The cost of roof repair or replacement varies from one roof to the next because material costs vary. As is the case in most industries, higher-priced materials tend to correlate to higher quality and longer lifespan.
With so many roofing materials on the market, the decision-making process is sometimes overwhelming for home and property owners. We’ve compiled a list of the top eight roofing materials we think you should know about, with details about durability, cost, and longevity.
8 Long-Lasting and Robust Roofing Materials
- Asphalt Roll Roofing: This material is intended for low-pitch or flat roofs. Installation of asphalt roll roofing is fairly simple: the material comes in large rolls; they are flattened out and the roofing is installed in sheets. Asphalt roll roofing is the cheapest roofing material available, though its longevity isn’t as great as other options – it requires replacing every 5 to 10 years.
- Built-Up Roofing (BUR): Just like it sounds, built-up roofing is made by layering felt, tar, and fiberglass to create a sturdy material. BUR is about double the cost of asphalt roll roofing but still on the affordable end of the spectrum. Plus, it lasts at least twice the amount of time – its lifespan is 20 to 30 years.
- Composite Asphalt Shingle Roofing: Tough, cost effective, and simple to install, it’s no wonder composite asphalt shingles are the most commonly chosen material for residential roofs. Price point and longevity are determined by type and grade of shingle, but the average price for asphalt shingle roofing is still economical.
- Clay Tile Roofing: Clay tiles are a solid choice for, well, a solid roof. Made from terracotta, clay tiles can be quite heavy and require robust framing to support their weight. Between the roof preparation, installation, and tiles themselves, installing a clay tile roof involves time and money. This material is an investment, for sure, but one that’s worth it for plenty of homeowners. Clay tile roofs can last longer than 100 years!
- Concrete Tile Roofing: Comparable to clay tiles when it comes to durability and strength, concrete tiles are a somewhat less costly option for homeowners who are interested in investing in a long-lasting material. Concrete tiles can also last up to a century, when installed correctly and maintained properly.
- Wood Shake Shingle Roofing: Another durable roofing option, wood shake shingles are made of thick-cut wood and can last for 35 to 40 years, if they are cleaned regularly and if split shingles are replaced. Wood shake shingles are a more costly choice than some other roofing materials, but they offer a unique look in addition to good durability.
- Metal Roofing: Metal roofs aren’t the cheapest option out there, but their installation cost is low and they’re extremely durable. The material cost depends on the type of metal: homeowners generally choose from steel, copper, zinc, or aluminum. Metal roofs last 50 years on average and up to 75 with regular maintenance.
- Slate Roofing: Slate roofs are unique and beautiful, made from slabs of natural rock, as opposed to the mold-formed and fired tiles of concrete or clay roofs. Slate roofing is the most expensive material, by far, but also the longest-lasting: these roofs often last over 100 years.
Selecting the best roofing material for your home is a difficult decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. The roofing experts at Elevated Exteriors will help you to identify the perfect material that will fit your budget, needs, and preferences.
The Best Roofing Professionals in Georgia
The Elevated Exteriors team has been in the roofing industry for a combined 40 years. Our skilled roofing specialists provide superior commercial and residential roof repairs and installations in Georgia.
For excellent roofing services that you can afford, contact Elevated Exteriors professionals today and schedule your free roof estimate consultation: (770) 750-5294.