When it comes to finding the best types of residential roofing materials, the choices are numerous. With so many roofing options on the market, the selection process can feel overwhelming. Should you explore more premium materials like metal, slate, or traditional asphalt shingles?
Before buying residential shingles, it’s wise to evaluate your needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. In addition, you also need to consider your weather conditions. Our harsh Midwest climate subjects roofs to freezing winter temperatures and blistering summer heat. That’s why it’s essential to know the types of residential roofing materials and their pros and cons.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the key types and benefits of different residential roofing materials. With the right information in hand, you can make a confident decision about which roofing system best suits your home.
#1 Asphalt Shingles
Finding the best roofing materials for extreme weather depends on your specific needs, budget, architectural style preferences, and priorities like longevity versus upfront costs. Affordable basics like asphalt shingles make sense for some homeowners, while others may value the virtually permanent performance of premium options.
The asphalt shingle is a popular material for residential roofs. There are various reasons, which make asphalt shingles the best residential shingles. This type of roofing material is cheap, allowing you to keep the cost of roofing a home to its minimum.
Asphalt shingles offer sufficient protection and since they are not expensive, they are highly cost-effective. Another advantage is the ease of installation. Asphalt shingles can be easily installed by a professional roofing contractor, which lowers the labor cost. This makes it one of the most affordable types of roofs for homes.
Another key consideration is the level of durability offered by this type of roofing material. Shingles made of asphalt can withstand extreme climatic conditions. They are resistant to wind, water, and UV rays. In addition, manufacturers tend to include some additional features like algae resistance. This promises an enhanced appearance to your home.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors and styles, so they may be used depending on your architectural preferences. Being fairly light, asphalt shingles put less stress on the house.
#2 Metal Roofing
The popularity of metal roofs for residential homes is surging and there are some solid reasons for such preference. Metal roofing like steel or aluminum offers extended durability and longevity. With a lifespan of 40-70 years, metal roofs can literally last a lifetime. Unlike wood shingles, metal roofing is a much lighter option.
Residential metal roof shingles work best when it comes to shedding snow and ice. This helps prevent water dams and excessive snow buildups. Its Class-A fire rating and impact resistance from hail make it a perfect choice for homes in harsh weather areas. Roofers also apply reflective coatings for enhanced energy efficiency in summer.
Also, most types of metal residential roofing can be easily recycled, which makes them a sustainable option. Residential metal roofing installation is simple, which allows faster project completion. This saves you considerable time and money. To offer homeowners aesthetic diversity, metal roofing comes in several different styles and colors.
The main downside is the higher upfront costs as compared to asphalt shingles. However, the long-term cost of ownership is lower. Besides, some homeowners also don’t like the amplified rain noise caused due to metal roofs.
#3 Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is one of the most preferred styles of roofs on homes. A genuine slate roof is hard to beat for its sheer longevity and old-world character. With life expectancies over 60 years, slate is one of the most low-maintenance and lasting roofing solutions available.
Durability does come at a steep price – slate usually takes residential roofing cost to a higher level. It is among the most expensive upfront roofing options due to laborious installation requirements and material costs. To tackle the unique challenges of slate roofing, hiring professional contractors is necessary.
In terms of aesthetics, the permanently unchanging color of slate and rich textural variations give homes an unmatched natural and historic look. This might be worth the high investment for some. The slate tiles, quarried from metamorphic rock, are highly durable.
This composition makes it resistant to fire, extreme weather, and frost, making it one of the most preferable types of residential roofing systems. Slate roofing comes in all shapes and textures, which makes it a suitable choice for almost every type of home.
Also, slate does readily absorb water, and is not prone to mold and algae growth, so the roofs are low maintenance. In addition, slate is environment-friendly in itself. Its longevity saves the bother of frequent replacement.
Though upfront costs may be higher than other options, the benefits of the slate roof make it by far the most elegant and sustainable roofing material. Hence, when searching for different types of residential roofs, don’t forget to consider slate roofing as a promising candidate.
#4 Wood Shakes/Shingles
Wood shakes roofing is a good option for those who prefer environmentally friendly types of residential roofing materials. This type of roofing material comes from woods such as western red cedar, pine, cypress, and redwood. These woods are particularly good for residential roofs.
The wood shakes are made by splitting logs and reshaping them. Wood shakes have a very different appearance than traditional shingles. A key advantage of wood shake roofs is that they give the home a warm and natural appearance. Besides the visual appeal, wood shakes also have numerous useful features.
Chemical preservatives and fire retardants are applied to most wood shakes, making them resistant to rot and fire. This treatment not only extends the life of the roof material but also prevents moisture from seeping into the ceiling.
The wood comes from renewable sources, which makes it an environmentally friendly option. Wood is itself a good insulator, which helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. To keep the wood shingles in good shape, you need to maintain them from time to time.
#5 Synthetic Roofing
In recent years, synthetic roofing materials like plastic, rubber, and polymer-based composites have become extremely popular. This is one of the most appropriate house shingles types of residential flat roofs or low-slope roofs. Although it lacks the traditional looks of wood or slate, synthetic roofing proves to be extremely durable and energy efficient.
For instance, EPDM rubber roofing uses a flexible and lightweight membrane that sheds precipitation and reflects heat very effectively. Polymer-sand systems are used to apply thick coatings for better waterproofing.
Key benefits of this type of residential roofing material include high wind ratings, low maintenance requirements, hail resistance, and life expectancies of 30 to 50 years. As an added eco-friendly bonus, many synthetic roofs are made of recycled materials and are recyclable too.
#6 Solar Roof Tiles
Combining roofing and energy production is a win-win situation. Solar tiles are an innovative and unique option for eco-conscious Minneapolis homeowners. Rather than conventional solar panels, these integrated systems are fitted with individual tiles made of bifacial solar cells.
This type of roof not only prevents your home from extreme weather but also generates electricity. While installation costs are relatively higher than standard roofs, the long-term energy savings can offset the additional cost over time. However, it won’t be one of the best roofing materials for extreme weather.
Final Words
Choosing the best option among the different types of residential roofing materials is one of the most crucial decisions for every homeowner. With Florida’s harsh seasonal extremes and frequent severe weather events, selecting a climate-appropriate roofing system is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Consider this factor when finding the most suitable residential roof shingle types.
No matter which direction you go, make sure to hire a reputable and experienced roofing contractor. They can evaluate aspects like proper installation techniques, structural requirements, and local code compliance. With the right material selection and professional installation, your new roof will provide a long-lasting shield against extreme weather conditions.
