Posted by Roofing Wayland Comments Off on Which Roof Type is the Right Roof Type? The Pros, Cons and All You Need to Know. Carpentry, Construction, Roofing

Which Roof Type is the Right Roof Type? The Pros, Cons and All You Need to Know.

It’s no secret to homeowners, realtors, builders and prospective home buyers that the roof of a house is arguably its most important feature. Replacing your roof goes beyond just adding home value and curb appeal, it’s a project that gives your home protection against weather of all shapes, severity and sizes.

For homeowners looking to replace their roof, the questions and uncertainties of a replacement project can be daunting. What company do I contract? What’s the overall cost? How long will it take? Before choosing a company or crafting a budget, it’s important to identify which type of shingle or roofing solution you want to go with.

Welcome to our breakdown of the pros, cons and detailed features of the most commonly-used roofing options available for your home.

We love any and all questions in regards to different shingle types, installation costs, maintenance and more….so feel free to reach out to Roofing Wayland at roofingwayland@gmail.com.

——————

ASPHALT SHINGLES

If you’re choosing asphalt shingles, you certainly aren’t in the minority. It’s estimated in the U.S. that over 70% of single-family homes utilize asphalt shingles.

The Pros of Asphalt Shingles:

• COST: Hands down, asphalt shingles are the most affordable option on the market today. Due to the cost-effectiveness of asphalt shingles, it’s no surprise that they are the primary choice of builders and homeowners alike.

• EASE OF USE: Asphalt shingle installation usually relies on a single layer of shingle and can even be installed over existing shingles in some instances. Roof installs tend to take far less time when using asphalt due to this relative ease of installation.

• DURABILITY: The estimated life of asphalt shingles can range between 25 and 50 years. While not the most durable of shingle options, the low cost of asphalt shingle installation tends to outweigh the benefits of longer protection that other shingles might provide.
• SELECTION: Asphalt shingles offer varying color and style options that allow a homeowner to get customized with the appearance of their roof.

The Cons of Asphalt Shingles:

• MAINTENANCE: Strong winds and extreme heat can impact the integrity of asphalt shingles as years and seasons pass. Over time, asphalt shingles can see their color fade. Cracking, tearing and blistering can also occur as the shingles expand and contract.

• NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Asphalt shingles aren’t very recyclable as they are comprised of petroleum and fiberglass. If you’re an environmentally-conscious homeowner, this might not be the option for you.

• LOW INSULATION POTENTIAL: Something to consider as you decide on (or against) asphalt shingles is their lack of insulation potential. Almost all other roofing options provide greater insulation vs. asphalt.

Types of Asphalt Shingles:

• STRIP or ‘3-TAB’: This is the most basic form of asphalt shingles. A single layer of asphalt, this option weighs less and costs less than other asphalt shingles. 3-tab shingles are commonly referred to as ‘simply strips’ due to the ease of installation and the fact that they are a single layer roofing option. 3-tab strip shingles are regarded as the most affordable option currently on the market.
• DIMENSIONAL/ARCHITECTURAL: Also known as “laminate” shingles, dimensional shingles are the most commonly used asphalt option. This option is created using a fused, 2-layer build (sometimes, even more than 2 layers) and are a thicker and stronger option vs. strip shingles. They also usually have the benefit of carrying better warranty options due to their improved build.
• LUXURY: If there was a Rolls Royce option for asphalt shingles, luxury shingles would carry that claim to fame. Built with high-quality laminate and improved weather protection, luxury shingles also feature a more attractive appearance. If you’re looking for that “classic slate” look to your roof, luxury shingles are your best asphalt option.

Maintenance of Asphalt Shingles:

Maintenance of asphalt shingles can be a bit of a crapshoot. How often you may have to maintain them can depend on how severe the weather can get where you live. While there should be minimal maintenance of asphalt shingles, you’ll need to keep an eye on the flashing. If flashing on asphalt shingles comes loose or is compromised, water can seep through and cause potential damage. In time, algae and moss can potentially grow on asphalt shingles, so the possibility of having to replace some can exist down the road.

WOOD SHINGLES

Wood shingles (also known as “shake roofing”, depending on what option you choose) carry a vast amount of unique curb appeal vs. other options, giving homes a unique rustic look. Wood shingles go beyond their attractive appearance and offer a variety of functional amenities as well. A question homeowners should be asking themselves as they prepare to replace their roof is “Are wood shingles worth the additional cost vs. asphalt?”.

The Pros of Wood Shingles:

• APPEARANCE: As mentioned, a wood-shingled roof can be a stunning visual upgrade to any house. From smooth cedar tones to bright wallaba and teak options, a wood-shingled roof is hard to ignore. Our advice? Do your research on wood shingles, as there are countless options to choose from.

• DURABILITY: Overall, the durability of wood shingles is on-par/slightly above what asphalt offers, lasting upwards of 20 years with minimal maintenance. Wood shingles require a treatment option such as varnish or stain to ensure that the wood is protected against weather and inevitable expansion and contraction. Unfortunately, wood treatment adds to the overall aggregate cost for homeowners.
• BETTER INSULATION: Wood shingles help houses retain heat in the winter and cool in the hot summer months while featuring a stronger overall build and seal. Home heating and air conditioning savings are an absolute plus when going with a wood-shingle roof.

The Cons of Wood Shingles:

• COST: While wood shingles stand out as a top option to protect your home, that additional value is going to cost you. Industry experts state that you could pay right around $200 more per 100 square feet installing wood over asphalt. While the benefits of wood shingles are clear, homeowners have to weigh if the attractive aesthetic of wood shingles is worth the extra cost.
• MAINTENANCE: Unfortunately, insect damage is more prone to happen with wood shingles. Termites and other pests can damage wood shingles over time. Treatment of wood shingles (again, with varnish, stain or paint) helps against insect damage and overall wear and tear from Mother Nature. Maintenance to prevent against warping and expansion of wood shingles will always be something that homeowners will have to keep an eye on.

What’s the difference between wood shingles vs. shakes?

This is a question that pops up often in regards to the two options for wood roofs. The cut of the wood, the thickness and the overall appearance of a shake sets it apart from a typical shingle. A wood shake is identified by its thick butt end and almost “natural” cut, sometimes featuring a rough exterior. The overall appearance of shakes is often more “textured” than shingles. Due to the thickness (and extra protection) of a shake, they are more expensive than typical wood shingles. However, most manufactures have included compounds to reduce the growth.

Types of Wood Shakes and Shingles:

• HEAVY SPLIT AND RESAWN SHAKES: Heavy split shakes tend to be thicker and heavier than typical shakes and shingles. The look and feel of these resawn shakes is rustic and classic, particularly when using cedar. The typical thickness of heavy split shakes range from 3/4″, 7/8″, 1″ and 1 1/4″.
• MEDIUM SPLIT AND RESAWN SHAKES: If you’re looking for a textured wood visual on your roof that looks close to heavy split shakes, medium shakes can be a wise choice. While a little thinner than heavy split, medium split shakes range between 1/2″ and 5/8″ and are slightly more affordable than heavy split.
• TAPERSAWN SHAKES: In the instance of tapersawn shakes, the wood is sawn on both sides, giving it the appearance of a thick shingle vs. a true shake. Tapershawn shakes, visually, look like a hybrid between shake and shingle. This is by far the most popular choice for wood shakes. Thickness runs between 5/8″ and 1″.
• CEDAR SHINGLES: Cedar is a popular choice for homeowners whether choosing a shake or a shingle. Cedar lends itself well to an elegant looking roof where the textured surface of cedar gives a rustic and natural appearance. Cedar is also a much more affordable wood option than teak or wallaba.

SLATE

Of all the roofing options homeowners have to choose from, slate is as durable as you can get. A well-built slate roof can last upwards of two centuries, meaning no matter how well you take of yourself, you’ll never outlast your roof. Nor will you ever have to undergo another roofing project. As you could imagine with such a durable option, price plays a big part in a decision to install a slate roof.

The Pros of Slate Roofing:

• DURABILITY: If the term “ultimate durability” had a roofing partner, it’s slate. Whether you’re choosing a natural slate option or if you’re going with a fiber cement slate solution, you are getting a lifetime out of a slate roof.
• RESALE VALUE: A house with a slate roof is a highly-attractive amenity to a prospective home buyer. Uttering the words “you’ll never have to worry about the roof…ever” to a possible buyer, is music to their ears. Going the slate route has absolute long-term value. The question is, is it worth the initial investment?
• APPEARANCE: Simply put, slate is beautiful. It adds a decorative element to a house that can’t be achieved with wood, asphalt or other roofing options. Slate gives homeowners a one-of-a-kind roof with a style that dates back all the way to the 12th Century.

The Cons of Slate Roofing:

• COST: If you’re convinced by the majesty and durability of a slate roof, expect to pay roughly 25-40% more than you would for an asphalt solution. While this investment pays itself back in the long run by enhancing home value, are the up-front costs worth it?
• WEIGHT: It’s up to homeowners to do their homework on whether the structure of their house can support a slate roof. As you can imagine, slate rock weighs much more than wood or asphalt. Yet another reason why it’s important to consult with professional during the planning stages of a roof project.

Maintenance of slate roofs:

Another value to a slate roof is the minimal upkeep and maintenance. Slate stands as the most “set-it-and-forget-it” option for homeowners in terms of roof upkeep. While slate roofs can be fragile and potentially crack under the weight of a fallen branch, its overall durability from the elements is its strength.

Types of Slate Roofs:

• NATURAL: Natural slate is the most widely-chosen option. While natural slate is resistant and durable, there can be issues with staining or mold due to extreme weather conditions.

•  FIBER: Installing a fiber cement roof is another viable option. Created from a reinforced non-alkaline glass fiber, the look and feel of this option is akin to the appearance of a natural slate roof. Fiber is by far most cost-effective slate solution vs. a natural slate roof and provides serious durability.
• BITUMINOUS SLATE: This option is another cost-effective artificial slate solution that is created from a soft clay slate. This slate is infused with “bitumen”, which is a viscous mixture of hydrocarbons and petroleum distillation. That’s a lot of scientific terms that simply says “it’s an artificial slate alternative that’s durable and looks like natural slate”.

METAL ROOFING:

We’re sure that you’ve seen an increasingly-growing amount of metal roofs around your neighborhood as they are becoming more and more prominent. Yet another durable option, metal roofs typically last about as long as you own your house (IE: 30 years) and usually come with a warranty of 30-50 years. While not as costly as slate, metal roofs are on the higher side of price as far as materials and labor go. Once again, you’re paying for longevity and max protection.

The Pros of Metal Roofing:

• DURABILITY: Another roofing option where once you install it, your roof should no longer be a concern for as long as you own your house. Great resale value for a great solution.

• EFFICIENCY: Metal roofs offer homebuyers valuable energy efficiency. The monthly/yearly/lifetime savings on your heating and air conditioning bills should absolutely factor into the up-front price for a roofing option that offers great insulation for homes.

• ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Metal roofs already consist of 25% recycled materials and are entirely recyclable after use.

The Cons of Metal Roofing:

• COST: As previously stated, be prepared to pay substantially more than other traditional roofing options. It’s been quoted that a metal roof can cost 10 times as much as an asphalt roof.

• COMPOSITION OF METAL: While very durable, metal roofs can be dented by ice, hale or falling debris from trees. There are varying types of metal roofs (some stronger than others) so make sure to investigate and ask questions about which metal option to utilize. Also, remember that metal can be LOUD. Rain on a metal roof can create quite a racket, so be prepared to potentially double up on your insulation to account for this possible loudness.

Maintenance of metal roofs:

The upkeep of a metal roof is relatively minimal, but there is maintenance that should be conducted. General cleaning of the roof (which is easier said than done) is required to keep leaves, branches and other debris clear so it doesn’t cause any corrosion of the material. While scratches and gouges should be minimal on a metal roof, keep an eye out for any disruption to the exterior that could cause corrosion and rot.

Types of Metal Roofs:

• CORRUGATED: Universally considered the best metal roof for residential homes, corrugated roofs are comprised of either stainless steel, aluminum, copper or galvalume. All of these options differ in price. Corrugated is the most commonly-used metal roof option and offers max protection from rust, corrosion and overall wear.
• STANDING SEAM: Standing seam metal roofs provide an interlocking seal that locks the metal panels together. Standing seam is often used for roofs that are exposed to strong wind conditions. The two types of standing seam metal roofs are “architectural” and “structural”. Each of these options have different strengths from a weather-proofing standpoint. Structural is better for fighting leaks and water breaches while architectural provides a stronger foundation for being able to withstand the weight of heavy snowfall.
• R-PANEL: If you’re looking for a quick turnaround time on your metal roof install, R-panel roofing is the way to go. R-panels can actually sit on top of existing roofing tiles, making installation much quicker. With its durability and varied color choices, R-panel metal roofs are also a popular installation option.

SYNTHETIC ROOFING PRODUCTS:

Yet another popular roofing choice (and by now, you’re realizing there are many!) is a composite or synthetic option. For instance, both wood shake and shingle options come in composite. Synthetic wood options are comprised of a non-recycled polymer that give composite roofs a durability and strength that goes beyond traditional wood options. The same goes for synthetic slate options, which are created and fashioned to look just like natural slate roofing tiles.

Pros of Synthetic:

Slate synthetic material weighs substantially less than its natural slate counterpart. That lightness makes this option available for almost any home. Synthetic slate also greatly reduces any collection of mold and algae. For wood synthetic options, installation is easier because there is no need for coatings (fire retardant, anti-algae, etc.), saving on overall labor costs.

Cons of Synthetic:

Synthetic technology is still relatively new, coming to prominence in the early 90’s. The jury is still out on the overall long-term effects of using a composite option, specifically if there is any color fading over time.  

EPDM:

EPDM is a solution mostly for “no-slope” or “low-slope” roofs (IE: flat). Combining ethylene and propylene, EPDM creates a very durable synthetic rubber roofing solution. EPDM is rolled on in large sheets and is either attached, ballasted or adhered with liquid adhesives or tape.

Pros of EPDM:

While not the most attractive option for a roof, EPDM can be applied directly over plywood, making this option a quick and cost-effective solution to your roofing needs. EPDM is predominantly used in commercial roofing and provides a strong watertight seal for flat roofs that prevents against harsh weather. For almost any flat roof project, EPDM provides good energy efficiency and overall durability.

Cons of EPDM:

Most EPDM roofs last upwards of 20 years, which is on the low side compared to other more expensive options. While EPDM provides durability and weather resistance, it pales in comparison to the longevity of composite, synthetic, metal and slate options.