Top 5 Roofing Materials to Consider For Your House

Between metal, asphalt composite, clay tiles, and more, modern roofing materials offer a little something for homeowners of all needs. But what is the best material for the roof and why? Read our guide to find out.

Ready to replace your roof?

Whether you’re dealing with countless leak after leak or missing and aging roofing shingles, sometimes a quick fix isn’t enough to keep your home safe and dry anymore.

The technologies roofing manufacturers use have significantly advanced over the last few decades, giving you more options than ever when it comes to putting a roof over your family’s heads.

So before settling for the same old shingles and underlayment previously used, consider all your options to improve your home’s curb appeal and protection.

What is the best material to use for roofing? Follow our guide to investigate more about the best roof materials and match your home to its best roofing option.

#1: Asphalt Composite Shingles

Asphalt roofing is the most common material used on homes in North America. With a fibreglass roof base topped with mineral and asphalt fragments, they’re sturdy, durable, and relatively inexpensive - the perfect trifecta for most homeowners.

Most asphalt roof systems come with a 20+ year warranty, and with their flexible expansion and contraction, a new roof will withstand years of weather-related wear and tear. And, since asphalt shingles lay individually, it’s easy to replace a specific section of the roof when you need to repair them rather than paying out-of-pocket for an entirely new roof.

The lifespan of your asphalt shingles doesn’t stop once you replace your roof - they can be recycled and used for pavement.

Cost: $2.75–$5.75 per square foot

Lasting Power: 15-30 years

#2: Metal Roofing

One modern type of roof that’s tough as nails, quite literally, is the metal roof. Whether you choose a standing seam metal roof with interlocking panels or metal shingles made from stamped metal with a baked coating, this roof will to last you for a lifetime.

You can expect to get up to 80 years out of your corrugated metal roofing with very little expected maintenance and recycle 100% of the metal when you replace it. A standing seam roof with corrugated metal sheets is especially ideal if you live somewhere prone to wildfires, as it is entirely fireproof. Not every company can install metal roofing in Hamilton in this specialized niche, and a metal roof cost can add up considerably compared to other options.

Cost: $7-$14 per square foot

Lasting Power: 30-80 years

#3: Concrete and Clay Tiles

Concrete and clay roof tiles add gorgeous texture to your home, with molded earthen clays or sand-mix concrete shaped into flat, scalloped, or ribbed styles. Left unglazed, clay tile roofing offers a bright red-orange hue, though you can also glaze them with other colours or add a pigment of your choice into your concrete mix.

Concrete is one of the least lightweight roofing materials, making it heavy enough to use in areas that regularly experience high winds. Better yet, it’s energy-efficient.

Clay is a little lighter but non-combustible, perfect for hot climates or those close to salty ocean air - that’s why they’re a mainstay in Mexico and the Southern U.S.

Cost-wise, tile is a more expensive roofing material than traditional roof shingles, though you’ll get many years of great use out of your clay or concrete roof.

Clay Costs: $10-$20 per square foot

Lasting Power: 50-100 years

Concrete Costs: $10-$15 per square foot, typically 20% less than clay versions

Lasting Power: 30-50 years

#4: Slate Roofing

Slate roof tiles offer a stunning and distinctive appearance in a broad range of colours to match your home’s aesthetic. You pay handsomely to gain that curb appeal, though it’s much more than just a “pretty face,” between its fire-resistant qualities and unparalleled durability.

Wondering which roofing material is the most durable?

Corrugated roofing can last you a lifetime, but slate roofing could last through your children’s and grandchildren’s lives, too. Slate roofing installation requires extra framing and specialized skills, so it may be challenging to find roofers near you that offer the service.

Costs: $9-$20 per square foot

Lasting Power: 75-200 years

#5: Wood Roof Shingles

Wood shingles are the ultimate classic in roof types dating from the 18th century. Today, many still love the look of wood shakes and shingles as their handmade, rougher look fades naturally over time.

Typically, wood shingles are crafted from southern pine, redwood, or cedar trees. Though they won’t last quite as long as other options on our list, they’re priced accordingly and fully biodegradable over time.

Wood shingles aren’t even discouraged in fire-prone areas, though you’ll need to choose Class A fire-rated wood roof supplies with a fire-resistant coating to protect your home from burning up like a tinderbox. Check your local fire code, as some regions prohibit the use of all wood shingles in roofing.

Costs: $4-$8 per square foot

Lasting Power: 25-35 years

Finding The Best Roofing For Your Home

Our guide has more than one great option for your next roof replacement, but the decision doesn’t have to be complicated. Use your newfound knowledge to list pros and cons and weigh them out based on price, durability, looks, and installation options - we’re sure you’ll choose something great!

Ready to replace your roof? Our team at Sameday is one of the best roofing companies in Burlington, Hamilton, and beyond. Let’s discuss the best roofing materials for your home and book a free cost estimate - call us at (905) 544-4667 or send us a message today.