There are several types of roofs out there, and each one has its own unique benefits. So, which one should you choose for your home? Well, in this blog post, we’ll compare a variety of roof types and materials to help you out. We’ll also break down the pros and cons of each one, so you can make an informed decision.
1) Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing material in the United States. They are made from a fiberglass or organic mat that is covered with asphalt and then coated with mineral granules. These shingles are available in a variety of colors, and they can last up to 30 years with proper care.
To maintain an asphalt shingle roof, you should regularly check for cracked or missing shingles and have them replaced as needed. Also, it’s a good idea to trim tree branches that hang over your roof. Doing so will prevent damage from falling limbs.
Pros:
- The most affordable roofing option
- They are easy to install and repair
- Available in a variety of colors
- Can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance
Cons:
- Not as durable as some other roofing options
- Recyclable
2) Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are roofing materials made from thin, tapered pieces of wood. They’re available in a variety of woods, including cedar, redwood, and pine. Wood shingles are another popular choice for homeowners, and they can last up to 30 years with regular maintenance.
To keep a wood shingle roof in good condition, regularly inspect it for rot or damage. You should also clean the shingles to remove any moss or algae that could cause rot. You can expect to pay more than asphalt shingles for this type of roof.
Pros:
- Wood shingles are a natural and renewable resource
- They are available in a variety of woods
- Wood shingles can last for a very long time
Cons:
- Prone to rotting
- They are not fire-resistant
3) Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are a type of roofing material that is made from fired clay. They’re available in different hues, and they can last 50 to 100 years. To maintain a clay roof, it’s smart to have it inspected and cleaned every few years. A clay tile roof costs upwards of $20,000 due to it being a premium material.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Holds up well under extreme weather conditions
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
- More expensive than other roofs
- Complicated to install
- Heavier than other roofing options
4) Slate Tiles
Slate tiles are a roofing material type that’s made from natural stone. They’re available in numerous colors, and they can last up to 100 years. To expand the life of a slate roof, you should routinely check the tiles for cracks or damage. Furthermore, have the roof inspected and cleaned every few years by a roofing expert. A slate roof is the most expensive roofing material in the industry.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Low-maintenance
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
- More expensive than other roofs
- Heavier than other roofs
5) Metal
Metal roofs are made from steel, aluminum, or copper. They’re quite sturdy and can last up to 50 years. To keep your metal roof in top condition, you should inspect it for rust or damage on a regular basis. Also, be sure to clean the roof to remove any dirt, debris, or leaves. Installation for metal roofs is roughly $10,000.
Pros:
- Metal roofs are durable
- Fire-resistant
- Environmentally Friendly
Cons:
- Can be noisy during rainstorms
- May dent under heavy hail
- Expensive to install
6) Concrete Tiles
Concrete tile roofs come from concrete. They’re one of the roof types that’s durable and can last up to 50 years. Regular maintenance is required to extend the lifespan of a concrete tile roof. This includes checking for cracks or damage, as well as having it cleaned every five years or so.
Pros:
- Comes in lots of styles
- Wind Resistant
- Recyclable
Cons:
- Color can fade
- Heavy
- Prone to Cracking
7) Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are made from cedar wood. They’re one of the roof types that give a rustic look to your home. This roof style can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance. You should regularly check cedar shakes for rot or damage. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to clear the roof of any moss or algae that could cause rot. The cost to install a cedar shake roof is between $10,000 and $20,000
Pros:
- Gives a rustic look
- Natural and renewable resource
Cons:
- More expensive than other roofing options
- Prone to rotting
- Not fire-resistant
8) Solar Panels
In most cases, solar panels are made from silicon. They are installed on the roof and convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels can last up to 30 years. To keep solar panels in good condition, you should regularly inspect them for damage. You should also clean the panels to remove any dirt, debris, or leaves. Solar panels can be expensive upfront, but you can be eligible for federal tax credits to supplement the cost.
Pros:
- Reduces your carbon footprint
- Save money on your electricity bill
- Environmentally Friendly
Cons:
- More expensive than other roofing options
- Require a lot of maintenance
The Various Roof Styles
Now that you know about the different roof types, here are some of the most popular roof styles:
Gable Roof
The gable roof is one of the most popular roof styles in the United States. It’s characterized by two sloping sides that come together at a ridge. It’s a good choice for homes in climates with moderate weather conditions.
Pros:
- Good ventilation
- Simple to build
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Prone to wind damage
- Poor drainage can lead to leaks
Butterfly Roof
The butterfly roof has two sloping sides that come together in the middle. This roof style is named after its resemblance to a butterfly’s wings. It’s also a good option for houses in climates with moderate weather conditions.
Pros:
- Adds architectural interest to homes
- Roof shape helps with drainage
Cons:
- May be more expensive than other roofing options
- Difficult to construct
Dome Roof
A dome roof is exactly what it sounds like — a roof in the shape of a dome. This type of roof is often seen on public buildings, such as churches and museums, but can also be used on homes.
Pros:
- Provides good protection from the elements
- Distributes weight evenly
Cons:
- May be difficult to construct
- Not good for areas with a lot of snowfall or rainfall
Flat Roof
Flat roofs are completely flat. They may have a slight pitch to allow for drainage, but they are still considered flat. Flat roofs are commonly found on commercial buildings, but can also be seen on some homes. They are easy to construct and can be made from a variety of materials.
Pros:
- Easy to construct
- Made from a variety of materials
Cons:
- Prone to leaks
- Not as durable as other roofing options
Hip Roof
A hip roof has four sloping sides that come together at the top to form a ridge. This type of roof is popular in many parts of the world, as it provides good protection from the elements.
Pros:
- Good protection from the elements
- Distributes weight evenly
Cons:
- May be more expensive than other roofing options
- Difficult to construct
Mansard Roof
The mansard roof is similar to the hip roof, but it has two slopes on each of its four sides. This type of roof was common in the 19th century and is still used on some homes today.
Pros:
- More space can be added to the home by adding a mansard roof
- Good protection from the weather elements
Cons:
- More expensive than other roofs
- Difficult to construct
How to Choose the Right Roof Type
If you’re unsure of which roof type is right for your home, there are a few things you can consider, such as:
The Climate ☀️
First, think about the climate you live in. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall or snowfall, you’ll want a roof that is good at protecting your home from the elements. You’ll also want to make sure the roof can handle the weight of the snow or rain.
The Style of Your Home 🏠
Next, consider the style of your home. If you have a traditional home, you may want to stick with a roof type that is common for that style of home. If you have a more modern home, you should choose a roof that’s more unique.
Your Budget 💰
Finally, think about your budget. Some roof types, such as the mansard roof, are more expensive than others. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure that you pick a roof type that you can afford.
No matter which roof type you choose, make sure you consult with a professional to guarantee that it’s the right one for your home.
Give Your Roof a Makeover
Keeping the roof of your home intact is imperative for the safety and well-being of your family. So, if your roof needs to be replaced, allow Roof Troopers to help. We have years of experience in working with different roof types and making homes look like new. Our expert team can fix storm damage, as well as provide roof repair and replacement.
Contact us today to get started!
