Roofing your house is rarely the top of enjoyable and exciting home improvement projects. However, your attitude may change drastically if your home develops a leak. The prospect of a dry, tightly sealed house suddenly becomes very appealing. A lovely new roof can also raise the value of your home.
There are numerous roofing materials to choose from, and a little research may lead you to consider a new type of roofing rather than simply replacing the material you currently have. When selecting the suitable roofing material, you must consider appearance, longevity, cost, and structural issues.
A properly installed roof adds value to the home and structural integrity. Roofing is also costly when installed by licensed professionals using cutting-edge building materials. However, for the more cost-conscious do-it-yourself, a roof can be installed for less if some critical guidelines are followed.
Choosing Your Material
The right roofing material for your home should complement your architectural style and climate. Making the best material choice is the first and best way to avoid costly repairs later.
A new roof is a significant investment that, with proper installation and maintenance, can last anywhere from 15 to more than 50 years. Before embarking on such a large-scale project, it’s critical to understand the factors that influence a roof’s longevity and curb appeal, as well as how to prioritize them.
Below we will discuss how to build the best and most affordable roof for your home.
1. Metal Roofing
Metal has experienced a comeback in the residential roofing market in recent years. From standing seam to corrugated paneling, consumers can choose various architectural styles that will complement nearly any existing home.
This category’s most common roofing materials are stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc. Metal roofing materials such as copper, galvalume, and tin are also available.
- Cost of Metal Roofing Materials
Metal roofing is worth your investment due to its long-term durability, as it would serve you for nearly 100 years. Notably, it seems like the most affordable type of roofing as it would hardly need any replacement for a long period. A reliable roofing solution provider can help you estimate the accurate metal roof cost per your requirements and budget.
- Lifespan
Metal roofs have a longer lifespan than other roofing materials, lasting between 40 and 70 years.
2. Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice among homeowners today. Apart from being the most affordable roofing option, asphalt shingles are suitable for most climates, have a reasonable lifespan with proper maintenance, and are relatively simple to install.
Shingles have a lifespan of 15-30 years and come in various colors and styles. A fiberglass sheet with asphalt coatings on both sides makes composite asphalt shingles. The exposed side is frequently dusted with slate, quartz, or ceramic granules. Although we always recommend hiring professional roofers, many homeowners can handle shingle roof installation independently.
- Cost of Asphalt Shingles
The average cost of a shingle roof is $8,500, but this varies greatly depending on the roof’s square footage. Upper-end shingle roofs are around $12,000, while smaller roofs are around $5,500.
- Lifespan
Asphalt shingle roofs have a typical lifespan of 15 to 30 years. Architectural shingles typically last the longest, while 3-tab shingles typically last 10 to 12 years.
3. Wood Roofing
If you want to improve the appearance of your home, wood roofing may be the best option. You can choose between hand-cut wood shakes or machined wood shingles for a more rustic look and feel. When treated, it can provide the same resistance to wildfires and extreme conditions as many seemingly more rigid materials.
Redwood cedar shakes are among the most popular materials for shingle or shake roofs, but teak, wallaba, pine, and composites are also popular.
- Cost of Wood Shingles or Shake Materials
Wood roofs typically cost between $15,000 and $30,000, with labor costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,500.
- Lifespan
Typical wooden roofs have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years. Teak roofs have the longest lifespan, lasting 50 to 80 years, while cedar roofs have a shorter lifespan, lasting 30 to 50 years.
4. Clay Roofing
If you live in a hotter, arid climate or near the coast, terracotta or concrete tiles are an excellent choice for your next roof. Clay roof tiles are very popular in Mediterranean climates like Southern California because they are extremely resistant to salty air and intense heat.
However, such roofs are fairly expensive to install and require a licensed professional’s assistance. DIY installation of clay or concrete molded roof tiles is never recommended due to the high cost of the materials and difficulty working with them.
Considerations for Choosing a Roofing Material
A consultation with a professional roofer may be the best way to determine the best roofing material for you. You can, however, make this decision for yourself based on a few different factors. Among them are the following:
- Architectural Authenticity
When replacing your roof, keep tradition in mind. If your home has a traditional style, the material is almost certainly predetermined by history. Traditional homes typically use wood shakes, slates, and masonry tiles. On the other hand, metal roofing systems are better suited to modern properties.
- Pitch
The roof pitch will influence which materials you can use. Terracotta or concrete tiles should be used only on steep roofs with a pitch greater than 4:12, whereas Asphalt tiles are suitable for most roof pitches but are less durable.
- Long-Term Maintenance
Purchasing a new roofing system is a long-term investment. While all materials require maintenance to last, some are more expensive to maintain than others, so consider that as well.
- Material Weight
The weight of the material can have an impact on the timeline and labor cost of your project. If you choose a heavier material than the one currently covering your home, you may require structural changes to ensure that your home can support the additional weight.
- Cost
Most importantly, assess your financial situation to determine how much you can afford. Roofing product prices can vary greatly, and materials can account for a significant portion of your project cost. Aside from the material, the budget for labor, the permit application, and any unexpected changes or repairs.
Notably, while certain roofing materials require a professional roofer, you can save money by doing the job yourself. Just remember to stay safe while working at heights.
Bottom Line
Building a good roof on a tight budget is difficult, and assessing where you can save money without sacrificing too much quality is critical. Choosing a simple roof design, using low-cost roofing material, and hiring a low-cost but reputable roofing company are all critical components to constructing a quality roof at a reasonable price.
