What Different Kinds of Roofs are There, and What is the Most Affordable for My Home?

Different Kinds of Roofs

If replacing the roof is on your to-do list, you are probably immersed in the process of trying to decide which type of roof you want. You might be weighing price as well as aesthetic design. Maybe you are considering the impact to the environment when it comes to a new roof. You may also want to enhance the curb appeal of your home with a roof replacement.

A new roof is a good investment in your property. In fact, replacing your old roof is one of the most profitable ways to invest in your home.

So, choosing the right type of roof is essential when it comes to energy efficiency, its durability and longevity, the right price point, and aesthetic appeal.

Before exploring the varied types of roofs available, it would serve you well to examine your goals for this important installation. Think about your main objectives when it comes to putting a new roof on your house. Do you prefer aesthetic design over long-lasting durability? Does the climate call for a special kind of roof material? Perhaps you have a limited budget for this roof project. If you are looking for the most value on your next roof, then consider the different types of roofs available and what they have to offer.

Different Kinds of Roofing Materials

Shingle Roofs

Nearly 90 percent of homeowners in the U.S. opt for asphalt shingles due to their affordability and because of how durable they are. These shingle roofs cost approximately $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot or about $8,000 per roof installation. They will typically last
30 years. They are also easy to install.

You can mix asphalt, fiberglass and mineral composite to produce a variety of colors such as brown, red, gray, blue, and green. Be aware that sun exposure will cause these colors to fade over time.

Shingle roofs seem to be most common on homes in suburban communities.

Some advantages of shingle roofs are that they are suited for various climates and they are low maintenance. A couple of drawbacks include the colors fading with sun exposure and they have a comparatively short lifespan.

Architectural and Three-Tab Roofs

Architectural asphalt shingles are comprised of individual tiles made thicker than three-tab to create a layered, durable texture on the roof. They tend to be more expensive than many other roofing materials because of the higher quality material, and it involves longer installation.

Conversely, three-tab asphalt shingles are much thinner and they are cut to appear like three shingles. This makes for a quicker installation. This also creates a uniform, brick-like pattern. These roofs will typically last seven to 15 years, and are often the roofing material of choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Slate Roofs

Slate is one of the most durable types of roofing material and it is moderately priced, ranging from $9 to $20 per square foot. This roofing material is capable of lasting 50 years to as long as 200 years.

Slate roofs are fireproof and are resistant to high winds and extreme temperatures. They also hold up well against hail and small branches.

Slate roofs are also more reliable than composite ones. The main value you enjoy with slate roofs is longevity.

Colors for slate roofing include gray, blue, green, brown, and red.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are a popular choice for roofs because materials such as zinc and aluminum are affordable, easy to transport and require low maintenance. They look beautiful and they keep their luster for many years.

Metal roofs can last as long as 80 years. They will likely fit most budgets, coming in at $6 to $14 per square foot, based on the design and material.

You can choose from two types of metal roofs: shingles and sheets – also known as panels. You have the option of having the metal pre-treated with sealants.

The advantages of metal roofs are its durability, low maintenance, and the variety of colors it comes in. It can also mimic slate, asphalt and wood.

The downside of metal is that it requires sound proofing to reduce noise, and it could warp or develop ripples if improperly installed.

Clay Tile Roofs

Clay tiles enjoy universal appeal. Their usage dates back 5,000 years to glazed earthenware rooftops on homes in China.

These tiles are moderately expensive. You’ll pay $10 to $18 per square foot and they offer ultimate longevity, lasting anywhere from 50 years to 100 years or more.

Choose from a wide array of styles such as French, Spanish, Scania and many more.

Although they are somewhat expensive to install and repair, clay tiles have greater longevity than nearly all other types of roofing materials. Clay tile roofs are well suited for warm climates, which is why they are quite common in areas like Southern California and Florida. They can also handle winds as fierce as 150 miles per hour, and they are fire-resistant.

You can enjoy the benefit of clay tiles regulating the temperature inside your home.

Disadvantages of this type of roofing material include the requirement of needing extra structural support for its weight, and it could call for specialized labor to install and repair clay tile roofs.

Wood Roofs

Wood roofing matches perfectly with Cape Cod cottages, and cozy Craftsman and Tudor-style home architecture. They appear sandy brown, and turn silver as they age. Wood roofs will usually last 50 years in dry climates, however, they have to be treated in areas susceptible to fires such as California.

Among the most common building materials for wood roofing are redwood, pine and cedar, as they all repel insects. The most popular selection for wood roofs is cedar shake roofing, and it costs just $5 to $7 per square foot.

You enjoy the advantages of wood roofs offering curb appeal and they are made from natural materials.

The downside of wood roofing is that it is prone to water damage, it may need treatment with fire retardants and chemical preservatives, and it is high maintenance.

Roof Maxx Shingle Treatment is the most Affordable Roof for your Home

Research conducted by Ohio State University found:
The Roof Maxx® treatment seeps into dried out shingles and rehydrates the asphalt with essential oil beads. This process restores flexibility so the shingle can contract and expand without breaking while reactivating the seal tabs on the shingles helping to extend the waterproofing protection. Similar to the soy technology used in Good Year tires, Roof Maxx® is a bio-solution product that was created in coordination with the Ohio Soybean Council.
The Ohio State University conducted a study combining with research from Battelle Memorial Institute and PRI Construction Materials Technology and found that Roof Maxx® treated shingles restored flexibility, durability, and permeability values close to that of a brand new shingle.

Look to the Roof Experts at Roof Maxx for Saving Your Roof

We are Tri-Cities TOP choice for roof rejuvenation!

Located in Kennewick and servicing Walla Walla, our roof treatments are safe, easy, proven, and are an affordable alternative to a complicated, expensive, and life-disrupting asphalt roof replacement. If your asphalt roof has seen better days and it may be time for a roof replacement, you need to call Roof Maxx first!

At Roof Maxx, we use a revolutionary, award-winning technology that allows millions of micro-beads of all-natural oil to penetrate your old brittle roof. This process restores your roof’s flexibility and waterproofing protection preserving the life of your roof.

Treatments come with a five-year transferrable warranty. Repeating treatments every five years can extend your roof’s life by up to fifteen years.
Schedule your free quote today and see if Roof Maxx can help you save money and save your roof!