5 min read

7 Popular Types of Roofing to Consider for Your New Home

Written by

Rob Reich

Published on

April 6, 2024

Did you know that 40% of building issues are due to water intrusion?

You may be familiar with yellow stains on the ceiling or leaks in places where they shouldn't be. Faulty roofs cause various water intrusion problems, and no homeowner should tolerate leaks from the ceiling. A great roof should shield your loved ones against heavy rain, strong winds, and even heavy snow.

Roofing also helps insulate your home better and can even serve other purposes. If you're due for a roof replacement or are building a new home, it helps to know your options. We're breaking down seven popular types of roofing that you should consider here.

1. Shingles Roofing

Due to their low cost, high durability, and simple installation, shingles are the most popular roofing choice in the US. Composite asphalt shingles make up 90% of US homes. In addition, a roof installation will cost only $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot, or about $8,000.

Shingles have a 30-year lifespan and may get recycled to create pavement or new shingles. This type of roofing consists of a mix of fiberglass, asphalt, and mineral composite.

Shingles come in various hues, including gray, brown, red, green, and blue. However, keep in mind that exposure to sunlight will cause their hue to deteriorate over time. Shingles are also suitable for most climates.

You may have encountered 3-tab and architectural shingles while looking for roofing materials. Architectural shingles are the better choice because they have better quality. Architectural shingles are also more durable against harsh weather conditions, unlike 3-tab shingles.

2. Clay and Concrete Tiles Roofing

One of the oldest and most used roofing materials worldwide is clay tiles. They cost $10 to $18 per square foot and have a lifespan of at least 100 years.

There are several other styles available, including French, Spanish, Scania, and more. Clay roofing is popular wish Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes.

This type of roofing also performs well against harsh winds and hot climates and is fire-resistant.

3. Metal Roofing

Although it seems like a more contemporary option, metal roofs have been in use since the 1800s. This is due to the affordability, portability, low upkeep, and beauty of materials. Most metal roofing consists of metal sheets and shingles, a common choice today.

Depending on the design and material, they can last up to 80 years and cost between $6 and $14 per square foot. You can have the metal pre-treated with sealants or pick between two types. These two types are shingles and sheets (also known as panels), which are then connected by a "standing seam."

While metal roofing has many different colors, some styles can also get painted. Metal roofing is low-maintenance, durable, and can mimic other materials.

Metal roofing can have designs that mimic wood, slate, or asphalt in a range of hues. It is also lightweight and recyclable. However, a disadvantage of metal roofing is that it is not a good sound insulator, so you may need to install soundproofing.

Metal roofs may also bend or create ripples if installed incorrectly. You will need a roofing specialist when you install or repair your metal roof.

4. Slate Roofing

Slate is one of the most resilient roofing materials, and it costs about the same as clay tiles. Slate roofing costs anywhere between $9 and $20 per square foot and can last anywhere between 50 to 200 years.

Slate roofing is resistant to hail, fire, strong winds, and extreme hot or cold weather. Slate is often found in quarries or manufactured from fiber cement slate. Natural slate is more expensive, but synthetic slate offers the same advantages.

5. Wood Roofing

Wood roofing is a great aesthetic choice for cottage and Tudor-style homes. In dry climates, wood roofs can last up to 50 years. However, if your area is prone to wildfires, your wood roofing needs to be treated if you want to commit to it.

Wood roofing is also not suitable if you live in humid or wet regions. This type of roofing is most vulnerable to water damage, rot, and mold. If you really want wood roofing, we recommend western red cedar, pine, or redwood.

These materials repel insects, which is one less thing to worry about when doing maintenance.

6. Rolled Roofing

Rolled roofing is a common style of inexpensive roofing. This makes it popular with budget-conscious homeowners and builders. Labor and all the installation materials are cheaper than other roofing types.

This rolled material, which works best for roofs with a lower slope, is simple to install with a hammer. However, if your home has a flat roof, you may want to look at different options, as hammering can result in leaks. Rolled roofs are excellent for low-slope roofs and do not require an underlayment.

A disadvantage of rolled roofing is its short lifespan, lasting only five to ten years. Its quality might not match more expensive choices.

7. Green Roofing

A green roof, also known as a living roof, is a covering for your house made of native grasses. A green roof can also consist of wildflowers that attract pollinators. This type of roof can cost anywhere between $10 and $25 per square foot.

Green roofs offer many advantages, like reducing heat inside buildings and rainwater runoff. A typical green roof should last you about 30 to 50 years.

Green roofing might be at the top of your list once you learn more about it. The main advantages of a green roof are that it is durable and maintains the environment. Installing green roofing styles also demands skilled labor.

A disadvantage of a green roof is that it requires extra structural support and horticulture. However, if you love gardening, this might not be a problem for you.