The Ten Types of Roofing Materials to Consider for Your Home

Do you need a roof repair or replacement near Wharton, TX? Call Wharton Roofing at 979-534-2014 for a free quote.

Whether you need to replace an old leaky roof or build a brand new home, you should take the time to consider all of your choices in roofing materials. This article discussed the top ten types of roofing materials favored today, so you can move forward in your roofing project knowing all of your options. We’ll discuss each type, and how much it costs to install so you can make an informed decision.

Wharton Roofing, a leading roofing company in Bay City, TX, offers a variety of roof types, including several of the following.

Ten Types of Residential Roofing Materials 

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles typically have three layers: fiberglass, asphalt, and granules. Many homeowners in the U.S. have asphalt shingle roofs because this durable material withstands a wide range of weather conditions and has relatively affordable installation. The average cost of asphalt shingles ranges from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. 

2. Wood Shingles

Many traditional homes use wood shingles or shakes for the classic, cottage-like appearance. Wood roofing materials can last decades if maintained properly but aren’t ideal in wet and humid climates. Buildings in forested regions prone to wildfires should also avoid wood roofing materials that may catch fire from falling embers. 

The cost of wood roofing depends on the type. For example, sawed shingles cost between $4.50 and $9 per square foot, while traditional split wood shakes cost between $6.50 and $14 per square foot.  

3. Metal Panels

Metal panels provide a fireproof roofing material that lasts for decades. Snow buildup on a roof can create excess weight and moisture intrusion issues, so many homeowners in snowy climates opt for metal panel roofs because snow tends to slide off instead of building up. Metal roofs also provide better energy efficiency than asphalt shingles but cost significantly more at $10 to $16 per square foot. 

4. Built-up Roofing

Many flat roofs throughout the U.S. use built-up roofing (BUR), a type of roofing material consisting of layers of felt, asphalt, aggregate, and tar. This common flat and low-slope roofing material creates a highly durable layer that proves affordable for many home and business owners. BUR is not new among types of roofing materials, but it provides a reliable roofing system. 

BUR costs range between $2.50 and $5 per square foot.  

5. Clay Tiles

Clay tiles can last more than a century when adequately maintained. Manufacturers form these extremely durable tiles out of clay and then fire them. Though clay tiles can last up to 100 years, they could break if stepped on and require extra structural support due to their weight.

Popular in coastal regions where salt water wreaks havoc on exterior home materials, clay tiles cost between $10 and $18 per square foot. If the tiles receive a glaze in the manufacturing process, they’re called ceramic tiles and cost up to $30 per square foot. 

6. Concrete Tiles

Homeowners who want the clay tile look or durability can opt for the slightly cheaper concrete tile option. Manufacturers can create these tiles to mimic many other types of roofing, including clay tiles and wood shakes. Like clay, concrete tiles are heavy, and the roof’s internal structure may require modification to support the roof’s weight. 

Though cheaper than clay tiles, concrete tiles still include higher costs than other materials, between $10 and $20 per square foot. 

7. Slate Tiles

Like clay and concrete, slate tiles provide long-lasting protection for homes but require structural improvements to hold the weight. Manufacturers create slate roof tiles from natural stone so they provide superior resistance to rain, snow, and wind. Though highly durable, slate tiles can crack or shatter under the weight of someone walking on the roof, so it’s essential to trust repairs to a professional company that works with slate. 

The average slate tile roof costs between $10 and $30 per square foot. 

8. Synthetic Slate Tiles

If you want a roof made of recycled materials, consider synthetic slate tiles. This durable roofing material mimics the appearance of natural slate but consists of recycled plastic and rubber. Many homeowners choose synthetic slate to take advantage of the lighter weight and decreased brittleness compared to actual stone tiles.

Synthetic slate tiles may only last half the lifetime of a genuine slate roof, but they also cost less at $9 to $12 per square foot.  

9. Solar Tiles

New solar technology brings the power to harness the sun’s energy into small, shingle-sized packages. Solar tiles provide an attractive alternative to rooftop solar panel installation. Instead of bulky and unattractive panels, you can collect solar energy through tile-sized panels that look like traditional roofing materials. 

Solar roofing tiles cost more than traditional solar panel systems but aren’t the most expensive roofing option at $21 to $25 per square foot. 

10. Green Living Roofing

Some especially adventurous homeowners have adopted the green living roof as an alternative to traditional types of roofing material. Green roofs consist of waterproof membranes, drainage systems, and soil that homeowners can use to grow moss, grass, or other plants. Green roofs are an excellent option for homes dug into hills but require a lot of maintenance to keep them functioning correctly. 

The cost of a living roof varies widely depending on what type of plant life the homeowner wants to support. For instance, a simple, thin living roof could cost between $10 and $30 per square foot, but an intensive living roof may cost much more.

Let Wharton Roofing Help You Choose the Best Roofing Material

Our team at Wharton Roofing of Warton, TX, and surrounding areas offers many types of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, flat roofing, and metal roofing. Call us at 979-534-2014 to discuss your roofing material options and get a free quote. 

Whether you work with another roofing company for your roof repair or replacement or with us, you should know the most common roofing mistakes you should avoid, ensuring you get high-quality work.