10 Types of Roofing Services and What They Cost
Roofing should last 25-50+ years depending on which roofing services you hire and which material you choose. Pick the right materials, and the perfect contractors, and understand your roof material types before you get started.
You have options. Depending on your budget, you can expect varying levels of durability and maintenance costs. These are the best roof services, so keep reading to learn more about roof replacement costs and options.
COMPARE QUOTES1. Asphalt Roofing Services
Asphalt shingles are the most popular form of roofing in North America. As an inexpensive and reasonably durable option, they’re affordable for most US homeowners.
Asphalt roof replacement is very cost-effective. Maintenance is simple compared to other roof repairs.
Solar installation companies are used to and prefer installing panels on asphalt roofs. If you plan on switching to solar soon, asphalt shingles are an ideal solution.
Because these are the most common roofing materials, virtually every company understands how to install and replace asphalt shingles. You won’t be hard-pressed to find a serviceman or roofing company to repair your asphalt shingle roof.
While it depends on the manufacturer’s guarantee, asphalt roofing generally has a 20-year warranty. You can repair the roof yourself, or at least tarp it up if you encounter leaks until a repairman gets there.
At around $1.50 up to $4.50 per square foot, it’s an economic option for any homeowner.
2. Seam Metal Roofing
Seam metal roofing is fireproof, withstands snowfall, and keeps water out. It’s not the most popular option for two reasons: region and price.
It’s not the most sought-after roof material, but it does come with a small return on investment. You can recycle metal roofing when it eventually does wear out and get some amount of return on it (selling for scrap).
Seam metal roofing can last you for around 30-50 years or even longer, so it’s likely a lifelong investment for many. One and done.
Not all roofing companies offer seam metal roofing, which can drive up the cost to around $6.50 to $13 per square foot. Depending on which region you’re in, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Seam metal roofing installation doesn’t take very long. There are fewer individual pieces involved for installation, requiring less labor costs as well.
3. Wooden Shingle Roofing
Wooden shingle roofing is attractive, but it has its downsides. Shakes and shingles have different lifespans, so you should know what each type brings to the table and what you stand to gain.
Not all roofing companies offer wood shingle roofing, primarily because it doesn’t last that long, and a short-lived roof looks bad for the installers.
You’ll find that wooden roofs aren’t popular in states like California for the fact that they’re extremely flammable. They can also let moisture into your roof easier than other roof materials, so that’s something to consider.
When they offer it, you’ll find that prices range anywhere from $4 to $10 per square foot. Some specific wood types may be even more expensive.
With an average lifespan of 20 years on the low end, wood roofing is usually preferred in luxury homes and not much else.
COMPARE QUOTES4. Clay Tile Roofing
Clay roofing is popular in southern California for a good reason. This durable material is useful for hot climates, and anywhere near the coast due to salt air.
This is perhaps one of the most durable roof services that exist, with the lifespan of a well-installed clay tile roof lasting for upwards of a century.
Clay is hardened but not finished, meaning there’s no protective coating on it. You can get roof tiles glazed to have ceramic roofing, although this is usually expensive and unnecessary.
Clay tile installation is often lengthy. It takes longer than other roof materials installations.
With an extensive and particular roofing installation procedure, the labor can be quite expensive. Material costs range from around $10 up to $18 per square foot. It’s not on the table for a lot of homeowners.
5. Rolled Roofing
Look at any shed, and you’ll see rolled roofing. It’s often a rolled asphalt or synthetic material. This material is often for low-slope homes and structures.
If your region allows for it and it won’t be a problem, rolled roofing can save you a ton of money, which is why a lot of homeowners consider it.
Installation doesn’t take long, and it’s fairly durable with an average lifespan of 10 years before you need to replace it, though repairs are likely during this time.
It’s only roughly $1.50 to $4 per square foot, making it extremely cost-effective, and in some cases, the only option a homeowner has is to replace their roof.
6. Rubber Slate Tiles
Slate is an impressive material, but costly. Rubber slate tiles are nowhere near as expensive, and can often be installed by more roofing companies.
Rubber slate is a synthetic polymer. The good thing about this is that it’s often inexpensive to produce and install.
You’re looking at about $2.50 up to $6 per square foot, making it highly attractive to homeowners. Warranties for rubber slate tiles are also fairly impressive.
The average slate tile roof will last 30-50 years. These materials have been around for nearly 200 years (surprisingly enough) and are easy to predict in terms of repairs and warranties.
7. Metal Tile Roofing
While it’s not the same as seam metal roofing, metal tile roofing is an attractive way to install a metal roof in a more accessible way.
Many roofing companies offer this material since it’s relatively simple to install, and lasts for a long time (roofing companies love products with long warranties because it typically means a high-quality product).
Metal shingle roofing can hold a similar aesthetic to clay tiles or slate roofing, depending on the manufacturer. It certainly looks different than your neighbor’s roof.
You’re looking at a ballpark range of $6.50 up to $12 per square foot. These tiles tend to use an attractively-priced alloy that isn’t quite that expensive.
You can expect metal shingles or metal tiles to last for 30+ years. There’s a high chance this will be the only roof you ever need to install in your home.
Metal tiles take longer to install than metal seam roofs. Measure the time and cost of each before making a decision.
COMPARE QUOTES8. Living Roofs or Green Roofs
This fairly new concept is surprisingly expensive, but for the eco-conscious homeowner, this is an excellent choice.
Your roof is covered in a thick material that supports life. Beyond being eco-friendly and allowing pollinators to expand the environment, it’s also durable.
Living roofs can last you about 30-50 years, which is much more impressive than this concept used to be.
Depending on the size of your roof, this will cost $9 to $17 per square foot. There are worthwhile benefits to consider at this price.
You typically help rainwater runoff and prevent water from leaking through your roof, while also lowering the cost of your cooling bill because the roof holds onto heat on the outside.
This concept isn’t for everyone. It can look wild. If you prefer minimalist, clean designs, a living roof may not be on your shortlist.
9. Slate Roofing
Slate has been known to last for longer than clay tiles. It has an impressive lifespan of up to 200+ years, which is amazing.
It’s just like it sounds: slate rock turned into tiles and installed on your roof. They keep the water out, insulate exceptionally well, and look gorgeous.
Despite only being in the neighborhood of $8 to maybe $14 per square foot, slate roofing is hard to install and hard to find qualified roofing companies for.
Many tiles are often specialty or cut on-site to match the contour of your roof. This comes with its labor costs, and the project could be lengthy.
If you have your forever home, it’s worthwhile to install a slate provided you have the budget for it. It’s quite literally the last roof you’ll ever have to buy.
10. Concrete Tiles
Roof installation can be tricky especially when the material is heavy, and concrete tiles are no exception. These are usually an alternative to clay tiles or slate tiles.
Concrete isn’t as attractive as the rustic red of clay tiles and is often glazed or finished to be more aesthetically pleasing to homeowners.
Concrete tile roofing can last for 50+ years, and costs an average of $9 up to $16 per square foot, depending on where you’re located and how much you buy at once.
It’s a sensible choice if you don’t want to worry about asphalt shingles or repairing the roof on your own. The installation process can be lengthy. Prepare for that ahead of time.
Find Your Perfect Roofing Services Now
Browse contractors in your area or contact us today if you need help getting started. It’s never been easier to find a quality, cost-efficient contracts in your local area in as little time as possible.
Roofing services and roofing repair don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Understand your budget, and find contractors to match.
COMPARE QUOTES
Thanks for also talking about green roofing. I’ve always wanted to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle and that should reflect on my home. As such, it would be important to get better roofing for it in the future.