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8 Materials To Build A Roof For Your Home
Your home’s roof is arguably the most important structural feature you need to think about, as it protects your home from a wide range of environmental factors, structural risks, and all kinds of hindrances.
However, your roof also plays a role in your home’s overall look and feel, contributing to the overall aesthetic and curb appeal.
With that being said, it’s crucial to identify what materials are right for your roof, why they’re a good choice, and what potential issues you could run into in choosing them too.
Here’s an overview of some of our top picks for roofing materials used by our roofing company in Eugene, OR, including the following. However, please note that pricing estimates are general averages from various sources, and actual prices may vary:
1. Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are arguably one of the most popular roofing materials in the US because they work for most environments and climates, from extreme heat to extreme cold. Asphalt shingles are easy to install, long-lasting, and come in a variety of different colors, finishes, and styles, making them very versatile.
Typical composite shingles have a fiberglass base and are then coated with asphalt and minerals or cellulose, making them highly flexible and adaptable to changing weather and temperatures. This roofing material is often the go-to choice for most homeowners, especially because it’s easily available, and there are many different varieties to match their budgetary restraints. You can also work with our roofing company in Eugene, OR, to determine what kind of asphalt shingles are right for your home, and we’ll make recommendations based on our evaluation.
Cost
Asphalt shingles are incredibly affordable roofing materials and have a pretty low price of roughly $1-2 per square foot on average. Costs can go up depending on manufacturers and quality, so be sure to consult your service provider.
Advantages
In addition to being inexpensive, asphalt shingles are very easy to install. They can be fitted into your roof quite easily, and individual shingles can also be replaced without needing a complete overhaul.
It’s one of the most convenient options for homeowners on a budget, offering them an option that is easily accessible, affordable, and easy to maintain in the long run. With proper care, asphalt shingle roofs can last for up to 30 years.
Possible Issues
As great as they are, however, asphalt shingles aren’t without problems, though. These shingles are prone to damage and wear and tear. They curl, crack, and get damaged in harsher weather conditions, so it’s best to get a professional recommendation before making a decision.
2. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is incredibly versatile, and there are several different types of metal roof materials available in the market. From tiles and shake to standing seam metal and flat sheets, there are different designs and styles for different types of homes and climates.
Metal roofs may not seem like a great option for colder climates, but they’re actually great at protecting homes from heavy snow, rain, and winds. Metal roofs tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum depending on the type of metal and style made, and you will need to choose the right roofing contractors to install it.
There’s a specific, technical method of securely installing a metal roof that not all roofing companies can handle, so it’s best to do your research, get reviews, and make sure you’re fully satisfied before proceeding.
Cost
Metal roofs are one of the more expensive options when it comes to roof materials, with costs varying between $5,500 and $15,000 on average. However, it can go over $40,000, too, depending on the size, type of metal, and overall service.
Advantages
The biggest upside of using metal roofs is that they’re quite low maintenance and easy to clean. It’s easy to clean snow and sleet off them, and you can maintain them without extensive professional help.
Possible Issues
A major drawback, however, is that metal roofs are not the most affordable options out there and can often be noisy and disruptive when there’s heavy rain, hail, or harsh winds that cause rattling. If you live in a climate that’s prone to any of the above, discuss your options with your contractor to see if it’s a good fit for your home.
3. Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a common and popular roofing material that works for flat roofs. It’s made by layering roofing felt and asphalt to create a thick, strong, sturdy, and long-lasting surface.
BUR roofs can last for two to three decades due to their incredible construction quality, and keep your home safe against various kinds of environmental factors, harsh weather conditions, and much more.
It works especially well for low-pitch and flat rooftops where there is little to no chance of heavy snowfall or excessive hail. BUR roofs can have drains for rainwater and general cleaning purposes, however.
Cost
BUR is essentially made of roofing felt, gravel, and tar, and costs can vary based on quality and other factors. Average costs for BUR roof materials range between $4 - $10 per square foot, which makes it a fairly cost-effective option.
Advantages
BUR roofs can easily be customized for clients’ needs; you can choose from cold BUR roofs, hot BUR roofs, energy-saving options, insulated varieties, and more. It’s a very versatile option for flat roofs, making it a go-to choice for many homeowners and businesses alike.
Possible Issues
Despite how sturdy and strong BUR roofs can be, there’s also the issue of cracks forming due to shrinking and temperature changes. Homeowners may need to work with professionals, such as the ones at our roofing company in Eugene, OR, for routine examinations and maintenance.
4. Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are another versatile and very stylish option for an organic, earthy-looking rooftop. These tiles are left unglazed but fired to harden them and give them a stronger structure after they’ve been overlapped. They tend to have an organic reddish hue, depending on the type of earth and clay used, and can look incredibly beautiful when styled correctly and in line with the home’s structure and aesthetic.
Cost
Like all options, the cost of clay tiles can also vary, but it starts from $10 per square foot and goes up to $30 or more for certain exotic clays. It’s not the most affordable option, but it works well for luxury homes and smaller properties.
Advantages
Clay tiles work best in hot weather or coastal regions, given that they are not prone to corrosion or damage, and help keep the home’s interiors cool too.
As a roofing material, clay is incredibly long-lasting and works well for decades, if not more, with proper maintenance and upkeep. It’s vital that you have it regularly inspected to keep it secure.
Possible Issues
While incredibly long-lasting, hot-weather friendly, and generally easy to maintain, there are a few possible issues with clay tiles too. One is that they are prone to cracks and damage, as well as slipping out if not secured. In colder weather, tiles tend to break and shrink, which means they’re not really right for certain climates.
5. Rubber Slate Shingles
More affordable than natural slate yet equally resilient and high-performance, rubber or synthetic slate shingles have a ton to offer homeowners. It’s a lightweight roofing material made of high-quality polymers, rubber, and often recycled plastic.
True slate is a lot heavier and significantly more expensive, often preventing homeowners from choosing it as a roofing option, which is why rubber slate is a great alternative.
Cost
Significantly more affordable than various natural materials and alternatives, rubber slate shingles roughly cost $9 to $12 per square foot.
Advantages
Synthetic slate is a great option for roofing and can last up to 50 years with the right care. It resembles true slate very closely and looks incredibly realistic without the hassle, cost, or weight.
Possible Issues
Unfortunately, synthetic slate is not as durable as true stone, which can be a problem in that it is prone to more damage and wear and tear with continued use.
6. Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are ideal for rough weather and tropical storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. These tiles are incredibly durable, secure, and protective, keeping your home safe in even the harshest weather conditions and giving homeowners much-needed peace of mind and security in many scenarios.
They’re quite heavy but very long-lasting, securing your home for several decades. Concrete tiles do need to be handled carefully and require experienced professionals for installation, so be sure to hire a trusted roofing contractor in Eugene, OR, before beginning work.
Cost
A general rule of thumb for understanding pricing strategies for concrete tiles is the varying durability. While all concrete tiles are considered durable, the more expensive ones tend to hold even better, and you can expect to pay around $10-20 per square foot.
Advantages
Concrete tiles are incredibly long-lasting and give definitive value for money. They’re excellent for protecting your home against harsh weather and are ideal for their visual appeal since they can be molded to resemble other roofing materials. They pair well with different finishes and other benefits.
Possible Issues
A significant issue, however, is that concrete tiles are quite heavy and your home will require an additional bearing or structural support. They’re also prone to breaking and damage if they’re walked on.
7. Wood Shingles and Shakes
One of the most luxurious roofing materials is wood.
Both wood shingles and shakes are great options depending on your budget, style preference, and requirements, and they’re commonly made of cedar or redwood. Shingles are generally more precisely cut and shaped wooden slabs, while shakes are thicker and not as finely finished.
The lifetime varies based on the climate more than anything, with wooden roofs lasting for 50-60 years where it’s dry and about half of that in more tropical, wetter climates since wood does not respond well to moisture.
Cost
Wooden roofs are incredibly luxe, and the price point reflects that, with the average prices varying based on whether you get shakes or shingles, cedar, or redwood. You can get a detailed breakdown here.
Advantages
If you’re on the hunt for something luxurious, beautiful looking, and sturdy, there’s nothing quite like a wood roof. They do have their drawbacks, but they look fantastic and give your home an immediate facelift.
Possible Issues
Wood roofing materials are not suited to wet or extremely dry climates that are prone to storms, wildfires, and other threats. They can leave your home vulnerable as a fire hazard and prone to mold and spores.
8. True Slate
Another popular luxury roofing material is true slate, which is made of very finely cut and handled stone. These roofs can last for up to 150 years and go decades without getting damaged and worn down. However, it’s heavy and may not be suited to most modern houses. Even installing a true slate roof is challenging, given that it requires expertise, tools, and experience to accomplish.
Cost
Slate roofs are a more luxurious option that can cost $10-$30 per square foot, which can total in the thousands for a complete roof.
Advantages
It’s definitely the most durable and longest-lasting roofing material, making it a solid investment in the long run. It’s not easily damaged or worn down and can be replaced in segments.
Possible Issues
Time-consuming installations and replacements or repairs, heavyweight, and high costs are some of the biggest deterrents to slate roofs as an option.
Choose the Right Materials and the Right Roofers
Choosing the right materials to build a roof is just as important as choosing the right people to get the job done. Huey and Sons Roofing, Inc. is excited to help you transform, repair, and upgrade your home’s roof and has extensive experience as one of the leading roofing companies in Eugene, Oregon.
We offer an extensive range of roofing services, including roof installations, repairs, and maintenance, as part of our aim to help clients keep their homes safe, protected against the elements, and aesthetically pleasing too!
Learn more about our incredible
roofing contractor services in Eugene and surrounding areas, the materials we use, and how we ensure service quality through dedication, training, and attention to detail
by getting in touch with us today. You can also generate a free estimate through our website and get a breakdown of costs based on the services you require.
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