A storm rolled through last night, and now your roof is leaking. You’re standing there, looking up at the damage, wondering how it happened and what to do next.
Was it the type of shingles?
Could this have been avoided?
Choosing the wrong roofing material can lead to costly repairs and headaches down the road.
When it comes time to replace or install a new roof, the material you choose can make a big difference in both the short- and long-term value of your home. But with so many roofing materials on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
Roofing materials differ widely in terms of cost, durability, appearance, and maintenance needs. Some materials, like asphalt shingles, are incredibly popular due to their affordability and simple installation, while others, like slate or metal, offer better durability and longevity but come with a higher price tag. Each type has its pros and cons, and your choice depends on factors like your budget, the climate in your area, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do over time.
In this guide, we’ll compare some of the most popular roofing materials, discussing their benefits, drawbacks, and the situations in which each material is best. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which option might be the best fit for your home and how to balance cost, durability, and style.
Asphalt Shingles
Lifespan: 15-30 years
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America due to their affordability and ease of installation. They come in two main types: 3-tab shingles, which are flat, have a single layer, and typically last between 15 and 20 years, and architectural shingles, which are thicker, have a more textured appearance and can last up to 30 years with proper care.
Pros:
- Affordable: Asphalt shingles are generally the most budget-friendly option for roofing.
- Variety of Styles: They come in a range of colors and styles to match any home.
- Widely Available: Because they’re so common, many contractors are familiar with installing and repairing asphalt shingles.
- Easy to Install: These shingles are relatively simple to install, meaning labour costs are lower than some other materials.
Cons:
- Shorter Lifespan: Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan.
- Weather Susceptibility: They can be damaged by extreme weather conditions like high winds or heavy hail.
- Environmental impact: As a petroleum-based material, asphalt shingles aren’t as eco-friendly as other materials.
Metal Roofing
Lifespan: 40-70 years
Metal roofing has gained popularity in recent years due to its durability and modern appearance. It comes in several forms, with the more popular types including steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc.
Pros:
- Durable: Metal roofs are highly resistant to wind, hail, and fire, making them a great option for areas with extreme weather.
- Long Lifespan: A properly installed and maintained metal roof can last between 40 and 70 years, far longer than asphalt shingles.
- Energy-Efficient: Metal reflects sunlight, which helps reduce cooling costs during the summer.
- Lightweight: Metal roofing is lighter than materials like tile or slate, reducing the strain on your home’s structure.
Cons:
- Higher Upfront Cost: While metal roofing can save you money in the long run, the initial installation cost is higher than that of asphalt shingles.
- Noisy: Some homeowners find that metal roofs can be noisy during rain or hailstorms, though adding insulation can help reduce this issue.
- Requires Proper Installation: It’s important to hire an experienced contractor to install a metal roof, as improper installation can lead to leaks or other issues.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Lifespan: 30-40 years
Wood shingles and shakes offer a natural, rustic appearance that many homeowners find appealing. While they are both made from wood, the main difference is in how they are manufactured. Shingles are machine-cut and smooth, providing a more uniform look, while shakes are hand-split, giving them a more textured and irregular appearance.
Pros:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Wood shingles and shakes provide a timeless, charming look that adds to the appearance of traditional and rustic homes. They add warmth and character that is hard to replicate with synthetic materials.
- Natural insulation: Wood offers better insulation than many other roofing materials, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Eco-Friendly Option: If sourced from sustainable forests, wood shingles and shakes are environmentally friendly, as wood is a renewable resource.
Cons:
- Fire Hazard: Without treatment, wood roofs are more prone to catching fire, making them less suitable for areas with high wildfire risk. However, fire-resistant coatings can help mitigate this problem.
- High Maintenance: Wood roofs require more upkeep than other materials. For example, they require regular inspections, treatments for pests or mould, and general maintenance to prevent rot.
- Expensive: While beautiful, wood shingles and shakes tend to be more expensive both in terms of materials and labour.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Lifespan: 50-100 years
Clay and concrete tiles can last for decades, sometimes even outlasting the home they’re installed on. Clay tiles are often associated with Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southwestern architecture, while concrete tiles can be shaped and colored to resemble other materials like wood or slate.
Pros:
- Long-Lasting: With a potential lifespan of up to 100 years, clay and concrete tiles are a solid investment for long-term homeowners.
- Fire-Resistant: These tiles are non-combustible, making them a safer choice for homes in fire-prone areas.
- Energy-Efficient: Clay and concrete tiles provide excellent insulation, keeping homes cooler during the hot months and helping reduce energy costs.
Cons:
- Heavy: Both clay and concrete tiles are heavy, which means your home’s structure needs to be strong enough to support the weight. In some cases, additional structural reinforcement may be required.
- Expensive: The materials themselves, along with the specialized labour needed for installation, make clay and concrete tiles one of the more expensive roofing options.
- Brittle: Although durable, tiles can crack if heavy objects (like tree branches) fall on them. Walking on the roof can also cause breakage.
Slate Roofing
Lifespan: 75-100 years
A natural stone-like slate has a classic, elegant look to it. It’s one of the longest-lasting roofing materials, with some slate roofs lasting well over 100 years, and an excellent choice if you want a roofing material that requires minimal maintenance.
Pros:
- Exceptional Durability: Slate is incredibly strong and can withstand harsh weather conditions, fire, and impact damage.
- Low Maintenance: Aside from the occasional inspection, slate roofs require very little maintenance, making them an excellent long-term investment.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Slate provides a high-end, elegant look that is hard to match with other roofing materials.
Cons:
- Very Heavy: Slate is one of the heaviest roofing materials, which means that some homes may need structural reinforcement to handle the weight.
- High Cost: Slate is among the most expensive roofing options, both in terms of materials and installation.
- Specialized Installation: Slate requires experienced roofers who are familiar with the material, which can make finding a contractor more challenging and expensive.
Synthetic Roofing Materials
Lifespan: 30-50 years
Synthetic roofing materials are designed to mimic the appearance of higher-end products like slate, wood, or tile but at a lower cost and weight. They are typically made from rubber, plastic, or polymer composites and tend to be affordable.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Synthetic materials generally cost less than their natural counterparts while still providing a similar aesthetic.
- Lightweight: These materials are much lighter than natural slate or tile, reducing the need for structural reinforcement.
- Durable: Many synthetic options are resistant to impact, fire, and extreme weather conditions, making them a good all-around choice for durability.
Cons:
- Less Authentic Appearance: While synthetic roofing materials do a good job of imitating natural options, some homeowners may still prefer the real thing for a more authentic look.
- Unknown Long-Term Performance: Since synthetic materials are relatively new, their longevity isn’t as proven as other roofing options like slate or metal.
Rubber Roofing (EPDM)
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Rubber roofing, also known as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer), is a rugged and affordable option often used for flat or low-slope commercial roofing installation. Made from synthetic rubber, EPDM is known for its flexibility and resistance to extreme temperatures.
Pros:
- Durable: EPDM is highly resistant to UV radiation, ozone, and weather conditions, making it an ideal option for flat roofs.
- Affordable: Rubber roofing is one of the more cost-effective materials for flat roofing, with lower installation costs compared to other options.
- Easy to Repair: Small punctures or tears in an EPDM roof are relatively easy and inexpensive to repair.
Cons:
- Appearance: EPDM typically comes in black, which can absorb heat and isn’t as visually appealing as other roofing materials. However, white options are available to improve energy efficiency.
- Prone to Punctures: Although durable, EPDM can be vulnerable to punctures from sharp objects like tree branches or other debris.
Need to Repair or Replace Your Roof? Contact Gateway Exteriors!
No matter what material you’re considering for your next roof, Gateway Exteriors in Hamilton, ON, is here to exceed your expectations. As a GAF and Velux Certified contractor, we offer top-notch roofing services to ensure your home is protected and looks great for years. We’ll help you choose the best roofing material for your home and ensure the job is done right. With our experience and attention to detail, you can rest easy knowing your home is in good hands.
