Roofing Materials Guide

 About three-quarters of homeowners get new roofs not because they want to but because they have to. If you’re one of them, here’s a guide to your roofing material options.

How roofing materials are sold

Most roofing is sold by the “square,” enough to cover 100 square feet of roof area. It usually takes three bundles to equal a square or 100 square feet.

 

ASPHALT SHINGLES

These are the most popular residential roofing materials in the country. Most products consist of a fiberglass mat between two layers of asphalt. Granules embedded in the top help protect the shingles from the sun’s rays.

Basic three-tab shingles have slits in the front, so each piece looks like three small shingles.

Architectural shingles are  more upscale. They are thicker, longer-lasting, and don’t have slits where debris can collect. They also create a more textured look, which many people prefer.

Benefits: Relatively inexpensive, and all roofers know how to install them. Good fire resistance. Suitable for hail regions and available with wind warranties up to 130 mph.

Drawbacks: Typically last only 20 years and need periodic cleaning to remove debris.

Green factor: Some types have a reflective coating that can lower cooling costs. ACB Roofing recycles all used asphalt shingles.

Cost per square foot: $2-$3,* installed on a average two-story, 2,300 square foot house.

 

WOOD SHINGLES AND SHAKES

PPRBD PROHIBITS  NEW WOOD SHAKES FROM BEING INSTALLED DUE TO FIRE DANGER

 

METAL PANEL AND TILES

Once found mostly on commercial and farm buildings, metal roofing is now the fastest-growing residential roofing material. There are two basic kinds:

Standing-seam panels come in pieces around 16 inches wide and up to 20 feet long, so they reach without a seam from the ridge to the gutters.

Metal tiles which can mimic the look of wood shingles or shakes.

Benefits: Extremely long-lasting; some come with lifetime warranties. Good fire resistance, and some styles are strong enough to resist wind and heavy hail. Panels go up quickly and require little maintenance.

Drawbacks: Higher initial cost than composition shingles. Tile roofs have numerous grooves that trap leaves, so they need frequent cleaning.

Green factor: Styles with reflective coatings reduce cooling demand by 10% to 15% and can qualify for a federal energy efficiency tax credit of up to $500.

Cost per square foot: $3.50-$11

 

CLAY OR CONCRETE TILES

Red clay tiles are an essential feature of Spanish-style homes. In addition to traditional styles, clay and concrete tiles can mimic wooden shingles or shakes, while others look almost like slate.

Benefits: Long-lasting; some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties. Well-suited to relatively dry climates, and will not burn.

Drawbacks: Heavy, so the roof structure must be able to support the weight. Generally a engineer is called in to ensure your family's safety. They can be damaged by hail. Concrete tiles are also moss magnets in damp climates.

Green factor: Long-lasting clay and concrete tiles can be reused and eventually recycled into new building materials.

Cost per square foot: $5.50-$10.50

 

SLATE

Slate is much more common in the East than in the West. Because slates hang from nails and are not glued down, they are best suited for fairly steep roofs that shed water quickly.

Benefits: Slate can last for decades, doesn’t burn, and sheds snow and rain well.

Drawbacks: Slate is expensive and requires a skilled ACB tradesman to install and repair. The roof structure must be able to support the heavy weight and an engineer is generally called in to ensure your safety.

Green factor: Slate is a natural material, and slicing it into shingles requires little energy. If a building with a slate roof is torn down, the slates can be reused.

Cost per square foot: $10-$20