When the time comes for you to replace your home’s roof, you know this will not be something that can be accomplished without a great deal of thought and a sizable budget. That is why you want to take the time to understand your options, familiarize yourself with what roofing materials are the most used in 2021 and make a truly informed decision. You want something that will increase the curb appeal of your home and make the expense worth it. Read on to find out more about the best roofing materials to top off your house in 2021.
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Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most prevalent roofing material installed on homes across the United States these days, and they have been for years. Asphalt shingles have become so popular because they represent the most economical option, with the largest variety of colors and styles. On average, asphalt shingle roofs can last between 10 and 15 years, but much less if they are not properly installed. Fortunately, there are plenty of expert roofers out there who can install asphalt shingles perfectly.
You can find asphalt shingles in three different presentations:
- 3-Tab shingles, which are the least expensive and also the least durable choice.
- Architectural or laminated shingles, which offer the most curb appeal, are better quality, thicker, and more weather resistant.
- Premium shingles, which are thicker than architectural ones, while offering the greatest weather resistance.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs have gained popularity among homeowners due to their incredible value. Most metal roofs are made of steel, although they can also be made of aluminum, copper, and zinc. There are five popular categories of metal roofing products:
- Metal shingles, which include the most extensive variety of color and style options.
- Corrugated R-panels are the most economical metal roofing option, although they offer comparatively lower durability and fewer style options.
- Metal tiles are typically used on Mediterranean-style homes when clay or cement tiles cannot be used due to their heavy weight on the roofing structure.
- Stone-coated steel is preferred by many homeowners because it offers a more upscale look than painted metal shingles.
- Standing seam, although a premium option, is the fastest-growing segment in residential metal roofing.
Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tiles are most appropriate for Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes. These roofs go very well with hot climates and coastal areas, where there is exposure to humidity and salt air. Clay tile roofs are very durable and can withstand hail, high winds, and even fires. They are not susceptible to damage due to moisture, rot, or mold, and can remain leak-free for many years, with proper installation. Their characteristic curb appeal is another distinct advantage of these roofs. Clay tiles are available in a number of original shapes, such as curved, fluted, or interlocking. Typically, clay tile colors are shades of terracotta or patina green. Their largest disadvantage is their heavy weight which requires the home’s structure to be able to withstand them. Talk to your roofer before deciding on this roofing option.
As you can see, roofing in 2021 means you can have your house looking as beautiful as you have always envisioned. With a wide variety of options available, you will certainly find one to fit your home’s style and budget.
Cedar Shingles and Shake
Natural wood has a fantastic curb appeal that attracts many homeowners. Cedar shingles and shakes are excellent for upscale styles such as Colonial, Victorian, Cape, Cabin-style, and historic homes. Expect to pay anywhere from $10,500 to $14,000 to install cedar shingles on a 1,500sqft ranch. With proper maintenance, these roofs will last for 20-40 years. Due to its one-of-a-kind appearance, cedar shake single is seen as a premium roof material. Plus, it’s a green building material.
Wood shingles have an even and smooth surface and are made by machines. Shakes are thick and rock a rugged appearance, with every piece being a bit different from the rest. Many shake products are still hand-made with power tools for a faster process. They are tricky to install and you will pay 20-30% more than with shingles.
When you look for cedar shingles and shakes, you need to examine properties like the length of the shingle/shake, wood grain, wood grade, and thickness.
Slate Roofing
Natural slate stands out from all the other materials used for roofing. It might be the most expensive, but it’s the most durable option too. A 1,600 sqft slate roof costs anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000. Once you install slate roofing, it will last for centuries—as long as your house will last that long too! Slate roofing needs little to no maintenance, and no other material can surpass its beauty.
Slate will withstand any weather and protect the house in all climates. Keep in mind that the quality of slate tile may vary profoundly and so will the lifespan, durability, and price. Expect some colors like Vermont Red to be more expensive than others. We recommend you hire a reliable slate manufacturer to ensure that the slate comes from a trusted quarry.
Flat Roof Materials
A single-ply membrane represents the best solution for a low-sloped and flat roof with a pitch of less than 3. Expect to pay $6,500 to $10,000 for a 1,500sqft roofing membrane.
EPDM, TPO, and PVC are the single-ply options that you can use for your roof. Apart from the quality material, it’s essential to hire an experienced installer. Flat roofing is a highly specialized field, and poor installation is the leading cause of these roofs leaking before the end of the service life.
EPDM rubber roof
EPDM is the most affordable and the most popular material for a flat roof. You only pay $5 or so per square foot installed. The rubber roof will last around a decade and is prone to ponding water issues, shrinking, and leaks. It’s not the best material for energy efficiency, and it comes in black most of the time—it will attract and retain solar heat. As a result, a black EPDM roof will increase the indoor temperature and electricity bills.
TPO roofing
TPO is slowly gaining popularity amongst residential and commercial clients. It combines features from both EPDM and PVC. It presents excellent energy efficiency, minimal maintenance, and heat-welded seams that reduce the risk of leakage. It can last for 15 years, which is fantastic for a flat roof.
PVC Roofing
PVC is considered to be a premium single-ply membrane, which explains its high price. You will pay anywhere from %6,5 to $7,25 per square foot installed. PVC is a high-quality material with excellent resistance to leaks. Plus, it’s easy to fix. The heat-welded seams explain its durability, and the seams are even stronger than the material. On top of everything else, PVC can last for three decades and it’s energy-efficient.
What aspects to consider when picking the material to top the roof?
Since there are many materials to choose from to top off the roof, we suggest you do due diligence and gather all the information you need. Keep reading for the details.
Always go for durability
When you’re shopping for roofing material, durability should be the most crucial aspect to consider. No matter how lovely it looks, you want your roof to last for as long as possible.
You can look for materials with a high lifespan and able to withstand all sorts of elements like snow, ice, rain, heat, and hail. Aluminum and steel are such examples. They are resistant to wear and rust and allow coating with protective layers for better durability. Steel roofs can last for a century and keep the house cool in the summer as they reflect the sunlight.
Clay and slater are also long-lasting roofing materials. Ceramic roofs stand out with their appearance and are excellent with rain catchment systems. Slate withstands the most challenging weather conditions and lasts for centuries.
Keep an eye on the budget
Another critical element to remember when selecting the roofing material is the cost. At the end of the day, you don’t want to go bankrupt because of the roofing material. You should set a budget for the roofing and shop accordingly—the market is generous enough.
It doesn’t mean that you should opt for the cheapest materials. They will need repairs all the time and not last for a long time. You will have to replace the roofing and spend more than with expensive material.
You should see the roofing as a wise investment in the long run and prepare to pay the extra buck for it.
Check out the looks as well
No matter how affordable or durable the roofing material is, you still want it to match your house’s appearance. Roofs can profoundly impact the overall looks of homes, so don’t skip aesthetics when buying.
A ceramic tiled roof looks a lot better than aluminum shingles. Many homes come with asphalt shingles as their neutral black color is appealing to consumers.
Always examine the exterior paint colors of the materials to use for roofing.
Consider installation
The installation process is essential, especially since poor installation can deeply alter the durability and weather resistance of the roofing material. The weight of the materials can also impact the installation process. For instance, metal and slate roofs are the heaviest materials and the most difficult to install.
You need to choose wisely as a material that is too heavy can alter the integrity of the whole house. A heavyweight roof will transform the infrastructure and cause structural damage in the long run.
Talk to the experts
Picking the best roofing material isn’t a straightforward task for most people. We recommend you have a detailed talk with a roofing team or with your contractor. It’s totally understandable why you lack the information and need to take it to the experts.
Have an honest and straightforward conversation with your contractor. Specify your budget, preferences on appearance, durability, and any worries about resistance to inclement weather. A reliable contractor will help you pick the roofing material most suited for your home, budget, and requests. Spend some time when selecting the team to install the roof. It’s useless to get a durable roofing material if the professionals lack the skills, tools, and experience for appropriate installation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is roofing material popular again?
Metal roofing is one of the most reliable materials to top the roof, which is why many homeowners switch to metal rooftops.
What roof material lasts the longest?
Concrete, clay, and slate tiles represent the most durable roofing materials. They surpass natural products like wood shakes or other manufactured roofing materials like metal roofing and asphalt shingles.
What is the most expensive type of roof?
Slate stands out with durability and performance, but its price is a throw-off for some consumers. It can be ten times more expensive than a regular asphalt shingle. It’s excellent for the luxury styles like Tudor, Gothic, and Chateau. These historic-looking homes look perfect with slate roofing.
What is the most affordable type of roof?
Asphalt is the most affordable material for roofs on the market. Should you have a tight budget, you should consider asphalt for roofing. A shingle of one square foot can be as low as $1. The variety of models is generous, and homeowners can choose from many inorganic and organic asphalt roofing models.
What is the coolest roof material?
Clay tiles stand out with their cooling abilities, as they present a 50% SRI (Solar Reflexing Index) and thermal emittance of 86%. Clay tiles are long-lasting and 100% recyclable at the end of their life. Consumers can pick from a nice variety of colors.
