic traditionally cut shakes’ rugged looks to provide homeowners with a rustic, natural aesthetic, making them a fantastic choice for cottages and cabins.
Cedar shakes typically cost between $6 and $9 per square foot. A 2,000-square-foot wood shake roof would likely cost $12,000 to $18,000.
Pros
Cons
Rolled or “roll” roofing is an asphalt product that adheres to surfaces with high heat. This material resembles traditional asphalt shingles but functions as one long asphalt strip. It’s not as durable as asphalt shingles, which is a major consideration to keep in mind.
Rolled roofing generally costs between $1 and $3 per square foot. This means a 2,000-square-foot rolled roof would cost well under $6,000 to install.
Pros
Cons
A green roof is an extension of an existing roof that includes soil and plants atop a waterproof layer. These living rooftops gained traction with the founding of the Green Building Council in 1993. Today, the movement continues with the goal of improving air quality, drainage, and architectural design in urban areas.
A green roof installation costs around $20 per square foot. A 2,000-square-foot green roof would be about $40,000. You’ll also pay for maintenance and care to keep your green roof healthy throughout its life span.
Pros
Cons
We hope this article gave you some insights into different roofing options on the market. With these considerations in mind, you’re ready to select a material that fits your budget, investment, location, and structural needs.
Remember that while some roofing materials have a high initial cost, they’ll improve your home’s resale value, last longer, and provide more benefits in the long run. At the same time, there are still affordable options that provide more than enough protection and value to any home.
A new roof is a wonderful investment for your home. A 2019 study from the National Association of REALTORS found that new roofing is one of the top remodeling projects for increased resale value. The report states that you’ll likely recover 107% of your investment for a new roof when selling your home.
Rolled roofing is undoubtedly the easiest and cheapest roofing material to install. However, this type also has the shortest life span, so you’d be better off spending a little more time and money on asphalt shingles.
Tile roofs have life spans decades longer than shingles, which is a major factor to consider when investing in a new roof. However, shingles are gaining durability and versatility due to increased popularity and new technologies.
One option isn’t necessarily better than the other, so you’ll just have to see which material fits best into your budget, style, and location needs.
Roof replacements generally cost around $10,000. However, this cost can jump to $50,000 or more depending on the material you select.
When deciding on the material for your roof, you should consider initial cost, return on investment rate, life span, maintenance requirements, impact rating, fire resistance, and climate. These considerations will help you decide how a specific material will fare for your location and budget.
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