The roof of your home is one of the largest and most important parts of your home. It makes up a huge visual piece of your home and the condition or material used can greatly alter and impact your home’s cub appeal. Beyond that, your roof is one of the areas that take the most impact from inclement weather. Here in the Pacific Northwest, that means it needs to stand up to constant rain, the occasional heavy hail/thunderstorm, and sometimes snow.
Choosing what roofing material is best for your home takes a combination of considering what material will hold up best in the weather around your home and what will enhance the style and look of your home. Here are some of the most common roofing materials and a few factors to help you decide for your home.
Deciding What Roofing Material is Right for Your Home
Asphalt Shingles
We listed asphalt first because it is the most widely used roofing material. You probably hear it referred to as just shingle roofing even though roofing shingles can be made up of several different materials.
Asphalt is affordable and easy to install. The material holds up well in most climates. When it comes to asphalt shingles, there are three different types: luxury, dimensional/architectural, and 3-tab (most commonly used because of affordability).
The average lifespan of asphalt shingles is 25 years. This is a shorter lifespan than other roofing materials, but this roofing can last longer in some cases depending on how the homeowner cares for the roof and the weather. The average cost of asphalt shingle roofing is around $10,000 for the average-sized home with a traditional slope.
Slate Tiles
If you are in your forever home and do not want to replace the roofing again while you are living there, slate could be a good option. Slate is a natural stone that is produced by the earth. With the right upkeep, this roofing can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. A slate roof can easily stand up to high winds and is fireproof. Some things to consider with slate are that the shingles come at two or three times the price of other materials and slate is a heavy material. A home would need to have a stronger roof structure to hold up the weight. The average cost of a slate roof is $25,000.
Wood Shingles or Shakes
Wood is a natural material that gives a stylish high-end look to a home. This roofing choice requires more care on homes in Western Washington however, because wood is not a friend of water. The frequent rain and humidity will be harsh on a wood roof if it is not the right type of wood. Cedar Shake Roofing is the best choice.
Metal
The majority of metal roofs use aluminum, copper, steel, or tin. A metal roof is more costly than other choices, but the longer lifespan helps to make the investment a sound choice. Metal is a great choice for harsh winter climates, this is why you often see a metal roof on buildings and homes in the mountain passes. The average lifespan of a metal roof is 80 years. An added bonus to choosing metal is you can find an environmentally friendly recycled material for your roofing. You want to make sure you hire someone with experience installing metal roofing to ensure it is done right. The average cost is around $16,500.
Clay and Concrete Tile
The most common roof with these materials is the orangy terracotta-colored wavy tiles. This material is incredibly durable. They can hold up for about 100 years and help a home to retain hot or cold temperatures. They are best in hot and dry climates and are mostly seen in the southern United States. This material is not ideal for homes with steep slopes because the tiles are heavier than other materials. The average cost is around $21,000 and the roofing can last more than 100 years, but it is not the best choice for every home.
The best strategy for choosing the best roofing material for your home is to talk with a roofing professional. Make sure you do your homework and find a contractor with experience, licensing, and proven quality work. A contractor will be able to look at the specifics of your home’s roof, share what different materials would look like with an estimate, and allow you to make the choice on what you like best without pressure.
If you are considering a new roof in Snohomish County and surrounding areas, we are here to help. Contact the roofing pros at Orlandos Pro Roofing anytime.