An aging roof can leave your home vulnerable to leaks and water damage, making replacement a crucial investment in its protection and longevity. Among the top choices for residential roofing are asphalt shingles, metal, and tiles. Each material has its advantages and drawbacks in terms of cost, durability, and lifespan. This article compares these options, providing the insights you need to choose the best fit for your home when you need a roof replacement.
Asphalt Shingles
When it comes to the upfront cost of replacing your roof or installing a roof when building a new house, asphalt shingles are the hands-down winner. The cost to install asphalt shingles on a residential roof typically ranges between $3 and $5 per square foot, depending on the type and brand of shingles you choose. That means to replace a 1,500-square-foot roof, you’re often looking at only spending somewhere between $4,000 and $8,000 after factoring in items like flashing and underlayment replacement. The job could cost quite a bit more if you have an existing roof in poor condition that requires replacing some or all of the underlying roof deck. Nonetheless, you’d need to account for this added cost in this situation, no matter which type of roofing material you choose to use. The overall cost may also be a bit higher if you choose more durable shingles with higher wind resistance and impact resistance ratings. Other extra features like algae-resistant coating will also increase the cost.
One of the primary drawbacks of asphalt shingles is their shorter lifespan compared to other roofing materials and susceptibility to storm damage, which can lead to the need for more frequent repairs. The main reason asphalt shingles typically only last 20 to 30 years is that they gradually deteriorate under constant exposure to heat and sunlight. This wear is even more pronounced in hotter climates, where extreme temperatures accelerate their breakdown. However, lighter-colored shingles tend to last longer than darker ones since they reflect more sunlight. This allows them to stay cooler and reduce the impact of heat over time.
Composite Shingles
Composite shingles offer an excellent option for homeowners seeking a longer-lasting, more durable alternative to standard asphalt shingles. They are made from various materials such as fiberglass and recycled plastics in addition to asphalt, which are combined to create a stronger, more resilient product. This construction not only enhances their durability but also makes them highly resistant to storm damage, including cracking, curling, and other issues caused by extreme weather.
While composite shingles come at a higher cost, their durability often translates into fewer repairs and a longer lifespan, making them a worthwhile investment. Additionally, composite shingles provide a broader range of design options. Many styles realistically mimic the appearance of cedar shake shingles, slate tiles, or terracotta roofing. This flexibility allows homeowners to achieve a premium aesthetic without the high maintenance requirements of traditional materials.
Metal Roofing
It’s only in recent years, with the introduction of standing seam metal roofs, that metal roofing has really started to take off as a good residential roofing option. It’s not that the older style of metal roofing was necessarily a bad option. Instead, it’s just that it wasn’t that stylish or attractive because the screws and fasteners were exposed, resulting in the roof having somewhat of an industrial look and feel. A standing seam metal roof, on the other hand, can be quite handsome and stylish as all of the fasteners are hidden to provide a much more sleek, streamlined appearance.
The main drawback to a standing seam metal roof is that it can easily cost two to three times more than an asphalt shingle roof. On the plus side, a metal roof will typically last at least 40 to 50 years. There’s also really no chance of the roof getting damaged by high winds since the metal panels are much more securely attached to the roof than shingles are. Most metal roof panels are incredibly strong and can handle being struck by large hailstones, tree branches, and flying debris without getting dented or otherwise damaged. In fact, metal roofing is so strong and durable that it’s generally considered the best possible option for areas prone to hurricanes and tornadoes.
One other advantage of installing a metal roof is that you generally don’t need to worry nearly as much about your roof leaking as you do with shingles or tiles. As long as the roof was installed correctly, there’s almost no chance of water getting underneath the metal panels and potentially seeping into the building.
Roofing Tiles
Roof tiles offer a classically timeless appearance that some people find much more attractive compared to other types of materials. Slate, clay, and even concrete tiles can blend seamlessly with a wide range of modern and traditional architectural styles. The issue when it comes to any type of roof tiles is just how incredibly costly they can be.
Part of the reason that tile roofs are so much more expensive is that the tiles are quite heavy and much more difficult to install, resulting in the replacement taking longer. Purchasing slate tiles is also quite costly since the slate has to be mined from a quarry and then cut and shaped into tiles. Another reason that slate tiles are expensive is that they are often imported. Some tiles are mined and manufactured in the US, but most come from Canada or somewhere in Europe, such as Italy, Spain, or the UK. The added weight of the tiles means it can also take substantial extra work to shore up the roof and ensure it is strong enough.
In addition to appearance, the main advantage of using tiles is that your roof should last an extremely long time. Concrete roof tiles typically last for 50 to 75 years, while clay and slate tiles can potentially last up to 100 years. That means there’s a high chance you won’t ever have to replace your roof again during your lifetime. Tile roofs are also extremely wind resistant due to how heavy the tiles are. They can break if hit by larger hail or flying objects; however, an experienced roofing company can easily replace broken tiles. One other benefit of choosing tiles is that your new roof will lead to a much more significant increase in the value of your home than you’d get with metal roofing or shingles.
Contact Your Local Roofers
When you need an experienced residential roofing contractor in the Columbus, OH, area, you can count on The Roof Detective. We’re a local, family-run business that’s been providing comprehensive residential and commercial roofing solutions since 2012. We work with a wide range of materials and can expertly see your roof replacement from beginning to end, no matter which roofing option you choose. Our team of experts is also ready to help if you need an inspection, storm damage assessment, or emergency roof repairs. Additionally, we offer gutter and siding installation and repair. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our friendly roofers.
