Asphalt shingles account for close to 90 percent of all residential roofing jobs, but they certainly aren’t the only material available for roofing. Sheet metal, cement tiles, wood shakes or shingles and slate or ceramic tiles are all practical solutions to roofing needs. Your decision will not be easy when choosing a material for roof replacement or new construction and will probably center on appearance, cost and practicality.
If you are replacing an existing roof, you may want to stick with what you have. A historic home or home style may merit the original material or a carefully manufactured imitation. Traditional materials of earlier times such as slate, wood shingles, tile and sheet metal are still available in one form or another. In a pinch, modern asphalt shingles can come close to some original appearances for a fraction of the cost.
There is a large difference in price when it comes to roofing materials. Asphalt shingles can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 or more per square (100 square feet). Tearing off existing shingles, which is highly recommended, will add another $30 to $50 per square. Concrete tiles start at $100 per square and can cost as much as $600 per square. Ceramic tiles and slate are among the highest priced roofing options. Ceramic tiles can cost $300 to $500 per square installed and slate can cost $1,000 or more per square due to the fact it requires skilled and experienced craftsmen for installation.
Initial cost is just one consideration when choosing a roofing material, many materials far outlast others. The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is approximately 20 years, but a good slate roof could easily last a hundred years or longer. Some metal and ceramic roofing options offer 50-year warranties, so spending more can buy you more years of service from your roof. However, long-term future costs may not be so important if you do not plan to stay in your home for the rest of your life.
Once you’ve selected a material, choose a roofing contractor with roots in the community, who will back up his work and will do a careful, thorough job on the details that matter. If you have chosen a material such as tile or slate make sure the contractor has the expertise and experience to install it properly. With some careful consideration it is possible to choose a roof that complements the architectural style of your home and is pleasing to your budget as well.
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