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5 Different Roof Types for Your Roof Replacement

By: Jan Hajek | Date Posted: October 2, 2020

Back in the early American settlements, when wood was abundant and easy to harvest using saws and axes, people used wood shingles called shakes for their roofing material. These were irregularly shaped and were the predecessor to uniform wood shingles that came later.

How many types of roof shingles do we have today? How many types of metal roofs are available? Depending on the climate, what you want to spend, and the style of the house, there are so many different types of roofs from which to choose.

Is it time to replace your roof? The type of roof you choose will determine its longevity and quality. Keep reading to learn about the five roof types to consider.

Five Roof Types to Consider

1. Metal Roofing

Metal Roofing

Do you equate metal roofing with farmhouses, barns, or commercial buildings? That is no longer the case. Many homeowners have chosen to replace their roofs with metal.

In many cases, this type of roofing can be installed over the existing worn-out roof. Whether you choose interlocking metal panels or stamped metal shingles, they are fire-resistant and extremely durable. 

2. Asphalt Shingles

You are very familiar with asphalt fiberglass shingles because of their popularity. They come in a variety of colors and are most commonly used on sloped roofs.

They are affordable, easy to install, fire-resistant, and durable in harsh weather conditions. 

3. Rubber Roofing

Rubber Roofing

That is a relatively new choice in the roofing world. It took a lot of research to engineer a thin rubber membrane that could perform as well as other roof types when it comes to durability and waterproofing.

Rubber roofing is best for a flat roof or one with a low slope. 

 

4. Clay or Concrete Tile

Of all the roof tile types, these are more specific to homes in hot climates. These beautiful tiles are often referred to as Spanish or barrel tiles.

Concrete Tile

Clay tiles are low-maintenance, durable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing. They last longer than most other roofing materials, lasting up to 100 years.

They help to insulate the home and withstand extreme temperatures. 

5. Slate Roofing

Slate isn’t often considered when choosing a roofing material, but if you’re looking for a long-lasting, durable roof, slate might be for you.

It is rock, and most of it comes from slate deposits in Pennsylvania and Vermont. It is cumbersome, so if using it as a replacement roof, it’s a good idea to have a structural inspection before considering using it. 

It is more expensive than other choices, but it’s been dubbed the “forever roof” because it’ll last your lifetime.

Need help choosing between the various types of roof materials? You’ll want to click here for tips.

Slate Roofing

Choosing Between the Different Roof Types

Now that you know some of the roof types you can choose for your roof replacement, you can decide which one seems to be the best for your home and budget.

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FAQs

What type of roof is best for a hot climate?

The best roof shingle materials for homeowners in a hot climate are metal, slate, clay, or rubber.

What is the most expensive roofing material?

Slate is hands down the most expensive roofing material on the market. It’s ten times more expensive than the average asphalt shingle as it pairs well in Gothic, Tudor, Chateau, or other expensively styled, historic-looking homes.

What type of roof is the cheapest?

Asphalt is the cheapest of all roofing materials in the market. This makes it a perfect option for homeowners facing budgetary constraints. A shingle measuring one square foot retails for as low as $1.

Thank you for reading!

Jan Hajek
 

I am an experienced writer. I write about home improvement topics such as construction, electrical work, plumbing, security and safety, interior design, exterior design, tools and woodworking, gardening, and garage organization. I love helping people improve their homes and make them more enjoyable places to live.

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