Whether your current roof is in rough shape or you are interested in an upgrade, an important part of the replacement process is determining which material to go with. There are many different roofing materials to choose from, but step one is to find the best roofing company in your area. A qualified roofing contractor will help you find the best roofing material for your home and provide an estimate. Before meeting with your local contractor it is best to do your own research so you know which questions to ask. If you are curious about the pros and cons of each roofing material, this will be a great guide for you!

Shingles

Shingled roofs are the most common roofing material on the market in North America, covering about 85% of homes. Shingles are usually made of asphalt but there are other options you can choose from. Architectural shingles are the go-to for shingle roofs because they are much thicker with an appealing textured appearance.

Pros

Shingles are the most affordable roofing material option that is available and the installation process is not complicated. Very little maintenance is required throughout the life of your shingled roof and its lifespan is around 25 years. There is variety of shingle types, colors, and patterns to choose from to make your home stylish.

Cons

Shingle roofs have the shortest life expectancy from about 20-35 years, this may not be as appealing to you as other materials that can last upwards of 70 plus years. Shingles can also only be installed during certain seasons, if you live in the New England area winters are a factor. The freezing temperatures and lack of sun will hinder the process of the roof installation.

If you are having your roof replaced in the winter season because of major issues, freezing temperatures can easily damage shingles and cause sealing problems. The cold makes shingles more susceptible to lifting and cracking. Although it is possible to have your roof replaced in the winter months it is always best to wait until temperatures are more favorable. Looking for the best roofing company in your area to make sure the job is done correctly, especially during the winter season is important.

Metal

Unlike shingles, metal roofs have a life expectancy of about 40-70 years. Metal is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a long term solution for your homes roof. You can easily identify metal roofs by their sleek, large interlocking panels. Metal is the most expensive option so be sure to seek out the best roofing company in your area to do the job.  

Pros

The most obvious appealing quality a metal roof possess is its long term life expectancy. If you are looking for a roof that will last as long as you own the house or even out-live you, metal is your best bet. Metal roofs do not absorb as much heat as a shingled roofs which makes them much more energy efficient. You can save up to 40% on your energy bills during the summer months by switching to a metal roof.

This type of roofing system is made up of 25-90% of recycled materials, making metal roofs the most environmentally friendly option. There are a wide range of styles and colors to choose from, so you don’t have to sacrifice the appearance and style of your home.  Fire resistance is another great feature that a metal roof offers, they won’t ignite if a fire breaks out or a lightning strike occurs. Metal is very durable in all types of weather conditions, including heavy snow and salt water areas.

Cons

The cost of a metal roof is more expensive than the other options and its installation is more complicated. Metal roofs require specialized tools and extensive knowledge to install, consulting with a qualified roofing contractor that excels in metal is important. Noise can be an unattractive feature especially during heavy rain or hail storms. Adding more insulation during the installation process can help. The materials used in metal roofs tend to contract and expand, if they are not installed properly the panels can loosen.

Slate

If you are looking for a roofing system that offers a “lifetime” of superior durability and a distinctive touch of timeless beauty, then you should consider slate. Slate shingles are made from natural stone and are commonly used on sloped roofs. This roofing material has been around for hundreds of years and is the most durable. The life expectancy of a slate roof is between 70-200+ years!

Pros

The longest life expectancy of any roofing material is slate, some reports even show roofs lasting as long as 200-300 years. As long as the stone is good quality it will last many lifetimes. Slate is high in density which makes it fully waterproof. This material is also resistant to any temperature fluctuations or inclement weather conditions, making this material ideal for areas with heavy rain or snow falls.

Another benefit to a slate roof is its properties that make it mold and fungus resistant, meaning little to no maintenance for you. The installation of a slate roof on a house greatly increases its value, and resale potential. The longevity of this material makes this the most environmentally friendly roofing system.

Cons

Because slate is formed naturally there can be variations in the rock which affect its quality. If the iron content is too high then the rock can shale, splitting into many tiny pieces. Slate is also very heavy, which is great as a roofing material but difficult to install. This is the most complicated material to install, requires special equipment and extensive knowledge to only be completed by a qualified roofing contractor. It is imperative to find the best roofing company in your area that has experience in dealing with other material besides shingles.

Wood Shakes/Cedar

A wooden or cedar roof is made up of overlapping wooden tiles, not known for its extensive longevity but a certain look that people are going for. Wood may not last as long as asphalt shingles, metal or slate but it does offer a variety of attractive qualities.  

Pros

Cedar roofs have a very high resistance to wind, temperature variations, and are eco-friendly. Their energy efficiency provides two times the amount of insulation compared to asphalt shingles. Although cedar tiles are not as long-lasting as the other materials, they still hold a lifespan between 30-40 years. Most people who install wood roofs choose them because of their aesthetic appearance.

Cons

This roofing material is not the cheapest to install, and it must be specially treated with a fire retardant. Wood is extremely flammable and some neighborhoods no longer allow cedar shingles as a fire prevention measure. Cedar shingle roofs also require more maintenance than asphalt shingle roofs.

Rubber

Synthetic rubber, well known as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a durable roofing material used on commercial buildings. If you wanted to install EPDM on your home, it would have to meet certain requirements to be install properly. This material is very durable, cost effective, and requires little maintenance.

Pros

Rubber roofs are less susceptible to leaks compared to other roofing materials, and have little maintenance because they are waterproof. If a leak does occur it is fairly simple and cheap to fix. EPDM is recycled after its lifespan making is an environmentally friendly roofing material. It is also very durable and can withstand high winds, ice, snow, and hail, along with the suns UV rays.

Cons

The biggest drawback of a rubber roofing system is the installation obstacles and inexperienced roofing contractors. Where HVAC units, chimneys, and other roofing features meet, become culprit too future leaks if not done correctly. When Considering EPDM for a large commercial unit or home it is important to find the best roofing company in your area that is welled experienced in this roofing material.