When it’s time for a new roof, how do you know which type of roofing is best for your home? As a trusted roofing contractor in Wichita, KS, Dingers Roofing & Construction is here to help you decide. We’ve outlined the 5 best residential roofing materials you should consider (in no particular order). In this article, you’ll find factors to help you make your decision, such as lifespan, durability, cost, maintenance, weather resistance, and style.
No matter which type of residential roofing you choose, proper installation by a professional roofer is key to maintaining the manufacturer’s warranty and protecting your home.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Material for Your Home
Style
Your home’s style and architecture affect what type of roofing materials will be best suited for it. There are roofing types to complement Spanish, Mediterranean, Victorian, modern, craftsman and other popular architectural styles.
Cost
For many homeowners, budget is the primary consideration, but there are cost-effective roofing options at nearly every price point. And keep in mind, some roofing materials may have a higher upfront average cost, but you’ll see a return on your investment through lower utility bills or discounts on your homeowner’s insurance premiums.
Weather Resistance
For Kansas homeowners, durability is a big consideration. Our area is susceptible to heavy rain, snow, hail, strong winds, tornados, and high temperatures. Investing in the most weather-resistant residential shingles you can afford could save you money in the long run.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of residential roofing materials ranges from 15 years to more than 100 years. If you plan to sell your home in the next five years, you may not want to invest in a long-lasting roofing material. But if you’re in your forever home, there are residential roofing types that could outlive you, and possibly even your children!
Maintenance
Many of today’s residential roofing materials require little to no maintenance, but think about the level you’re comfortable with. Do you want a roof you can forget about once it’s installed, or will you be scheduling regular inspections to check for damage or missing shingles?
Top 5 Residential Roofing Types
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular roofing types among homeowners in the United States. Basic asphalt shingles are made from a layer of fiberglass coated with asphalt mixed with minerals to waterproof them and deflect UV light. They’re affordable, easy to install and lightweight.
There are three basic types of asphalt shingles: 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles and luxury shingles. Three-tab shingles are the thinnest and most inexpensive, but they’re also more susceptible to wind damage. Their lifespan is about 15-20 years.
Architectural shingles are thicker and made with multiple layers of asphalt and fiberglass. This makes them more durable than basic 3-tab shingles and they often look like wood shakes. The average lifespan of architectural shingles is 20-30 years.
Luxury shingles are the most durable and most expensive type of asphalt shingles because they’re made with multiple layers. They’re also more durable, with a lifespan of up to 50 years. Luxury shingles have the highest resistance to hail, wind and fire damage.
High-performance shingles offer the greatest resistance to hail and wind. Upgrading to Class 4 shingles is a smart option for homeowners in Kansas or anywhere extreme weather is common.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Architectural styles mimic wood or slate shingles
Cons
- Some 3-tab asphalt shingles are prone to wind and hail damage
- Asphalt shingles don’t last as long as other residential roofing types
Cost
$75-$350 per roofing square (roughly 100-square-feet)
Lifespan
20-50 years
2. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is a long-lasting and durable roofing material that’s becoming more popular with homeowners. And for good reason: metal roofing is weather-resistant, easy to maintain, and relatively affordable. Metal roofs can also come in a range of colors and styles. While most homes will do great with metal roofs, they’re not suitable for flat-roofed homes because there’s no slope to allow water to drain.
You may be wondering, is a metal roof noisy during storms that produce heavy rain and hail? When installed on roof decking with insulation under it, a metal roof is not noticeably louder than asphalt shingles. Of course, an open metal roof like you’d find in barns and sheds would be much louder.
If a metal roofing system leaks, it’s typically at the seams, so be sure to hire a reputable roofing company experienced with installing metal roofs. Although today’s metal roofing resists fading and corrosion better than older versions, it’s a good idea to get an occasional inspection to check for scratches or rust.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of styles and colors
- Your metal roof could outlive you!
- Fire resistant
- Holds up to hail and high winds
- May qualify for discounts on homeowners insurance premiums
- May increase the value of your home
- Very little maintenance needed
Cons
- Relatively high upfront cost
- Not as durable in coastal climates
Cost
$850-$1,140 per square but varies by metal used
Lifespan
48-80 years
3. Tile Roofing
Tile roofing is a popular choice for homes because of its durability, versatility and energy efficiency. Made from materials like clay or concrete, tile roofs come in a wide range of styles and colors. Tile roofing can be glazed or unglazed, like terra cotta clay tile. This low-maintenance roofing material resists high winds, hail, and fire, so it’s a good choice for areas prone to wildfires and severe weather. Due to its weight, tile roofing isn’t suitable for roofs with a steep slope, and additional structural support may be needed.
Pros
- Versatile style options
- Can be made to look like other shingle types
- One of the longest lasting roof materials
- Low maintenance
- Resist damage from rot, insects and fire
- Good insulator
Cons
- Expensive to install
- Manufacturers often stop producing certain styles and colors
- Can be difficult to install
- Not suitable for all homes because of the weight of the tiles
- Existing homes may need structural reinforcement before installation
- Susceptible to cracking in very cold temperatures
- Colors fade over time
Cost
$500-$4,500 per square, depending on material used
Lifespan
50-100+ years
4. Cedar Roofing
Cedar roofing is valued for its natural, rustic look as well as its energy efficiency. Whether you want the look of traditional wood shingles or the texture of wood shakes, this roofing material complements nearly any home style. Cedar naturally repels most insects but it’s susceptible to water damage in wet climates. Like any wood, cedar roofing must be treated to resist fire damage. Before choosing cedar roofing, make sure it’s allowed in your area. Talk to your homeowner’s insurance agent too, because you may need extra coverage.
Pros
- Traditional, rustic style
- Naturally energy-efficient
- Resists insects
- Wind resistant
- Impact resistant
Cons
- Wood roofing requires high maintenance
- Must be treated with chemicals to resist fire
- Susceptible to water damage, rot, and mold
Cost
$410-$950 per square
Lifespan
30 years, depending on weather conditions
5. Slate Roofing
There’s nothing like the rich look of a natural slate roof when you want Old World style. Like other stone roofs, slate roofing shingles are long-lasting and naturally resist damage from fire, pests, water, sun and corrosion. Real slate roofing must be installed by specialized roofers or a mason. It’s available in hard or soft varieties, although the soft variety is less durable and not as thick.
Pros
- Naturally fire-resistant
- Not susceptible to insect damage
- Long-lasting
- Timeless look
Cons
- Expensive to install
- Slate tiles are heavy
- An existing home may need additional support
- No manufacturer’s warranty
Cost
$1,000-$1,500 per square
Lifespan
60-100+ years
Which is the Best Roofing Type for Your Home? You Decide.
The best roofing material for your home is the one that fits your budget, your home’s style, and your personal preferences. If you’d like to get a personalized recommendation for a cost-effective, high-quality roofing material for your home, consult a professional roofing contractor. In the Wichita, KS, area, schedule a free roof replacement consultation with Dingers Roofing & Construction.