5 Best Roofing Materials for Your Home In 2020

​It’s a New Year, and I’m pretty sure that re-roofing your roof is part of your New Year resolution. If you are new to roofing projects, it’s a bit challenging to choose the right roofing materials for your home.

Therefore, in this article, I’ll share with you some of the best roofing materials for your home in 2020. It’s a comprehensive guide that will give you an insight into the roofing materials cost, their pros, and cons.
 

​Types of Roofing Materials for Your Home in 2020
 
There are different types of roofing materials to use for your home. But we are going to discuss the most common options which happen to cover over 95% of residential roofs in the United States. So, whatever roofing material option you need, you will find it in this article.

---

Asphalt Shingles 
 
Asphalt shingles are arguably the most popular residential roofing material in the United States. About 75% of single-family homes in the US are roofed with Asphalt Shingles. The reason why most families opt for this roofing material is that it’s affordable, offers a variety of attractive options, and perfectly protects homes from natural elements.
Generally, there are two types of asphalt shingles – fiberglass and Organic asphalt shingles.
 
Fiberglass Shingles
 
Fiberglass is a fanciful type of shingles that usually starts with a fiberglass mesh mat that’s covered with asphalt with granules on top. The granules provide color and reflect sunlight. Interestingly, fiberglass shingles are light and resist tearing.
 
Organic Shingles
 
Unlike fiberglass, organic shingles often start with recycled paper that’s covered with granules after it has been saturated in asphalts. However, compared to fiberglass, organic shingles are heavier and more challenging to work with. But if you live in a high wind prone area, it’s a great roofing option for your home due to its stability.
 
In the last decade, organic shingles are phasing out due to their tendency to dry out, become less-water proof, and more prone to excess moisture absorption.
 
Advantage Asphalt Shingles
 

• Asphalt shingles look beautiful on most residential homes
• Fiberglass shingles offer excellent fire protection.
• Shingles are arguably the most affordable roofing option
• If you live in an area with a moderate climate, your asphalt shingles can last for about 30 years
• If you want to sell your home, 3-tab shingles are an affordable way to improve its curb appeal
• Also, if you have excellent skills, equipment, and experience, you can install your asphalt shingles yourself
• If you are installing shingles, you don’t need support beyond the standard roof sheathing
• Shingles are cost-effective and easy to repair

 
Disadvantage
 
As amazing as asphalt shingles seem, they still have a few cons you should be aware of;

• Shingles may seem affordable initially, but their lifetime cost is higher than most roofing options, including metal, tile, or stale.
• If you opt for cheaper shingles, it may only last between 10 to 15 years in hot and sunny climates.
• When there is frequent temperature change, your asphalt shingles tend to crack easily
• If your attic is poorly vented, the trapped heat will reduce your shingles’ lifespan through cupping or cracking.
• Unless you treat your shingles with anti-algae/anti-stain treatments, mold and algae could be severe issues for your shingles if you live in shady areas.

 
Wood Shingles and Shakes
 
No doubt, wood gives your roof a natural dose of beauty. If you are considering wood shingles and shakes, you can opt for any of the following options; cedar, redwood, cypress, etc.
 
Advantage of Wood Shingles and Shakes
 
Some of the benefits of using wood shingles and shakes on your roof are;

• Wood has a natural beauty that improves the curb appeal of your home
• Some wood shingles and shakes like Cedar and redwood resist moisture and insects due to their oil contents.
• Wood shingles can have 5 to 10 years longer lifespan than asphalt
• Treated wood shingles have Class A fire rating
• The insulation value of wood is twice that of asphalt shingles
• You can recycle wood into wood chips, mulch, or compost

 
Disadvantage of Wood Shingles and Shakes
 

• If you are living in a wildfire-prone area, wood shingles may not be a good idea
• Even though wood shingles are durable, they may be expensive when a repair is necessary
• It’s possible to install wood shingles yourself if you have the experience and skills, but a faulty installation could lead to quick deterioration. This will lead to severe leaks

Metal Roofing
 
Metal roof is one of the best roofing materials for your home in 2020. It’s durable, eco-friendly, and perfectly suit into several roofing styles. Metal roofing is manufactured in rolls, but you can paint or coat it with granules.
 
The manufacturing process of metal roofing allows for different appearance options like the traditional metal roof style, and roofing made to look like shingles, shakes, and tiles. Some of the commonly used metals are lightweight steel, zinc, and aluminum. You can decide to use a Copper metal roof for your home, but it’s costly.
 
Advantage of Metal Roofing
 

• Some modern metal roofing can mimic shingles, shakes, slate, tile, etc. Also, it’s available in different colors.
• Metal roof can last up to 50 to 100 years with 30 to 50 years warranties
• It reflects solar radiant heat; this keeps your home cooler and control energy costs during hot weather.
• Most metal roofing profiles have a class A fire rating
• You can install some styles of the meet roof quickly without spending much
• Metal roofs can shed rains and snow better than most roof materials; this helps to prevent ice dams during cold temperatures.
• Modern metal roofs are lightweight and resistance to impact
• If your home features a simple rustic design, a metal roof is the perfect roofing option for you

 
Disadvantage of Metal Roofing
 

• Metal roofing is usually more expensive than asphalt shingles and wood roofing
• If you there’s no attic space on your home installed metal roofing may be noisier when it rains
• Metal roofing tends to dent when hit with a heavy object, and it’s a bit costly to replace the metal panel.
• In some cases, it’s difficult for firefighters to break through metal roof to extinguish an interior fire

 
Roof Tiles
 
Roof tiles are ancient roofing options. But they have been modernized with newer and more durable materials. And roof tiles are divided into three versions which are; traditional clay tiles, concrete tiles, and fiber-cement tiles.
The traditional clay tiles are designed for strength and durability. Concrete roof tiles, on the other hand, are lightweight and easy to work with.
 
Advantages of Roof Tiles
 

• Roof tiles have a lifespan of over 50 years
• They resist fire and insects
• They increase the curb appeal of your home due to their luxurious aesthetic
• Furthermore, they are produced in a good range of colors, styles, and textures
• They reflect sunlight, this helps to reduce heat penetration and makes your home a bit cool during summer
• Roof tiles are recyclable

 
Disadvantages of Roof Tiles
 

• Roof tiles are very heavy and sometimes requires extra framing support which will cost you more money
• It’s more expensive to install roof tiles than asphalt, metal, and wood
• When you tile your roof, it’s a bit challenging to repair chimneys and other roofing issues because tiles can break easily when you walk on them.

 
Natural and Composite or Vinyl Slate Tiles
 
With proper maintenance, Vinyl slate tiles can last up to 60 years. They are durable but very heavy. Most times, they require additional and expensive support.
 
Advantages of Vinyl Slate Tiles
 

• Vinyl slate tiles give your home a luxurious look
• It’s a lifetime roof for most buildings, and it always enhances the resale value and curb appeal of your home. 
• It requires little or no maintenance
• Even though it’s lightweight, the roofing material is very strong

 
Disadvantages of Vinyl Slate Tiles
 

• It’s cumbersome and usually requires extra framing support which may cost you more
• If your vinyl slate tiles aren’t installed properly, moisture will come quickly
• Vinyl Slate tiles require professional and experienced roof to install it. So, you need to carry out due diligence before engaging any roofer

 
The Cost of Roofing Materials and Installation per Square Feet In 2020
 
Asphalt Shingles
 
Material Cost: $1.00 to $3.50 per square feet
Installation Cost: $2.50 to $4.50 per square feet
Total Cost: $3.50 to $7.50 per square feet
 
Wood Shingles and Shakes

Material cost: $3.00 to $5.50 per square feet
Installation cost: $3.50 to $7.00 per square feet
Total cost $6.50 to $12.50 per square feet

Metal 

Material Cost: $3.00 to $6.00 per square feet
Installation cost: $4.00 to $9.00 per square feet
Total cost: $7.00 to $15.00 per square feet

Tiles

Material cost: $4.00 to $12.00 per square feet
Installation cost: $6.00 to $12.00 per square feet
Total Cost $10.00 to $24.00 per square feet
 
Slate
 
Material cost: $4.00 to $15.00 per square feet
Installation cost: $5.00 to $10.00 per square feet
Total cost: $9.00 to $25.00 per square feet
 
These are the best roofing materials for your home in 2020.
Are you looking for a professional roofer to handle your roof replacement project? Do you need a reliable roofing contractor? If your answers to the above questions are yes, we are the right contractors for you.

Call us on (806) 982-4345; let’s discuss your project better.