Alternatives to Asphalt Shingles

While asphalt tiles are a classic and reliable option for your new roof, there are a few alternatives to consider when it comes time for you to replace your roof. Read on to learn more about asphalt shingles and a few of the most popular alternatives.

Asphalt

Asphalt shingles are by far the most affordable roofing material on the market. They’re quick and easy to install and when installed correctly and properly maintained they can last for about 25-30 years. The shingles are also really easy to tear down, repair or replace if need be. Asphalt shingles come in three types: 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury.

• Pros: low cost, ease of installation, and long lifespan.
• Cons: high maintenance and they are not environmentally friendly.

Cedar

Cedar roofing is a good choice for those interested in a natural, rustic look for their roof. Cedar is also energy efficient, providing superior insulation in the winter and deflecting heat in the summer, and can help save on energy bills. It’s also an eco-friendly option since it can be 100% recycled, and is durable in harsh weather conditions, allowing cedar roofs to last far longer than asphalt, with proper maintenance.

Cedar roofs can be a costly and high-maintenance choice, though. In addition to more expensive materials and installation costs (compared to asphalt shingles), cedar roofs require frequent professional upkeep to avoid the growth of mold and moss. And although they’re durable and have a longer lifespan than standard asphalt, they don’t tend to last as long as slate and metal.

Slate

One of the oldest types of roofing tiles, slate roofs have grown in popularity in recent decades. Aesthetically, slate brings a unique twist to your roof without standing out too drastically. Slate is also a very strong material and stands up impressively against harsh weather conditions. Because of this, they are often the most durable and long-lasting roofs (50-200 years), and require relatively little maintenance over the years.

However, slate is a costly material, leading to a high price tag when it comes to installing these beautiful roofs. Because of this, slate is often recommended to those that are looking to make an investment in their “forever home,” rather than as an investment into a home you may want to sell in a few years. Slate is also considerably heavier than other roofing materials, so the home’s structure needs to be sturdy enough to support the additional weight that a slate roof will bring.

Metal

Metal is another material that’s growing in popularity in the roofing industry. Metal roofs can do more than provide a striking accent to your home; they can also last far longer than asphalt when installed and maintained properly. Metal is also an energy-efficient option since they reflect light rather than absorb it and is an eco-friendly option because they can be recycled when it’s time for a change. They also won’t corrode, crack, or rust, thanks to a protective coating that’s added on top.

Unfortunately, these benefits can come at a price. Metal roofs can sometimes be two to three times more expensive than their asphalt counterparts. It’s also important to remember that, although modern metal roofs are designed for durability, some softer metals like copper can still potentially dent from severe weather.