How to Choose a Roof

One of the most signature elements that can reinforce an architectural style is the roof of your home. It can make an important Architectural statement and bring authenticity to your project. Many higher end roofs offer an antique alternative imported from Europe to the U.S. and add instant age and character to your project with it's inconsistency in color and shape.

Roofing varies in pricing and certain styles often require additional engineering or structure if they are of a heavier weight. It is important to know what roofing you would like to use on your style of home so the structural system can be design accordingly. Roofing is priced by a 10' by 10' square area of roofing. In the following post, I will attempt to break down the most common roofing materials by pros, cons, and pricing in order for you to make a more informed decision on your roof selection.

Roofing (most expensive to least):

Slate Roofing
Clay Tile Roofing
Concrete Tile Roofing
Wood Shingle Roofing
Metal Seam Roofing
Asphalt or Composition Roofing

Slate Roofing

Slate roofing tile has a long and storied history, and is generally known as one of the highest quality, longest lasting roofing materials on the market. On the other hand, the high cost, difficult installation, and relative fragility of slate roofing tile means it's not ideal for everybody. Slate roofs are architecturally suitable for steep roofs and are most prominently found in French style architecture.

Clay Tile Roofing

Clay roofing is a tile roofing, which lasts a long time and won’t rot or burn under a scorching summer sun, is a great choice for warm weather rooftops. You will find it most often in Mediterranean homes, Spanish and Southwestern Architectural styles.

Concrete Tile Roofing

Concrete Tile roofing, which lasts a long time and won’t rot or burn under a scorching summer sun, is a great choice for a look –a-like clay tile roof. Concrete tile can be all one consistent color due to it’s machine made process. Or you can find some blends that make it appear more colorful like some real clay roofing. And nothing says “Southwestern style” quite like it. The most common tile roofs on Texas homes are clay and concrete.

Wood Shingle Roofing

Wood or Shake Shingles are exceedingly beautiful roofs, they create a unique style all their own. Nothing says New England, or Cottage style like a shingle roof. Perhaps the greatest advantage of all is the natural beauty of cedar and the way in which it gracefully ages into a beautiful grayish silver tone.

Metal Seam Roofing

Metal roofs are a wonderful way to enhance a ranch style home and have become exceedingly popular on more contemporary projects in the last 10 years.

Asphalt or Composition Roofing

Asphalt roofing is the most commonly used and is the most economic roof option. Composition roofs are available in a wide range of colors and styles and are easily repaired and highly fireproof. It can suit most styles of home, standard profiles developed resemble cottage style shingles.

Asphalt roofing that resembles slate has become a popular choice for a less expensive alternative. Types of Asphalt Shingles Asphalt shingles are divided in two categories: Organic and Fiberglass. Organic shingles are made up of paper with an asphalt coating that converts them into a ‘waterproof’ product. Fiberglass Shingles provides better fire protection than organic shingles. Like organic shingles, Fiberglass shingles are treated with a protective resin coating that converts them into ‘waterproof’ material. New developments and technology have been able to create architectural shingles, using two layers bonded with a special sealant that adds an eye-appealing visual effect to the roof.