Over Your Head: 5 Different Residential Roof Types

If you’re planning to sell your house soon, a roof replacement could bring you a tidy ROI of 65%. If you’re not selling your home soon, replacing or repairing your roof can give you years of leak-free com.

Residents in Bloomsburg can find experienced roofers within their community to help with their roofing needs, they may choose to work with roofers from Bloomsburg who have experience installing different residential roof types.

Most roof types last for at least ten years, so although the initial cost is steep, the rewards are many. 

Either way, these are the residential roof types to consider if you opt for a new roof.  

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt roofs are the most common residential roof type in the USA. That’s because they’re relatively inexpensive, readily available, and easy to repair. 

A skilled residential roofer can install these types of roofs quickly and easily, so you’ll save on labor costs too. They’re a durable option too and most asphalt shingle roofs last for around 30 years.

According to Prr247.com, 70% of roofs qualify for a roof restoration instead of replacement. So, if you have an asphalt roof, there’s a good chance you can save by repairing leaks instead of refurbishing your entire roof. 

If you do opt for an upgrade, this is the best time to switch to one of the other roofing types if you want to. 

2. Clay and Slate Tiles

These roofs are being recognized for their durability and longevity too and are fast becoming another popular option. Since they’re natural materials, they’re recyclable too, making them an eco-friendly choice for homeowners. 

Slate and clay create an interesting rural look that can do a lot for your home’s curb appeal, increase its value, and help attract more buyers.

The trouble with these different types of residential roofs is their weight. Unless your house has an exceptionally sturdy structure, you might need to pay extra for reinforcement.

Unfortunately, these benefits come with a high price tag and you’ll need specialist roofers to install these types of roofs too. These factors make them an expensive option. 

3.  Metal Roofs

Whether you opt for sheet metal or metal tiles, this type of roof adds beauty and durability to your home. It’s impervious to weather incidents and fire. Metals also conduct heat well, so you could save on heating and cooling costs if you install this roofing material. 

What’s more, contractors can install metal tiles and sheets quickly, and they can last for up to 50 years. 

Some of the most common alloys used for roofs include tin, aluminum, steel, and zinc. Unfortunately, these materials are costly, susceptible to dents, and noisy in a rainstorm. 

Steel’s also prone to corrosion unless it’s treated beforehand which also adds to the cost.  

4. Wood Shingles

Cedar shingles and shakes can last a long time and add a luxurious look to any home. They work well with a variety of pitched roof styles too.

Wood shingles can last for around 30 years and they’re usually treated to resist moisture, mildew, and mold. They’re energy-efficient and stand up well to harsh winters and high winds. 

It’s easy to maintain and repair wood shingles and you can get them in designs that mimic more expensive residential roofing like slate and clay. 

The installation process for wood shingles requires specialist skills and the materials are often costly too. 

5. Residential Roof Types for Flat Roofs

Flat roofs offer several advantages such as easy-cleaning, low-maintenance, and energy-saving attributes.

If your home has a low-slope roof, you’ll find many suitable long-lasting options to choose from. Apart from metal, the best-known flat roof types for residential use include: 

Modified Bitumen Roofing

These roofing options have one layer of weather-resistant, leak-proof single ply roofing material installed on top of a concrete roof deck. They’re highly durable and easy to repair.

Modified bitumen roofing resists extreme temperatures, fire, hail, and wind and forms a secure bond against leaks. Of all the flat roofing options, modified roofing’s the most budget-friendly but it only lasts for 10 to 15 years.

Single-Ply Roofing Systems

These roofing options have one layer of weather-resistant, leak-proof material installed on top of a concrete roof deck. They’re highly durable and easy to repair.

The main types of roof in this category include:

PVS (Polyvinyl Chloride) 

Polyvinyl Chloride is highly reflective and lightweight. It costs a little more to install, but due to its reflectivity, it helps reduce your cooling costs in hot weather. 

PVC resists fire, chemicals, punctures, wind, tears, and UV light. 

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

TPO roofing is 100% recyclable and has many similar benefits to PVC roofing. Unfortunately, it’s a relatively new kind of roofing material and comparatively unproven. 

So, it’s impossible to say how long it could last at the moment.  

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

On the other hand, EPDM roofing has an excellent track record, proven over 60 years of installations. EPDM’s a type of rubber, so it’s easily molded to suit any shape roof and is highly flexible. 

The black coloration means these roofs absorb heat and are ideal for cold climates. EPDM roofing comes without any insulation, so you’ll have to pay extra for this aspect during the installation process.  

Roof Coating Systems

Like EPDM, acrylic and silicone roof coating systems work well as cool roofs. It’s easy to maintain and repair these types of roofs and they can extend the life of your existing roof by several years.

The liquid application fills in any cracks and tears in your existing roof, but it’s inclined to tear easily.

Find the Best Solution for Your Budget

There aren’t any bad choices when it comes to choosing residential roof types. Although each has its pros and cons, you’re assured of long-term protection for your home regardless of your choice.

If you’d like to find out more options for improving your home’s value and comfort, explore our website for the latest tips and advice.