Every home will need a new roof at one point or another, and that applies even to the ones that are carefully maintained and even repaired as the years go by. The only roofing material that can truly last a lifetime is slate, but its weight and cost mean that most homes won’t feature it.
That’s why it’s not just normal that you need a new roof, but it’s to be expected. What matters isn’t that you need the new roof, it’s what happens next. You have a choice when it comes to your roof, unless you’re under strict HOA rules. You can stick with the type of roof you currently have, or opt for another type. This guide covers your top roofing options (pros and cons) to help you decide.
1. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is making waves across the country for its longevity and superior strength in inclement weather. There are, of course, various options when it comes to metal roofing materials. You can choose zinc-coated galvanized steel, Galvalume steel, and weathering steel. In general, these metal roofs are anti-corrosive and will resist rust, are simple to set up, and are also highly customizable to suit your home’s design. Their superior strength means they need minimal maintenance outside of removing debris, and they can last for decades.
The largest downside is the upfront cost, but when installed by professional, licensed, and highly rated metal roofing contractors, you’ll find you’ll actually pay less overall than shorter-lived roofing options.
2. Asphalt Tiles
Asphalt tiles are the most common type of residential roofing in the United States. They’re reasonably priced and can last upwards of 50 years in the right conditions. They aren’t heavy, either, which helps with the roof’s overall stability.
The issue comes with their overall shelf-life, and also how well they stack up in extreme weather conditions. Sub-zero temperatures, extreme winds, and even the sun can damage them prematurely. The last thing you want is to have to replace them down the line. When making changes to your roof, you also want to factor in additional repairs that may be needed when inspections happen. For example, it’s very common to have to purchase drainage products to replace any damage that has been done due to bad weather conditions.
3. Solar Tiles
A new option that’s only available from select contractors is solar tiles. These tiles can help you convert energy from the sun to power your home. They’re also faster to install than traditional solar panels, and have the added benefit of blending seamlessly with your roof.
The issue, however, is that your roof needs to be at the right angle, and you need to also be located in an area with high volumes of sunlight. Even then, solar tiles offer less energy from traditional solar panels (and have a shorter lifespan than other roofing options).
4. Clay or Concrete Tiles
Clay and concrete tiles are very popular in hot areas, and are used throughout cities that dot the Mediterranean all the way to Vietnam; and also in sun-filled spots from Florida to California in the United States. They’re thick and durable, and also come in stunning colors that suit the bright sunny aesthetics. Add in their extreme longevity, and it’s no wonder we’ve been using them for thousands of years.
They are, however, heavy, so you need a building that was designed to hold them. They also take longer to install, are one of the more expensive options in this list, and can crack due to storm damage, which means they need specialist repair.
5. How to Choose the Right Roof for You
The most important aspect of choosing a roof is to make sure it’s designed for your home (in terms of weight) and also for the weather. Some tile options make more sense in hot-weather climates, while others are better suited for extremes. Regardless, always make sure you get your roof installed properly to guarantee the longest lifespan.
