A roof is a long-term and important purchase, and it is helpful to determine which roof material is the most cost-effective, both initially and long-term, before making your final purchasing decision for your home. The following is everything you need to know about choosing the most cost-effective roof for your home.
What Factors Affect the Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness of Your Roof?
There are a variety of factors that affect the cost-effectiveness of your roof. When determining cost-effectiveness, we considered the initial costs (materials, installation, etc.) and the long-term benefit of each roof type, which includes how long the roofing material should last when properly installed and the level of maintenance that is required.
Of course, the amount of maintenance and weather elements can also play a role in the durability of your roof long-term and how cost-effective it is initially and over an extended period of time.
What Are the Different Types of Roofs?
The most common types of roof materials are asphalt shingles, metal, wooden shingles, wooden shakes, slate, and plastic polymer; solar glass is less common but is rapidly gaining in popularity as many homeowners desire more energy-efficient homes. The following is a more detailed look at each roofing material.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are made of glass fibers or cellulose fibers. The asphalt is then used to create shingles (sheets) of roofing material that are water-resistant by nature and last for a long time. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material due to their convenience and cost. The installation process is relatively less complex, which helps reduce initial costs, and the material is produced in a relatively affordable manner.
Asphalt shingles should last for 20 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the shingles, climate conditions, and how well they are cared for over time. The drawback to this form of roofing material, however, is that they are less durable than alternative solutions and may require more maintenance over time. Nevertheless, the low initial cost and the reliable performance make them an excellent option for most homes.
Metal
Metal roofs are an incredibly durable roofing option that typically use zinc, copper, and steel options to create the metal roofing pieces or tiles. The initial cost of installation for metal is typically higher than asphalt shingles, but they last longer on average as well, which offsets the cost long-term. On average, homeowners can expect their metal roof to last for 35 to 50 years with proper care.
Metal roofs are particularly useful and cost-effective for homeowners who live in an area that experiences bad weather throughout the year, such as homes near the coast. (Additionally, the sound of rain on a metal roof is great.) Metal roofs do not require much maintenance long-term and are energy-efficient, acting as a natural insulator for your home.
This means homeowners who choose metal roofs save money on maintenance and energy costs. Overall, they are an excellent cost-effective roofing solution for those who are willing to pay slightly more initially for reduced costs long-term.
Wooden Shingles and Shakes
Wooden shingles are shakes are types of wood roofing that make for a beautiful roofing option. On average, wooden shingles and shakes last between 35 and 50 years when they are cared for properly.
However, the major drawback to wooden shingles and shakes is that they are more at risk of damage by fire or heavy rainstorms than asphalt shingles or metal roofs. With that said, wooden shingles and shakes are usually sprayed with a fire-retardant material and are made to be resistant to water damage.
Slate
Slate is a type of fine-grained rock, and it makes for one of the highest quality roofing options available. Subsequently, slate roofs cost notably more than alternative roof types such as wood shingles and shakes and asphalt shingles. However, slate also lasts significantly longer than alternative options.
On average, homeowners can expect their slate roof to last for 100 to 125 years. Additionally, slate roofs increase the overall value of your home, so much of the initial cost is usually returned in the form of home value.
Plastic Polymer
Plastic polymer is less common than the aforementioned roofing options in this review, but they are an intriguing solution. Most notably, plastic polymer roofs do not require much maintenance long-term and they hold up well in more strenuous climates.
On average, plastic polymer roofs last for 50 years while offering a relatively affordable price. They also look similar to slate roofs but do not require as much long-term maintenance as slate roofs.
Call Adelphia Exteriors for Your Roofing Needs
Are you considering roof replacement or new roof installation in the northern Virginia area? If so, then contact our team at Adelphia Exteriors to learn more about the pros and cons of each window type and to get started with your new and improved roof.