Your roof is the unsung hero of your home, shielding your sanctuary from the elements while adding a touch of style to your home's aesthetic. Fairhope, AL roofing decisions can be overwhelming with the plethora of materials available, and each option boasts unique advantages and disadvantages. With so many choices, you're probably wondering how to know which is best for your home?
This guide provides a comparison of shingles, roofing materials, and styles to assist in identifying the most suitable options for your property.
Elevate Your Home's Look and Function with the Perfect Fairhope, AL Roofing!
When choosing shingles for your home, it is important to consider factors beyond appearance and return on investment. Don't forget to factor in important details, such as:
- Local weather patterns - Fairhope has a subtropical climate and that means a lot of hot days, but also plenty of rain and storms. For that reason, a shingle with a high wind rating and high impact resistance will likely be best for your home.
- Recurring temperatures - Certain roofing materials may not perform well in warmer environments.
- Your Roof Structure - Asphalt shingles are a lightweight option for roofing, making it a viable choice for most roofs. While tiles tend to be heavier and may necessitate a more robust internal roof structure.
- Budget - Ready for a roof refresh? What's your budget? Having a limited budget may narrow down your choices for roofing materials.
Now that we have considered those points, let's explore the various material choices for your roofing.
Asphalt Shingles
When it comes to protecting your home, asphalt shingles reign supreme! They're the go-to choice for many homeowners everywhere, and for good reason - they're durable, affordable, and look stunning atop any home. Asphalt shingles have a cost-effective price range of $80 to $550 per 100 square feet according to HomeAdvisor. The variety of sizes, colors, and styles available for these materials enables them to imitate the look of slate or tile. In addition, they have a simple installation process and can be easily replaced.
However, certain drawbacks come with using asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles typically have a shorter lifespan. The average lifespan of asphalt shingles is up to 20 years, with even the more expensive luxury or designer shingles not having significantly longer lifespans.
Asphalt shingles may also be susceptible to cracking due to their lightweight nature, particularly during significant temperature changes. These low-cost products also have a high waste output, making them less eco-friendly.
Composite Shingles
These roofing products consist of a combination of materials such as plastics, wood, rubber, asphalt, and fiberglass. The shingles are designed to imitate the appearance and texture of natural materials such as wood or slate.
Composite shingles are available in an extensive range of colors and styles. The typical lifespan is around 50 years, and they may contain extra protection against moss and UV light.
It should be noted that composite shingles come at a significant cost. The price of installation ranges from $300 to $1,600 per square (100 square feet) and requires specific Fairhope, AL roofing contractors to do the job.
Metal Roofing
When searching for a reliable roofing option, metal roofs may be worth considering. Whether your roof is steep or flat, these systems can handle it all. With unbeatable durability, you can rest easy knowing your investment will last for years to come. When installed correctly, a metal roof has the potential to last up to 50 years. Metal roofs also have environmentally friendly properties as they can be fully recycled.
Metal roofing is available at various price points, with different types of metal offering affordability. On average, an aluminum roof costs around $325-$575 per square. Meanwhile, the cost for a zinc metal roof per square falls between $565 and $1,100 (Modernize).
A metal roof can withstand severe storms, but it creates considerable noise during hail or rainstorms. In the event of a storm, metal roofs may sustain damage from hail or falling debris such as branches. Remember to keep an eagle eye on your metal roof! It needs more TLC than other roofing materials, so be sure to give it plenty of regular inspections and maintenance.
Clay Tile
Tile shingles are the ultimate expression of sophistication and flair - they're the perfect way to add a touch of class to your home! The materials have the ability to be molded into distinct shapes and are frequently produced in lighter hues, aiding in temperature control.
Not only are clay tiles an eco-friendly choice, but they also have a second chance at life since they can be completely recycled. The lifespan of these tiles is around 80 years, and they can often add value to your property.
However, clay tiles aren't cheap. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for a new clay tile roof is around $15,000. And these materials are heavy, which can cause strain on your roof structure. Plus, regular maintenance is necessary to repair cracks and holes in the damaged tiles.
Which Shingles Are Best for Your Roof?
The decision is yours to make. These products all have the potential to be effective as your roofing. Hold onto these key points when deciding:
- Selecting shingles with a Class-4 impact resistance rating can reduce the potential for hail damage.
- Ensure your shingles have a Class-F wind rating if previous wind damage has occurred on your roof.
- It's important to ensure that your shingles have a Class-A fire rating.
These ratings can help to extend the lifespan of your roof.
Improve your Home with Fairhope, AL Roofing Contractors
Would you like to explore options for updating your roofing system? Then give us a call at Ethos Roofing & Restoration today!
We work with top shingle manufacturers like GAF to utilize premium roofing materials for the benefit of our clients. We will provide an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each roofing material to assist you in selecting the most suitable option for your roofing requirements.