With so many types of roofing available, it’s often a challenge to find the best roof system for residential roofing. Home roofs have different needs and requirements than commercial roofs and it’s important to choose a type that works best in a residential situation.

There isn’t necessarily one best type of residential roofing. The best type is the one that looks the best on your home and meets your unique needs. For people in HOA communities, they might only have one choice available. If you are free to choose whatever style you want, here’s a list of the different types available and why they might be the best choice for you.

Composition or Asphalt Shingles

This type of roofing has proven itself for over 100 years. They are reliable, durable and often very energy efficient. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles. They are also less expensive than other types of roofing, making them a great choice for many homeowners.

The lifespan of composition or asphalt shingles is usually about 20-25 years or even longer depending on the grade of materials you choose. Remember that you may get more out of your roofing investment by spending more now on better materials that last longer and are less prone to problems.

There’s 3 different categories of shingles. Basic shingles are thin and made with the cheapest materials. These are also called “3-tab” shingles. While they have a low upfront cost, they won’t last as long as other grades. Sometimes, these can be installed over existing shingles, but check with a qualified roofer to see if that’s really the best solution for you.

Next up is “architectural shingles.” These are thicker and come in more styles. They can give your home the look of wood shingles without the disadvantages. The top grade of shingles are architectural and multilayered. While they command the highest prices, they are known for their extreme durability and high-end look.

Wood Shingles or Shakes

Shakes and shingles are similar but the thickness and uniformity is what sets the two apart from one another. Shakes are usually hand made and vary in thickness and exact shape. Shingles are much more uniform. One of the earliest styles of roofing was the wood shake. They look amazing on particular styles of homes, and over time develop a mature, weathered look. Contrary to popular belief, as long as the shingles or shakes have been properly treated, they are no more prone to fire than any other type of roofing. With proper manufacturing and maintenance, these roofs can actually last up to 40 years.

A qualified roofer like Horizon can help you choose a wood material that will last, and make sure it’s correctly installed.

Metal

As long as it’s properly installed and maintained, metal roofs can last for a half-century or more. In other words, if you install a metal roof, you will probably never need another roof!

There are so many styles and colors available. Metal roofs can be elegant when you choose a material like copper, which develops a rich patina over time. Or, they can be playful when coated with a bright color. Metal roofs are exceedingly durable, and can stand up even to small hail. Large hail can of course cause cosmetic damage, but metal isn’t any more susceptible than any other type of roofing.

It’s important to look at all the metal roofing systems available to homeowners. You can choose from “screw down panels” or “standing seam. For residential purposes, standing seam is usually the best choice as it can accommodate wide changes in temperature.

Concrete Tiles

If you are looking for energy efficiency, concrete tiles can be an excellent choice. They are also known for their extreme lifespan. Concrete tiles come in multiple styles and colors, so they can fit in with just about any aesthetic.

Some homes were designed with a concrete roof in mind. If you ever want to replace it with another concrete roof, you’re in luck. If, on the other hand, your house was designed for a lighter roofing material like composition shingles, it may require reinforcement.

This is because concrete tiles are a very heavy material, and unless the supporting roofing structure is strong enough, it can’t be installed.

The good news is that a concrete roof is among the strongest and most durable types of roofing, lasting up to 50 years.

Clay Tiles

Usually red in color, clay tiles give a house an old fashioned and very Mediterranean look. Clay is really durable. There’s a reason these roofs have been chosen by homeowners for centuries. As long as you maintain your roof and it doesn’t suffer major damage, it should last a lifetime.

Clay is known for its high energy efficiency. This is one of the reasons it’s so popular in hotter climates. It reflects the rays of the sun keeping the structure cool underneath. It’s also resistant to conditions that can cause problems for other styles of roofing like algae and mold.

TPO, EPDM or Foam Roofing

Thermoplastic polyolefin roofs are becoming more and more popular. They are relatively inexpensive which is a huge plus for homeowners. They also are highly energy efficient, reflecting the rays of the sun and reducing cooling costs on hot days.

EPDM is a rubber-like membrane that is lightweight and inexpensive. It’s pretty durable and can be easily repaired if it’s damaged. The disadvantage is that it’s black and can absorb the rays of the sun.

Foam roofs are durable and waterproof. They are known for their extremely high energy efficiency and durability.

What’s the Best Roofing System For You?

As you can see, there are so many different choices in residential roofing. When making a choice, consider the following:

Geography: are you in an area prone to extreme heat or cold? Wide swings in temperature, or severe weather? If so, a metal or concrete roof might be right for you.

Aesthetics: do you have a particular look in mind, or want to match the style of your neighborhood?

Cost: you may have a limited budget in mind. Even if you do, there are fantastic roofing options available at all price points.

Choose an experienced, qualified roofer like Horizon to go over all these choices and make the best choice for you! Once you do have it installed, remember that proper maintenance will help you get the longest and most trouble free life from your roof.