Innovative Roofing Materials for Your Home

Do you dread the idea of replacing your roof? If it's any consolation, you are not alone. Replacing a roof is a vast and costly project. That’s one reason contractors always make sure they have roofing insurance to cover possible losses due to injury or property damage.

While the average roof can last for decades, the cost of replacing them can be daunting. Roof replacement can be a substantial investment that can make any budget-conscious homeowner think twice.

If you live in Colorado, you probably already know its unpredictable seasons can take a toll on your roof. That being said, finding the best time to re-roof is crucial. The peak roofing seasons in Colorado are autumn and spring since temperatures can be more moderate.

Roofing for Your Home: Innovative Materials You Can Look Into

When looking for your home's roofing materials, you'd be delighted to know the market is overflowing with options. Regardless if you're looking for a specific cost-range, aesthetic, or durability, chances are you can easily find one that will best suit your needs.

Below are some of the innovative roofing options that should rank high in your list:

Asphalt Shingles

The most prevalent roofing material used in the United States is the asphalt shingles. They are massively popular because they are easy to install and economical. The shingles can also be reinforced with organic materials (cellulose) or fiberglass without altering the shingle's appearance.

Pros:
Asphalt shingles are readily available, affordable, and come in a variety of colors.

Cons:
Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt has a shorter lifespan. The quality also varies, and it does not provide the same insulation other roofing materials offer.

Best For:
Asphalt shingles are best for architectural and traditional suburban homes.
Lifespan and Cost:

Prices can range from $70 to $120 per square. If looked after accordingly, shingles can last from 20 - 25 years.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are resistant to extreme weather conditions. Available in two types—shingles and panels—metal roofs come in copper, stainless steel, zinc, and aluminum. For those interested in rainwater harvesting, metal roofing can be a great idea as they are lightweight, recyclable, sleek, and long-lasting.

Pros:
Metal roofing is sturdy and can last longer than wood or asphalt. It also provides high solar reflectance.

Cons:
Metal roofing is a bit more expensive compared to other options.

Best For:
Metal would look great on cabins, bungalows, cottage-style, and contemporary homes.

Lifespan and Cost:
Typically, prices start at $100 to $300 per square. However, some styles can cost as much as $600 to $800 per square. They are truly worth the investment, though, as metal roofing can last from 40 to 75 years.

Synthetic Roofing Products

Nowadays, synthetic roofing products are available, including plastic and polymer, and rubber. It is developed to give the texture and look of natural materials like wood and slate. The products are designed to be easy to maintain and durable. Some of the materials are even fire-resistant.

Pros:
Synthetic roofing is not as expensive, heavy, or fragile as natural products.

Cons:
The quality of roofing products can vary significantly. Also, newer products are not as time-tested as conventional materials.

Best For:
Synthetic roofing products work best with houses with different architectural styles.

Lifespan and Cost:
Prices can start at $300 a square, with some warrantied for as long as 50 years.

Wood Shingles and Shake

Wood shingles and shake has been the go-to roofing for hundreds of years. Many homeowners prefer the aesthetics of wood shingles and shakes. They can also weather to an attractive gray. Wood shakes are handmade and are rougher-looking compared to wood shingles.

Pros:
Wood shingles provide a rustic look and they are often made from southern pine, redwood, and cedar.

Cons:
Fire codes in certain areas prohibit the use of wood shingles and shake. They can also be a concern during the wet season as they can split, mold, and rot.

Best For:
Shake's rustic aesthetic complements bungalows, cottages, craftsman, and Tudor-style homes.

Lifespan and Cost:
Prices start at around $100 to $150 a square. Wood shingles and shakes can last for 25 to 30 years.

Concrete and Clay Tiles

Clay and concrete tiles can add elegance and texture to the roof. Genuine ribbed, scalloped, and ribbed clay tiles are very durable. However, it is also very heavy and has to be professionally installed. Concrete tiles are less expensive but very versatile.

Pros:
Clay and concrete tiles are non-combustible and long-lasting. They are also considered energy efficient.

Cons:
Clay and concrete tiles are heavy, costly, and require additional framing.
Best For:

Clay and concrete tiles can work well with mission, Spanish-style, Southwestern, and Mediterranean homes.

Lifespan and Cost:
Prices can range from $300 to $500 a square. If maintained accordingly, they can last for 40 to 50 years.

Conclusion
Updating and replacing your existing roof will not only add value to your property; it can also effectively create the look and feel you are looking for. Do your homework accordingly so you can figure out the roofing that will best suit your style and budget.

Guest Blog: Rachel Porter - affordablecontractorsinsurance.com