Note: The roof materials mentioned below are priced per 'square.' One square covers 100 square feet.
Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are also called
composition shingles. Three-tab asphalt shingles fall into two categories: those reinforced with organic felt, and those reinforced with fiberglass.
Fiberglass shingles have become the more popular choice and most have a Class A fire rating (the best), as opposed to a Class C rating for most organic shingles.
Note: When buying either type, make sure that the package indicates compliance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Look for notice of compliance with ASTM D 225 for organic shingles, and ASTM D 3462 for fiberglass shingles.
Pros:
Economical, with good options starting at around $60 per square.
Used successfully for many years.
Good variety of color and choices.
Typical life span of at least 20 years.
Cons:
They have a less appealing look than architectural asphalt shingles.
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Architectural shingles are also known as
dimensional or laminated shingles. They are similar to three-tab asphalt shingles, but they have an extra layer and are notched in a way that creates a more three-dimensional look that can mimic the look of slate or shakes.
Pros:
More desirable appearance than three-tab shingles.
Better wind and hail resistance.
Wider range of appearance options.
Longer life span (and typically longer warranties) than three-tab shingles.
Usually easier to install, which can save on labor costs.
Gaining in popularity among homeowners and roofers.
Cons:
More expensive than three-tab shingles.
Some brands are heavy enough to require a reinforced roof.
Pricing:
Good asphalt shingles range from around $60 to $350 per square. Architectural shingles are usually on the more expensive end, typically costing 20% to 40% more than three-tab shingles.
Note: Consumer Reports lists Owens Corning's Oakridge and CertainTeed's Landmark as two Consumer Best Buy products that offer the look of architectural shingles for less than some three-tab brands.
Both three-tab and architectural shingles can be treated with copper or zinc to prevent algae growth. They can also be colored with granules that lessen the amount of heat absorbed by the home. Some granule shades qualify for the
energy-efficient tax credit.
Metal
Metal roofs are typically
steel, aluminum, or copper. A very popular style is called standing-seam, which produces a distinctive look with parallel lines. Other metal roof styles mimic the looks of slate, tile, and wood shakes.
Pros:
Long life span. Warranties are typically at least 25 years, and the roofs often last 50 years or longer.
Easy to install.
Half the weight of asphalt shingles, which sometimes allows a metal roof to be installed over an existing roof.
High fire-resistance.
Many color and pattern choices.
Can be used for low-slope roofs.
Increased energy-efficiency in warm climates due to the blocking of heat transfer to the attic.
Cons:
Can be noisy during rain or hail.
May dent.
Can be expensive.
Replacing sections can be tricky, since it may be difficult to match the exact color.
Pricing:
$100 to $650 per square.
Tile
Tile roofs come in two varieties,
clay and concrete. Spanish and mission-style tile are the most popular versions.
Pros:
Very long life.
High resistance to fire, rot and insects.
Nearly maintenance-free.
Cons:
Very heavy, sometimes requiring a structural upgrade.
Easily damaged by being walked on.
Expensive.
Pricing:
$500 to $1,000 per square.
Note: Thinner fibrous cement tiles that look like slate or wood shakes are also available. These newer products are half the weight, and lower in price.
Wood
Wood shingles are typically made of
cedar, redwood, pine, or other hardwoods. Cedar shakes are the most popular type of wood roofing, and are known to have natural resistance to insects and moisture damage.
Pros:
Elegant, natural look that is especially desirable in some areas of the U.S.
Resistant to hail damage.
Provides excellent insulation.
Many variations of color, width and thickness are available.
Cons:
Estimated life span is 20 to 50 years, but in moist climates homeowners should expect closer to 20, making wood a comparatively less durable product in these regions.
Typically less fire-resistant, although some brands with special fire-resistant treatment have a Class A fire rating.
Requires consistent upkeep in order to remain resistant to sun, insect and water damage.
Pricing:
A general price range for wood shingles is $200 to $400 per square.
Synthetic Roofing
What it is:
Synthetic slate and shake products are all petroleum-derived polymers. Some are made of recycled materials, and most can be recycled at the end of the roof's life span. Occasionally these materials are referred to as 'rubber' roofing.
Synthetic roofs can mimic the look of wood shakes, tile, and slate. Homeowners may be wary of investing in these newer products before they have been proven over time; however, synthetic roofs are growing in popularity every year.
As an example, here's how real slate compares to synthetic slate:
Real Slate
Pros:
Elegant look.
Long life. (Often called the "100 year roof.")
Note: When slate roofs leak, the problem is often the flashing, not the slate.
Cons:
Needs a professional for even standard repairs.
Heavy enough to often require structural upgrades.
Walking on a slate roof will damage it.
Expensive.
Pricing: Up to $1,000 per square.
Synthetic Slate
Pros:
Looks like real slate. (See photos and read
FineHomeBuilding.com's blog post about how the editor found himself liking a synthetic slate roof against his will.)
About half the cost of real slate.
Long life span compared to many other materials (50 years.)
Recyclable.
Does not require a reinforced roof. (Weighs about the same as asphalt shingles.)
Cons:
Still more expensive than asphalt.
Pricing:
$350 to $500 per square.
Key Points
Would you like to add skylights and/or roof ventilation?
These projects will be much less expensive if you plan them to coincide with your new roof installation.
Do you need to remove the current roof?
Roofers will tear off a roof before re-roofing if it already has two or more layers on it. Removing a typical asphalt roof can add $30 to $50 per square to the cost.
12 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Roofer
1. Can you provide a list of local references?
2. Will you obtain any required permits, and are these included in the price quote?
3. Does your quote include hauling away old roofing materials?
4. Will you use sub-contractors, and if so, are they insured?
5. Do you provide a workmanship warranty? For how long? (Two years is recommended.)
6. Does the manufacturer's warranty include installation costs? (Many do not.)
7. Is the warranty amount prorated over the life of the roof?
8. Is the warranty transferable to subsequent owners of the home?
9. What is the full name and address of your company? (This may seem obvious, but experts recommend you make sure you obtain a physical address, not just a P.O. box.)
10. Do you carry worker's compensation and liability insurance? (Ask to see certificates, and call the companies to make sure that the policies are still in force.)
11. Are you licensed and bonded?
12. What is a realistic time frame for the project? (Get a projected completion date in writing.)
Remember, before you plan a big home improvement project such as a new roof, please give me a call! My knowledge of the market can save you time, stress and money, and I'll be happy to recommend contractors who have done good work for others.
The story of an honest taxi driver took Brazil by storm a few months ago when he found and returned a backpack filled with over $32,000 in cash that had been left in his cab.
