If you need roofers in Raleigh, NC, to replace your roof, you want to know what the best roofing material is.
With so many options – each with their own strengths and weaknesses – it can be hard to know which to choose.
As experienced Raleigh roofers, we’re here to cut through the noise. Keep reading to learn more about the best materials on the market!
Asphalt shingles come in a multitude of colors to suit any style of home. They are inexpensive upfront and easy to install, making them a cost-effective option.
They require cleaning to keep them looking good and prolong their lifespan, and wind-blown debris or hail can damage them. However, shingles are not difficult to repair.
The cheapest type, 3-tab shingles, are being phased out by the industry. They cost around $4/square foot.
You’ll pay around $6/square foot for architectural shingles and get about 25 years out of them, while luxury shingles that mimic the look of slate go for about $8/square foot, lasting around 30 years.
Wood shakes – usually made from cedar – look fantastic on the right home. They age well in the right climate, but are liable to cracking and growth of microbes and moss. They cost $25 to $30/square foot.
As roofing specialists in Raleigh, we recommend speaking with your insurance company before installing a wood roof, since not all companies cover them.
Clay and concrete tiles lend a timeless elegance to homes with a Mediterranean or Southwestern style.
Fewer roofing contractors in Raleigh are familiar with tiles compared to metal and asphalt roofing, making for a riskier install. Tiles also put a lot of weight on the structure.
Clay and cement tiles cost from $4 to $8/square foot. They are highly durable and can last as long as 100 years, but they’re vulnerable to cracking during hail storms.
Roofers in Raleigh, NC will tell you that although slate tiles look phenomenal and last centuries, they are expensive ($15 to $30/square foot), difficult to install, and fragile (a windblown tree branch will wreak havoc).
Slate is also extremely heavy, so make sure your home is built to withstand the weight before installing them.
There are many types of metal roofs, but most homeowners prefer corrugated steel or standing seam metal roofing, where flat panels are linked by raised seams that protect the fasteners below.
Metal is fairly noisy in the rain. Hail will dent it, and it can develop distortions if not properly installed. It’s also somewhat heavier than asphalt, and more expensive ($12 to $15/square foot).
So why consider it? Standing seam metal roofing can last as long as 50 years, thanks to how well it withstands the elements. Because it’s energy-efficient, you’ll save on power bills. It’s also good protection against wind-blown embers from wildfires.
And standing seam roofing has plenty of curb appeal, whatever color it’s painted.
No matter which material you choose, the finished product will only be as good as the roofing company that installs it.
Are you in need of a new roof? Contact the best roofer in Raleigh today for a free estimate!
