Are you thinking about upgrading your current roof or installing a completely new one? If so, you probably know both of these projects require lots of preparation, such as looking up roofing supply companies, finding contractors, and researching types of roofing materials.
And if you’re currently trying to figure out which material would suit your needs, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a short roofing materials list that contains all the information you need — from roofing labor cost per square foot to durability and drawbacks. So, let’s get started!
Asphalt Shingles
Though there are many roof shingles types to choose from, asphalt shingles are undoubtedly the most popular one. That comes as no surprise — they are rather affordable and easy to install. In fact, roofing shingles prices range from $70 to $120 per square; a decidedly low cost for a material that can last up to 25+ years.
In addition, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of roofing shingles colors. The most popular one on the market is grey, but you can also opt for black, blue, or brown. And if you’re a fan of lighter colors, tan, cream, and red will be a perfect choice!
Once you start looking, though, you’ll find many roof shingles brands out there. That might be a little overwhelming — after all, how do you choose the right one?
Luckily, we’ve done the research for you, and now we can confidently recommend Timberline roof shingles. They are durable, excellent in all weather conditions, and may last up to 30 years when properly maintained. Also, they come in a range of colors that will make your roof the envy of your neighborhood!
Metal Roofing
Though far from being the cheapest roofing material, metal is a fantastic choice for areas with extreme weather conditions. It’s lightweight, exceptionally durable, and can even last up to 75 years! After that, you can recycle it, making it particularly attractive for those who live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Some of the most popular metal roofing materials are aluminum, copper, zinc, and stainless steel. All those come in two forms you can choose from — panels and shingles. If you opt for panels, standing seam metal roofing might be particularly appealing. But since it requires specific knowledge to install, some roofing companies may not be up to the task. However, if you do get it, it will keep the moisture at bay, and you won’t have to worry about fire damage.
So, how much does it cost to install a metal roof? Well, metal roofing prices vary depending on the type of metal and the difficulty of the project. At the very least, though, you’ll pay anywhere between $100 and $300 a square. But don’t be surprised if what you’ve chosen costs far more than that — the price can sometimes go up to $800 a square.
TPO Roof System
You’ve surely heard of asphalt and metal roofing before, but what about TPO? It’s not exactly something that would come up in regular conversation, but you’d be surprised to know how common this roofing material is. However, unlike the kinds we’ve mentioned so far, TPO is typically used in commercial roofing systems. As such, it’s one of the most popular flat roofing materials, right up there with PVC.
So, what is TPO roofing? The acronym stands for thermoplastic polyolefin — a synthetic material used to create a single-ply membrane. This TPO roofing membrane has only one sheet usually applied over the insulation, thus creating a protective layer.
When properly set up, TPO roofing can last up to 20 years with minor repairs and maintenance. Luckily, TPO installation isn’t particularly difficult. After the insulation is in place, all your commercial roofing contractors do is roll out the membrane and attach it to the cover board. That’s usually achieved either using an adhesive or mechanical fastening.
Compared to similar types of commercial roofing materials, TPO roof cost tends to be on the higher end but well-worth it. Most commonly, TPO roofing cost depends on the membrane choice, insulation type, and the condition of the existing roof. When done correctly, TPO roof installations last significantly longer than other types of material.
Wood Shingles
If you’re looking for a more rustic, natural aesthetic, wood shingles are the best choice. This type of roof material is fairly inexpensive and lasts about as much as asphalt shingles do. Usually, you’ll have to pay around $100 to $150 per square.
Unfortunately, these low roofing prices come with a few drawbacks. Namely, wooden shingles are susceptible to mold and rot, so they aren’t a good choice for extremely wet climates. But not to worry, wood shingles are an excellent option. Even after many years of exposure to the elements, they will keep their elegance, which can’t be said for many other types.
Slate
Slate has been used as a roofing material for centuries, so if you’re looking for a tried-and-true option, that’s the way to go. Since it’s made of dense stone, it’s quite durable, waterproof, and fire-resistant. Thus, it’s one of the best roofing types for areas prone to forest fires and torrential rains.
On top of that, slate is quite pleasing to the eye. Its elegance is sure to impress all your neighbors, and you can choose from several color options. Some of the most popular ones are black, grey, green, purple, or red shades.
But all these benefits translate into a rather high cost. Of course, much like the other roofing materials prices, it may vary depending on a few factors. It is one of the most expensive roofing materials out there.
Types of Roofing Materials — Choose What You Like Best
Now that you know what different types of roofing materials exist, it shouldn’t be so difficult to make the final decision. If you’re still struggling, you could look up roofing supply companies near me. Better yet, contact us for a free, no obligation quote!. We give free roofing estimates, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. So don’t hesitate — contact Elevated Construction today!