Choosing the right roofing material for your home is a critical decision that significantly influences the overall durability, cost, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements of your roof for years to come.
It’s not merely a financial investment but also a commitment to the longevity and beauty of your home. This helpful guide delves into the world of various roofing materials, empowering you to make an informed choice based on their performance, costs, lifespan, and suitability for your home.
How Do I Choose the Right Material for My Roof?
Selecting the ideal roofing material is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Every home is unique and presents different demands based on its architectural design, geographic location, climate, style preferences, and, importantly, the homeowner’s budget. Balancing these factors can sometimes be challenging, but understanding each of them can aid in making an informed choice.
For personalized roofing recommendations, give our team at RoofPRO a call, and one of our expert roofing contractors will meet with you for a free roofing consultation!
Consider the Requirements for Your Home
Some homes may have roofing material restrictions based on the local HOA or historical districts. But aside from that, you likely have plenty of flexibility in what roofing materials you choose for your home.
So, when replacing your roof, you can switch it up as you desire! If you have cedar shakes currently but want to switch to asphalt shingles, or even a metal roof, a professional roofing company can make that happen with little issue.
The only thing that might limit your options is the pitch of your roof. The steepness and incline of your roof may exclude certain roofing materials. For example, shingles are only meant to be installed if the roof is 4/12 pitch or higher. Anything below that requires a flat roofing material. But with those considerations out of the way, you hold the power to choose what is going to be the best option for your home!
Plan Out Your Roofing Budget
As many homeowners know, a roof replacement is expensive, and the type of roofing products you choose will also affect the final price. More expensive options often provide enhanced durability and lifespan, potentially offering better long-term value. For example, a metal roof can easily be twice as expensive as a shingle roof! However, it’s not only about the upfront costs. It’s equally important to consider the ongoing maintenance costs. Some materials, like slate or metal, have higher initial costs but require less maintenance in the long run, potentially saving you money over time.
It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from a few contractors to help you get an idea of the pricing for your home’s roof. You can also reference third-party sources like the Cost Values report that gives general pricing for houses across the US.
It’s important to note that RoofPRO offers financing options for Maryland homeowners looking to replace their roof. Contact us today to see if you are eligible for roof financing!
How Much Does New Roofing Cost?
Every roof is different depending on the style of roofing material you choose. It is also dependent on the size and complexity of your home’s roof. The square footage is measured and priced accordingly. If the roof is a simple up-and-over slope, then it will be more basic pricing, but if your roof has a lot of hips, penetrations, valleys, skylights, etc., then it will cost more. Each of those items requires more material and more labor.
While there are too many variables to account for, you could budget somewhere between $4 to $6 per square foot for shingle roofs and $8 to $15 per square foot for higher-end roofs like metal or slate.
What are Some Popular Residential Roofing Materials?
Let’s discuss some popular residential roofing materials below. We’ll explore their benefits, lifespan, and costs to help you navigate your options.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are among the most popular roofing materials in the United States, and for good reason! Shingles are popular because of their color variety, durability, and low cost compared to other types. Shingles come in both three-tab style and architectural style, also known as laminated or dimensional shingles. There are also Energy Star-rated shingles available that will make your home more energy efficient, as well as algae-resistant shingles that keep your roof looking clean for longer.
Asphalt shingles are suitable for a wide range of architectural styles and climatic conditions, making them a versatile choice for homeowners in the region.
Cost, Benefits, and Lifespan of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Costs can range from $4 to $6 per square foot for a shingled roof. Their lifespan can be anywhere from 25 to 50 years per manufacturer specifications, although poor ventilation, extreme weather, and poor installation can lower those numbers.
One additional benefit of shingles is that it is less expensive to repair and replace shingle roofs compared too many of the other materials on this list. However, asphalt shingles require regular maintenance to maximize their lifespan. They can be susceptible to high winds, algae growth in damp climates, and damage from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Wood Shingle Roofing
Also referred to as shake roofing or cedar shakes, wood shingles have been a roofing choice for centuries and continue to be favored by some homeowners for their unique aesthetic appeal. This type of wood roofing doesn’t last as long as some other materials, but the authentic historical look is something that many Maryland homeowners value!
Costs and Benefits of Wood and Cedar Shingles
The benefits of wood shingles are in the look, as there is no other roofing material that looks quite like it! This type of roof will typically be seen in historical neighborhoods. The cost can be estimated at around $9 a square foot, and the life expectancy is around 20-40 years, depending on the quality of the wood shingle.
However, they may require more maintenance than some other materials to prevent mold, rot, and insect damage. An interesting note is that the wood shingles don’t actually waterproof your home; rather, it’s the material under the wood shakes that protects your home.
Clay or Concrete Tiles
There are many styles and colors of tile roofs, from flat clay tiles to rounded tiles. But tile is not as common in northern states because of the architectural influence and lower temperatures. You’ll normally see these in southern states where clay and concrete tiles perform well by reflecting sunlight and reducing cooling costs.
Tile Roofing Brings Unmatched Durability
Tile roofs can last up to 75 years, depending on the type of tile and the climate. It’s important to note that tile is also not the waterproofing agent for your roof; rather, the material under the tile is what protects your home and keeps it watertight.
The average cost will vary depending on the normal variables listed above, but in general, you can expect $9 – $15 per square foot.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing, once primarily used for commercial, industrial, and farm buildings, has seen a surge in popularity for residential use. Known for its excellent durability, longevity, and eco-friendliness, metal roofing is a choice worth considering!
Metal roofs come in two main styles, corrugated and standing seam metal roofs. The corrugated roof will be less expensive and have exposed fasteners that hold it in place. The standing seam roof will have hidden fasteners and comes in flat panels with a standing seam every 12 to 18 inches.
Cost, Lifespan, and Benefits of Metal Roofing Systems
The life expectancy of a metal roof is high; easily 50+ years with proper maintenance! The cost will start around $12 per square foot and go up from there, depending on the level of warranty, type of metal, and the installation process. Some metal roofs have an extremely high wind resistance, but that also means a higher price tag.
Other Common Roofing Types
Below are some other popular roofing types that homeowners in the region can consider for their new roofing system!
Slate Roofing
Slate roofs come in a variety of colors and sizes, although the most typical style is a thin grey slate roof. The thicker the slate, the longer it should last, and like other types of roofing, the slate doesn’t waterproof the home, the underlayment beneath the slate is what protects the home.
Asphalt Roll Roofing
This has become a popular choice for homes with shingle roofs because manufacturers now make flat roofing material, AKA asphalt roll roofing, to match the color of the shingles! These roofs can last anywhere from 12-20 years, depending on the system you choose; this will be determined by the number of layers and the type of flashing required.
Flat Roofing for Homes
Any roof that has a slope pitched below 4/12 will require flat roof material. Flat roofs are not actually flat but require a slight pitch to help the water drain off. Some common flat roofing material could be rolled roofing, as mentioned above, or TPO; the pricing for these can range from $8 a square foot to $12 a square foot. Contact a professional roofer for a more detailed estimate on your next roofing system!
RoofPRO is a Trusted Roofer for Maryland Homeowners
Choosing the right roofing material is just the start. You also need a trusted and experienced roofing contractor to install your new roof – that’s where RoofPRO comes in! As a trusted roofer for Maryland homeowners, we have the expertise to guide you through this process and ensure a quality installation that will protect your home for years to come.
Let Us Help Design Your Next Roofing System
We understand that your roof is more than just a structure—it’s a system designed to protect, insulate, and enhance your home. We take pride in helping our customers design their ideal roofing system, one that suits their needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation with personalized recommendations for what roof materials would be best for your home.
