When looking to install a roof, it’s important to think carefully about the choice of material. Different roofing materials have different qualities – you may find that a certain type of roofing material is better for your budget, climate and lifestyle needs. This post compares 7 different common roofing materials and their qualities.
Asphalt
Affordability: 9
Lifespan: 6
Energy efficiency: 6
Fire resistance: 6
Asphalt is the most popular roofing material. It’s a material that almost any roofing company can install for you and it’s one of the most affordable solutions. Such roofs typically consist of shingles, which are carefully overlapped and can be easily replaced if they get individually damaged. They provide a high level of water resistance, making them popular in locations that get a lot of rain. When it comes to life expectancy, you can expect an asphalt roof to last about 15 to 30 years – which is average as roofing materials go. The fire resistance and energy-efficiency of these roofs is moderate. Overall, asphalt doesn’t really have any bad qualities (which is why it’s so popular), however other materials can have stronger individual properties.
Metal
Affordability: 7
Lifespan: 8
Energy efficiency: 7
Fire resistance: 8
Metal roofs are either made from steel or aluminium. It is a highly customizable material that can come in various colors and shapes. This material is often chosen for its durability – a metal roof can often withstand strong winds and offers a high level of fire resistance. With regular maintenance, metal roofs can last up to 70 years, making them a long-lasting option. A downside of a metal roof is that the sound of rain can be quite loud (although it’s possible to muffle this with sound insulation materials). Metal is not the most affordable material for a roof, however it is not the most expensive material either.
Wood
Affordability: 6
Lifespan: 5
Energy efficiency: 5
Fire resistance: 4
Many people choose wooden roofs for their rustic beauty. They are more costly to install than most other roofing materials, but can add a lot of value to a property, so can pay off in the long run. Cedar is one of the most common types of wood used in roofs, because it is more resistant to decay and rot than other woods. That said, a cedar shake roof may still need quite a lot of maintenance over the years to keep it looking good compared to other materials. On average, you can expect a wooden roof to last 20 to 30 years. Avoid a timber roof if you live somewhere that is vulnerable to forest fires, as this material is one of the most flammable roofing materials you can choose.
Clay
Affordability: 7
Lifespan: 9
Energy efficiency: 8
Fire resistance: 9
Clay roofs last a long time (over 50 years) and have excellent fire resistance properties. They reflect heat and can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills if you live in a hot climate. All in all, they have good all round qualities. Unfortunately, they do come at a higher cost than many other materials (around the same as a metal roof). Take the time to compare various styles of clay tile from ridge tiles to hip tiles. You may need to hire a specialist roofing company to install a clay tile roof.
Concrete
Affordability: 8
Lifespan: 9
Energy efficiency: 7
Fire resistance: 8
Concrete roofs have similar properties to clay roofs. They can similarly last over 50 years and are very fire-resistant, while offering fairly good insulation. Concrete tiles come in a wider range of colors and styles than clay tiles, which can make them more attractive to some people. They’re also a little cheaper than clay tiles. Due to their heaviness, concrete tiles may however not be suitable for all homes – properties made from wood often cannot take the weight without significant reinforcement.
Slate
Affordability: 5
Lifespan: 10
Energy efficiency: 6
Fire resistance: 10
Slate has the highest price tag of any roofing material and is likely to be out of most people’s budget. However, for those who can afford it, it is one of the best durable roofing materials you can choose. Slate roofs can easily last over 100 years and can handle extremely hot fires beyond any other material. A slate roof is not as good at reflecting heat as other materials, making a home potentially hot and stuffy in the summer, however its insulation qualities make it a good material for cold climates. Its natural beauty can also add a lot of curb appeal and a lot of value to your home. Not all roofers will be able to install a slate roof, so be prepared to spend time looking for a specialist.
Felt
Affordability: 10
Lifespan: 3
Energy efficiency: 4
Fire resistance: 3
Felt is the cheapest roofing material you can choose and is most commonly found on flat roofs. Unfortunately, felt roofs don’t last very long – many wear out in about 15 years. Damage to a felt roof is very cheap and easy to repair, but you need to be prepared to keep on top of it to extend the life of your roof. It is best to avoid felt if you are looking for a fire-resistant roofing solution, as it is often highly flammable unless specially treated. A felt roof is also not a good choice if energy-efficiency is important to you.
Which material should you choose?
The best roofing material for you depends on your priorities. Looking for something that is incredibly affordable? Felt is the most budget-friendly option. Need a material that is long-lasting and that will withstand a fire? Slate is the best choice here. Many of the other materials have mixed qualities with asphalt serving as the best happy medium. Of course, other factors such as how a roof looks may be important to you – this can all be a matter of personal taste and may depend on the type of property you have as to what matches.
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