Choosing the Right Roofing

First, a roof inspection is one of those preventative maintenance jobs that’s easy to overlook. Don’t. Add a once-a-year reminder on your calendar to go out on a warm day and fix any problems you find.

It’s easy to fall into the pattern of just replacing your existing material with a newer version of the same thing. Though this often makes sense because you know that the existing material worked okay until recently, you may be missing an opportunity to upgrade the look and functionality of your home’s roof.

Cost of Roofing
The cost of a new roof can range from relatively affordable to unbelievably expensive. The main reason that asphalt-fiberglass (composition) shingles are by far the most popular roofing material is that they are among the least expensive, both to buy and to install. For materials only, asphalt shingles run about $125 per square (100 square feet). Wood shingles cost about $180 per square. Clay tiles are about $210 per square, and steel roofs cost about $500 per square; you can spend up to $1100 per square for a copper roof. Generally speaking, labor charges are roughly equal to material prices. The complexity, height, and steepness of a roof can affect labor cost.

Roof Longevity & Durability
If you intend to stay in the house for several years, be aware that the ultimate cost of a material is a factor of its durability. For an inexpensive material such as composition roofing, you might only spend half the cost of a pricier product. But if the pricier product would last more than twice as long, you’re not saving money in the long run because you may have to replace the roof again in the future. Because installing a roof is an expensive, disruptive job, it’s usually worth it to pay more for materials that have longer life spans—especially if you intend to remain in the house for more than 6 or 7 years.

Fire Ratings of Roofing
The fire resistance of roofing materials and the sheathing beneath them is rated by the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL). Ratings run from Class A to Class C, and some materials—such as untreated wood shingles—don’t qualify for a rating. A Class A rating indicates that the roofing material is most effective against severe exposure to fire. Class B roofing won’t catch fire under moderate exposure. A Class C roof can only handle minor exposure to fire. Unrated materials should not be used where fire is an environmental hazard.

Roof Materials Comparisons
Here’s a quick look at common roofing materials. For more detail, go to the articles mentioned in each description. Please note that prices and weights are given “per square,” meaning 100 square feet. Note that the materials shown here are for sloped roofs.

Asphalt (Composition) Shingles


Price is the major benefit of choosing asphalt shingles. They typically cost from $200 to $250 per square, installed. Unless you’re after a material that is better for your home’s architectural style or historical purity, asphalt shingles are probably going to be your best value.
Within the asphalt shingle category, you’ll find a wide range of qualities, distinguished primarily by longevity, appearance, and price. The best of the bunch, called laminated or architectural shingles, are thicker and more textured, and they do a better job of imitating wood or slate. Though they might be termed 30- or 40-year roofs, be advised that, in most situations, they will do well to reach the age of 20.
Depending upon the type, they weigh from 230 to 430 pounds per square.

Wood Shingles & Shakes


Wood shingles and thicker wood shakes have a wonderfully natural, woodsy look. They’re easy to handle and install, lightweight, and will last for 15 to 25 years or, for shakes, up to 50 years. On the downside, they must be treated with fire retardant in fire-prone areas or may not be allowed at all. Installed cost typically runs from $300 to $500 per square.

Concrete & Clay Tile Roofing


Clay Spanish-tile roofs are particular popular in regions where Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes flourish. Though real clay tiles are prone to breakage and are extremely heavy, weighing in at 900 to 1000 pounds per square, lighter weight, less fragile tiles are made from concrete. You can also buy flat, shake-like concrete tiles. Like clay tile, these will last for 50 years or more, have Class A fire ratings, and resist rot, insects, and mildew. The cost from $400 to $700 per square, installed.

Metal Roofing


Made from steel or, in some cases, aluminum or other metals, metal roofing is sold in large panels or smaller shingle-like sections that resemble shakes, tile, or slate. Metal is resistant to fire, insects, rot, and mildew. It does a great job of shedding water and snow, making it very popular where heavy snow is common. It will last for 20 to 50 years, is relatively lightweight at 50 to 200 pounds per square, and—depending upon the deck beneath it—may have a Class A fire rating.