Installing a roof is one of the most significant home improvements you can make. You can protect your investment by selecting the right roofing materials, but with several products to choose from, which one best suits your needs? Let’s take a look at the roofing options available on the market today.
Whether you are building a new home or replacing the roof on your existing home, curb appeal is often a leading consideration, but it’s not the only one. The cost and durability of your new roof should also influence your selection. Here are how four common roofing materials ranked among one another in terms of durability, curb appeal, and cost.
1. Traditional 3 Tab Asphalt Shingles
Considered a budget-friendly roofing material, these shingles boast an average cost of $0.75 – $0.90 per square foot. However that savings comes with a trade-off on curb appeal and durability. 3 tab shingles deliver a one-dimensional look on your roof as all tabs are the same size and shape, and its very limited color selection adds to its standard roof appearance. Because these shingles aren’t as robust as competing shingles, this material can last an average of 12-15 years, or 7-10 years in severe weather conditions.
2. Architectural Shingles
These shingles exude a luxurious feel with their three-dimensional appearance. Extra thickness and slightly different shapes and sizes gives it that dimensional pop. Plus, a variety of color and style choices helps you achieve the exact style you’re looking for. These sculpted asphalt shingles aren’t just beautiful on the outside, their interior is constructed with a thicker and sturdier base mat and stronger adhesives, giving it more strength against harsh weather conditions. On average, an architectural roof can last 18-20 years, but the longevity comes at a cost as these shingles run about $1.20 – $1.80 per square foot.
Outstanding Curb Appeal and Durability: Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration® FLEX™ Asphalt Shingles
If you’re looking for outstanding curb appeal and the highest durability and wind-resistance on the market, consider Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration FLEX™ shingles. Designed to stand up to even the harshest New England winters, these high-definition, flexible architectural shingles have a 42% better nail pull-resistance against wind and a 10% stronger tear strength over traditional shingles. Learn more about how this outstanding product is raising standards in the roofing industry.
3. Rubber Shingles
Rubber shingles are unique in that the rubber material is formed into shingles, giving it a similar look and feel to architectural asphalt shingles. To help boost curb appeal, these faux shingles come in a variety of colors. Rubber shingles are extremely durable and less likely to crack during extreme weather conditions. They can last up to 25 years, without chipping, rusting, or denting, rivaling that of other tough materials, such as metal. While rubber shingles can be more expensive at $4.00 to $8.25 per square foot, they can last twice as long and help with your energy bills, saving you money on yearly utility costs.
4. Metal shingles
Beyond the traditional roofing material colors of grays, browns, and blacks, metal roofing also offers a wealth of colors and design choices to add depth of detail and finishes to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Once thought of as an “industrial” roof, today’s metal roofs feature all the style and beauty of traditional roofing materials, yet are stronger and more durable. Some metal roofs can sustain wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, will not corrode or crack, and can even be impact-resistant. The lifespan of a metal roof can extend 40-70 years. The durability and longevity comes with a price tag that is two to three times more expensive than other roofing materials. However, metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%.
Pro Tip: When you are choosing a shingle product, talk to a licensed installer about options with a successful track record in your geographical area. Some shingles fare better in wet, damp conditions, while others are able to withstand heat or strong winds.
Don’t Forget about the Quality of Your Roof Installation
It’s easy to assume that if you buy a more expensive roofing material that it will automatically be a more durable, long-lasting product. However that is not the case, and the reason is installation quality. If you decide to go for a budget roof, don’t settle for a cheap install. Instead, hire an experienced, licensed, and insured roofing contractor like Refined Roofing. This may mean paying a little more money upfront, but in the end, paying more for the installation will get you a lot more service years from your new roof.
As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, Refined Roofing is part of an exclusive network of roofing professionals who meet high standards and strict requirements for professionalism and reliability. We offer outstanding craftsmanship and service at a competitive price.
Roofers & Installers – NH, MA
Consider your roofing options, then contact Refined Roofing for a FREE virtual quote. Homeowners through Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts have counted on Refined Roofing for the highest quality roofing materials and installation techniques for nearly 40 years.