The most costly aspect of the exterior of your home is, undoubtedly, your roof. It is important that when you choose a roof, you naturally choose the best quality. Quality usually translates as longevity, and if you really want to get a solid material, you usually have to spend a little bit more than what you think. If you want to buy a cheap roof, you’ve got to be prepared to replace it approximately every eight years. So with this in mind, what are the best roofing materials?
Slate
Slate roofs are a very reliable choice. Many roof repair companies are able to repair slate, and slate is widely accessible. Because of its tendency to split into flat slabs, this is the ideal material to cover roofs. While it is the most expensive of roofing materials, it is the most durable. If you look after it, it can last the lifetime of your property. Because it is expensive, it is usually put on large properties. It can last approximately 100 years, but this is where the costs can prove a bit on the expensive side. It does depend on the supplier, for example, you are looking to pay roughly $66,000 on a 2,000 square foot home at $30 per square foot.
Wood shingles
Wood shingles are made from thin pieces of natural wood made from logs. They are a very aesthetically pleasing material, but because the material is wood, this could cause some problems in locations with seasonal wildfires. Because of growing fire hazards, there have been legal restrictions on the use of wood roofing. That being said, it can be far cheaper to install than slate. On average, it costs between $6.50 and $11.00 per square foot. But this roof would last between 25 and 50 years. If you can look after the roof properly by replacing any cracked and split shingles, and keep the roof moss-free, it could last even longer.
Composite Asphalt Shingles
This is the most popular roofing material. Composite shingles use a base saturated with asphalt, and are a very low-cost material, and easy to install. This type of roof is usually installed by a professional, however, if you want to try out your DIY skills, you could do it yourself. Composite asphalt shingles can last between 15 and 40 years, depending on the quality of the materials. On average, for a 2,000 square foot house, it can cost around $11,000 to install. An ideal choice if you are approaching middle-age and you just want to see your home through until it’s time to go into a retirement community.
Final Thoughts
These are the three best types of roofs for your home. There are many others out there, but as far as cost, aesthetics, and durability are concerned, these three provide a comprehensive sense of protection. There are many others out there, such as wood shake, built-up roofing, asphalt, and many more. Choosing a roof should be a balance of affordability and durability.
