Roofing 101: Roofing Materials

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Planning to install a new roof doesn't always have to be stressful, in fact, some parts of it are meant to be fun! While certain aspects of the roofing process must stick to strict guidelines, when it comes to choosing the materials you will use a world of options open up. But with so many choices, how do you choose? Of course you want to to pick the materials that fit your design preferences, but it's also crucial to stick within your budget. To help you decide, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular roofing materials and their characteristics:

Asphalt: The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are comprised of cellulose or fiberglass mats coated with asphalt and granules and can be made algae-resistant for homes in hot climates. 
Cost: Starts at $50 per square

Laminated:  Laminated shingles are thicker than asphalt and are made of fiberglass mat. Compared to asphalt, laminated shingles have a shake-like profile and exhibit greater fire and wind resistance. This material is likely to give your roof a lifespan of 40 to 50 years,.
Cost: $60 to $80 per square

Wood: Wood shingles are made from cedar, redwood and southern pine. These shingles are flat yet thick, and they require a roof with a 4:12 slope in order to properly drain water. Wood shingles require a bit of extra maintenance, as you must apply a preservative and fungicide every 2 to 5 years.
Cost: Starts at $100 per square

Metal: Metal shingles are made of aluminum, steel or copper and come in standing seam, corrugated or faux-shake styles. They are long lasting and lightweight, but be weary that they are heat conductors and are potentially noisy.
Cost: Steel and Aluminum: $100 to $260 per square
         Copper: $250 to $500 per square

Clay Tile: Clay tile is a very durable material that is often used on homes with mission or Spanish style architecture. It is created from pulverized clay and water and is usually curved in its natural state. If  you choose this material, be aware that tiles can crack or chip and installation might require more extensive roof framing.
Cost: $250 to $500 per square

Slate: Slate tile is one of the only materials that seems to withstand any and all circumstances. However, the installation is quite difficult and often requires special skills and expertise to be done correctly.
Cost: $300 to $600 per square

Concrete Tile: If your torn between clay, slate and wood shakes, concrete tile can give you the look and feel of both. This is one of the easier materials to install, however they are a bit heavy and require extra roof framing.
Cost: $150 to $250 per square for standard types
         $350 to $500 per square for lightweight tiles

Rubber Composite: Rubber composite shingles are a result of plastic and rubber joining together. This material is said to resemble slate and is lightweight, strong and flexible.
Cost: $295 to $400 per square

Whether you've picked out your roofing materials or are still deciding, it's time to connect with a a reputable roofing contractor to have it installed. Choose Phil's Main Roofing! Phil's Main Roofing is a fully licensed and insured roofing company that has been in business for over 65 years. Our team of professional roofers will work with you to install the top roofing brands and will make sure your roof is built to last. Call us at (203) 838-4545 to speak with a representative or visit us online at www.philsmainroofing.com for more information.