There are more roofing options available than ever before, making choosing the best roofing material for your home an exciting—and perhaps overwhelming—task. Not to worry. We break it down for you here to help you choose from all the types of roofing available.

Roofing materials for every budget and tasteThe best roofing materials are available through North America’s largest roofing manufacturer: GAF. As a GAF MasterElite roofing contractor, we are certified to install all the types of roofing GAF offers. Read on for an overview of your roofing options:

  1. Three-tab shingles: these residential mainstays offer a great mix of performance and value in a traditional look. Three-tab shingles are made of fiberglass asphalt with a flat, one-dimensional appearance. Rated for 25 to 30 years, these shingles offer somewhat lower wind resistance than heavier designer shingles due to their lighter weight, but their ubiquity and affordability make them easy to replace if needed. Good resale value combines with relatively low cost to make this conventional roofing option the top pick among many homeowners.
  2. Membrane roofing: This is often be the best roofing material for homes with low-sloping roofs or roofed areas that aren’t easily visible. This rolled roofing comes in long, wide strips of the same fiberglass asphalt material as three-tabs. It offers quick and easy self-adhering installation, comes in several color choices, and is very inexpensive. However, it’s not very attractive and not nearly as durable as conventional shingles, lasting only about 5 to 8 years.
  3. Architectural shingles: With composite and fiberglass asphalt options, these premium roofing materials offer a striking, multi-dimensional look. A wide variety of styles are available, from shingles that appear to be made of slate, tile, or authentic wood shake to shingles that look hand-cut. They often offer lifetime warranties, superior weather and wind protection, stain resistance, excellent fire ratings, and come in a huge array of colors. Some styles even offer increased impact resistance as well as “cool” options that reflect heat to reduce energy costs. Quality, beauty, and performance come at a price though: these shingles are more expensive than other roofing options, though their ability to mimic pricier options such as slate and tile make them highly appealing.
  4. Slate and tile: Slate and tile are the most durable roofing options you’ll find, known to last for up to a hundred years or more. Both styles are extremely weather- and fire-resistant, come in a variety of traditional colors, and have an enviable natural beauty. Traditional slate and tile roofs have long been out of reach of most homeowners, but new technologies have made them more attainable. For example, GAF’s TruSlate® uses real slate in an ingenious design that integrates a high-tech, ultra-durable waterproofing material, reducing both cost and weight and making for an easier and faster installation. However, despite recent advances, slate and tile are still heavy, and can require structural modifications to your home. Though TruSlate is much more affordable than traditional slate, it may still cost more than other types of roofs. Both tile and slate are also fragile and must be handled with care.
  5. Metal roofs: Made of steel, aluminum, or copper, sheet-metal and metal-shingle roofs offer excellent warranties of up to 50 years, combined with rugged good looks and lightweight construction. Like asphalt and composite, metal shingles can mimic the look of slate, tile, or wood shake. Because they can be recycled at the end of their useful life, metal roofs can be an eco-friendly choice. Metal is extremely durable, offers a best-in-class fire rating, and sheet-metal styles are quick and easy to install. However, this roofing material can be expensive, and some types are prone to denting. The large panels can be difficult to repair and replace and any paint finishes may require extra care.
  6. Wood-shake shingles: Real cedar shingles come from a renewable resource and enhance your home in a unique and natural way. Wood also offers good insulation and is extremely weather-resistant. However, this roofing option is an expensive one. It’s tough to install and requires extra care through its life. Wood-shake roofs can last up to 50 years or more, but this number is hugely dependent on the quality of materials and installation as well as the roof’s proper maintenance. In addition, cedar-shake roofs do not offer the fire resistance of other roofing materials.

The materials you choose for your roof as well as the manufacturer who makes them will have a dramatic impact on your home for years to come. For additional information and expert guidance on choosing the best roofing materials for your home, give George J. Keller & Sons, LLC, a call today at 973-927-0963.

Image courtesy of GAF.