A roof, or more precisely a roofing system, is a major part of your house that provides protection for the structure and its elements, so it’s important to invest in the type of system that serves you best.
The type of roof system you use on your house may be influenced by where you live and by your budget, although the investment you make will help ensure your major asset is protected. That’s why it is important to trust a contractor from your area who is experienced in serving the particular needs of your region and community. For example, houses in south Florida will rely on different roof systems than houses in a dryer climate like the Southwestern U.S. A roofing contractor like Compass Roofing Systems is experienced in the Southwest, including Arizona and Texas, while Florida contractors are best positioned to serve that area.
Before taking that step to replace or repair your roof, here are some basic roof systems you should consider, depending on your house’s needs, your area’s climate, and your contractor’s recommendation.
Asphalt shingles
A common roof system that most people know uses shingles made of asphalt, fiberglass, felt, and mineral granules pressed together. These shingles typically are produced in a rectangular shape, come in a variety of colors, require only minimal maintenance, and can last up to 30 years. Their simplicity and affordability make them a common choice for many houses, as does their relatively easy installation. But this roof system is vulnerable to high winds and heavy storms, like hurricanes or hail storms. The asphalt shingle roof system features surface shingles that are fixed to a wood decking, typically sheets of plywood covered with underlayments like felt paper or a similar material before the shingles are attached. The price per square foot ranges from $3 to $4.50.
Clay, concrete tile
Clay and concrete tile roof systems rely on heavier material, but can enjoy a longer life, as much as twice that of asphalt shingle roofs. Clay tiles are popular in areas vulnerable to storms because the materials are not as susceptible to wind damage as other roof systems are. They are also fire-resistant. But their heavier weight and fragile composition make them difficult to install by someone with less experience, so professionals are needed to ensure proper installation. The tiles come in many colors, shapes, and sizes, giving homeowners and builders many aesthetic options. While the roof tiles typically come rounded, some are designed with a flat shape to resemble wood or slate roofs. The tiles typically are installed similarly to asphalt shingles, over roof decking that’s been covered by an underlayment material. The tile roofs can cost more than $10 a square foot to install, but do not need to be replaced or repaired as frequently as other roofing materials.
Metal roofing
A favorite roofing system for many homeowners, especially those in hotter climates, is metal roofing. This is not the corrugated metal you’d expect to see on a barn, but the modern, sleek design in tin, aluminum, or copper that can be used in standing seam roofing. The process uses long, preformed strips of metal to cover the roof, with each piece overlapping in a raised seam to prevent water infiltration. These roofs also are durable and fire-resistant. But they also come at a higher price, are vulnerable to dents, and require installation by experienced professionals who have roofing and metalworking skills. Different metals can be used, including the more expensive copper to use in certain areas of the structure for design purposes. Metal roofs can be installed over wood decking covered by underlayment, although some areas allow installation over existing shingles as the decking. Metal roofs are becoming more popular, particularly now that homeowners can opt for metal produced in a shingle form, which is attached to the decking with hidden fasteners that limit punctures. These roofs can cost anywhere from $8 to $14 a square foot, but can add a unique design element to a home and extended durability for the roof system with little maintenance required.
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