Whether you’re having a new home constructed or are looking to replace the roof of your existing home, you have many options available. While asphalt shingles are the most commonly used material, there are cedar shakes, clay tiles, metal roofing, and so forth. We’re going to discuss these different roofing materials below to assist you in determining the ideal one for your home.
1. Consider Various Types of Roofing Materials
The perfect roofing material for your home is going to depend on your budget, aesthetic concerns, climate, and availability of roofing supplies. Some of the most common materials used in the Minnesota climate include asphalt shingles, slate tiles, and metal roofing.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are by far the most commonly used roofing material across the country thanks to their durability and overall affordability. Most shingles will last for around 15 to 30 years, depending on their overall quality. Shingles are very versatile and can be installed over various angles and slopes. This roofing material comes in a wide variety of styles and color choices. In fact, it can come in designs that mimic other roofing materials, like cedar shakes.
Asphalt shingles are fairly simple to install with basic tools, and they can be easily repaired. They don’t have too much weight to them, making them the ideal choice for all types of roofing structures. Some asphalt shingles are available in algae-resistant materials, and they have a higher fire rating. Newer cool shingles can help reduce heat absorption in your attic and allow for lower energy bills throughout the year.
Slate Tiles
Slate roofs have been used for literal centuries as a strong and beautiful roofing material. One of the most significant benefits of slate is that it’ll last 100 years or more. Homeowners who invest in slate roofing know they won’t have to worry about replacing their roofs ever again. While this does come at a higher upfront cost than most other types of roofing materials, slate can bring peace of mind when it comes to planning for the future.
Slate is continues to be available in its traditional charcoal color. However, it’s now available in a wide variety of other color options, like red, green, brown, and blue. You can even get tiles in varying designs and textures, depending on your individual aesthetic preferences. Slate is naturally resistant to fire, rot, and mold growth. It also has a very low water absorption capacity, meaning it won’t take on any extra water weight during times of high precipitation. While slate is heavier than most roofing materials, it does boost your home’s resale value above what other roofing material options will.
Metal Roofing
Metal is a roofing material that has gained a lot of popularity in the residential sector within the last couple of decades. It offers a fairly long lifespan of 40 years or more when it receives proper maintenance. Metal is a fire-retardant material that won’t allow for algae growth. This material is resistant to UV rays since it will reflect them. This allows for less heat creation than with other roofing materials, like asphalt shingles. This leads to an overall cooler attic and lower cooling bills throughout the hot summer months.
Metal is a very lightweight material that’s ideal for homes with a low load-bearing roofing structure. It’s very easy and quick to install when compared to other roofing materials, such as slate or cedar shakes. Metal naturally allows for easy run-off of water and snow, making it less prone to leakage. This roofing material is available in a wide variety of color options and multiple different styles.
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes can bring a unique and timeless look to any home. They offer high resistance to both wind and rain. This wood material is naturally resistant to pests and rotting. Most cedar shakes will last 30 years or more with proper upkeep. Due to its real wood makeup, this type of roofing material is highly desirable and will boost the overall resale value of your home.
Cedar wood is a natural insulator, making it the perfect option for sealing in air conditioning during the summer and heat in the winter. Unlike other roofing materials, cedar is easily recyclable when it reaches the end of its lifespan. Cedar is very unique in the fact that it starts off as a lighter brown color and fades to a beautiful grayish-silver tone over time. Cedar shakes do come at a higher price point and require more intensive labor for installation purposes.
2. Look at Cost
One of the biggest factors you’ll want to take into consideration when determining the perfect roofing material for your home is the overall cost. It’s vital to note that you don’t want to solely base your decision on price, but price in respect to overall longevity and looks. In general, asphalt shingles are going to be the cheapest for any home, regardless of roof complexity.
Cedar shakes are going to be the next cost-effective roofing material, costing around two to three times what asphalt shingles do. This is followed by metal roofing, which reigns in around twice that of cedar shakes. Lastly, we have slate shingles, which are by far the most expensive to invest in. Slate is going to be around three times the cost of cedar shakes.
3. Question the Longevity
There’s no contrasting the fact that a roof replacement is a big investment for the average homeowner. Some may prefer to spend more now to enjoy a roof that lasts longer. Asphalt shingles are going to have the shortest lifespan of most roofing materials at around 15 to 30 years. Next is going to be cedar shakes, which last around 30 years or slightly more, assuming they get proper upkeep.
When it comes to metal roofing, you can expect it to last around 40 years. One roofing material that lasts much longer than all the rest is slate. Slate roofs will last 100 years or more. This means that you only have to invest in one roof throughout your lifetime, assuming you stay living in the same home.
4. Track the Maintenance Needs
It’s imperative that your new roof receives the maintenance it needs over its lifespan to ensure it lasts the manufacturer’s estimated time. In general, asphalt shingles, slate, and metal roofing are all very low maintenance. They should each receive an annual inspection from an experienced roofer who can remedy any potential issues, such as minor cracks or scratches before they turn into bigger issues.
Cedar shakes are going to require regular upkeep to stay in great condition. They should get a new protective treatment every one to three years, depending on the recommendation of your roofer. This treatment helps to include a water, fire, and algaecide. Additionally, cedar shakes should receive an annual roof inspection.
Reliable Roof Installation Service
Schmidt Roofing offers reliable roof installation services to the entire Arlington, MN region. We can also help with all your commercial roofing, residential roofing, siding, gutters, snow and ice removal, windows and skylights, insulation and ventilation, and storm damage needs. Give our office a call soon to schedule your next roofing consultation with one of our professionals.
