Different Types of Roofing Materials and Which One Is Right for Your Home

1. Asphalt Shingle

Asphalt shingle is the most common roofing type in the United States. Compared to other roofing materials, you can install it quickly and know it’ll last a while without much maintenance—up to 30 years. These shingles cost anywhere from $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot, making them an excellent option if you want to save money and still enjoy a durable roof.

You’ll typically see gray asphalt shingle roofs, but they come in various colors. Depending on your preferences, you can have brown, green, blue, or even red shingles. When it’s time to replace your roof, some Springfield roofers will recycle the shingles to make pavement.

Pros

There are many pros to getting an asphalt shingle roof. Here are a few:

• Affordability
• Minimal maintenance
• High availability
• Attractiveness
• Recyclability
• Various color options

Cons

Although asphalt shingle works for many Americans, it might not be your best option. Here’s why:

• Shorter lifespan
• Susceptibility to wind
• Colors fading over time
• Warping or degrading in high temperatures

2. Built-up Roofing

Roofing contractors often use built-up roofing (BUR) for low-slope or flat roofs. It’s a material consisting of felt and asphalt layers applied using hot tar. BUR systems cost between $2.50 and $5 per square foot and are highly durable.

With BUR roofing material, you don’t have to worry about damage in harsh temperatures or weather conditions. If installed properly, your BUR roof can last 20 to 30 years with minimal upkeep.

Pros

You have several great reasons to choose built-up roofing for your home, including:

• Affordability
• Waterproofing
• Protection against ultraviolet rays
• Low maintenance

Cons

Are you considering installing a BUR roof? Here are some downsides:

• It only works well for low-slope or flat roofs
• Slow installation process
• Potentially hazardous chemicals

3. Clay Tile

If you’ve ever visited Florida or Southern California, you’ve likely noticed homes with earthen tile roofs. Those are clay tiles—one of the world’s most common roofing materials. Clay tiles look great with Mission, Southwestern, Spanish, or Mediterranean-style homes.

Clay tiles are ideal for climates with high temperatures and strong winds. They don’t catch on fire and can withstand winds up to 150 miles per hour. While they cost $10 to $18 per square foot and can be expensive to repair, the material’s durability can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Pros

Do you want to get clay tile for your home’s new roof? Here are a few reasons you should:

• Long lifespan (50-100 years)
• Minimal upkeep
• Attractiveness
• Fire and wind resistance
• Regulating in-home temperatures

Cons

As always, no roofing material is too good to be true. There are several cons to clay tiles:

• High installation and repair costs
• Susceptibility to cracking under pressure
• Heavy materials that may require additional support

4. Concrete Tile

If clay tile roofing isn’t quite what you’re looking for, consider an excellent alternative: concrete tile. Concrete tiles consist of a typical sand-mix concrete that comes in almost any color, bringing durability and aesthetic appeal to your home. You can choose from various styles to match your preferences and needs.

Concrete tiles are cheaper than clay tiles, costing between $10 and $15 per square foot. Homeowners with these types of roofs don’t have to worry about the material cracking (like clay tile) or blowing off in high winds (like asphalt shingle).

Pros

Choose a company with experience in this material if you need concrete or other roof replacement services in Springfield. Here’s why concrete might work for you:

• Long lifespan (50+ years)
• Low maintenance
• Durability
• Curb appeal

Cons

There are a few cons to getting a concrete tile roof in the Springfield area:

• Lack of availability
• High installation and repair costs
• Plastic or enamel coating can wear out over time

5. Metal Roofing

Metal could be your number one roofing option if exterior appearance is your highest priority. Metal roofs come in shingles and sheets and include many color, design, and material options. Despite an emphasis on aesthetic appeal, this roofing material can last longer than most—up to 80 years.

Material costs run between $6 and $14 per square foot. Some Springfield roofers will pretreat your metal roof with sealants upon request to provide an extra layer of protection. However, you can install your metal panels as-is and put maintenance work out of your mind for a while.

Pros

Metal roofing is the go-to choice for many homeowners for several reasons:

• Affordability
• Minimal upkeep
• Durability
• Various design options
• Recyclability

Cons

Metal roofing isn’t for everyone. Although it may boost your property’s appearance, a metal roof can:

• Magnify noises without proper soundproofing
• Warp or ripple from poor installation
• Take longer to fix, even when the damage is minor

6. Slate Shingle

You can’t go wrong with a slate roof. Regarding durability, slate shingles can last hundreds of years and withstand high heat, freezing temperatures, fire, hail, strong winds, and fallen debris. They’re rock hard (literally), protecting your family and adding a touch of class to your home’s aesthetic.

In addition to installation costs, you can expect to pay between $9 and $20 per square foot. However, there are more affordable synthetic alternatives, such as bituminous and fiber cement slate.

Pros

There are many benefits to getting a slate roof, including:

• Durability
• Low maintenance
• Lifespan
• Aesthetic appeal

Cons

The downsides to slate shingles may include:

• High costs
• Specialized installation
• Lack of availability

Trust NOVA Exteriors With Your Roofing Replacement

If you need roof repairs or replacement services in Springfield, VA, contact NOVA Exteriors. Our experienced team provides a full range of top-quality roofing services at affordable prices. Call us today at (703) 322-1500 or go online to schedule a free in-home estimate.

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