What to Consider When Choosing a New Roof – Part 1

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

When deciding which materials your new roof will be made of, curb appeal isn’t the only thing to take into consideration. 

Installing a new roof for your home doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it seems. While roofs are quite complicated, the process of a roofing or re-roofing project can be much less intimidating when you know exactly what to consider. Whichever roofing contractor you hire will have knowledge of the more complicated details, but AskARoofer has got you covered with our four-part series on what to consider when choosing a new roof. In this first part, we’ll explain the different material options you have for your new roof. 

Before deciding which material you want your new roof to be made of, you must determine if you have a low-slope roof or a steep-slope roof. Low-slope roofs are typically flatter and have a slope of 3:12 or below. While they are more common on commercial buildings, some residential homes have low-slope roofs. Steep-slope roofs have a slope of 3:12 or above and are more common on residential roofs. 

Materials for low-slope roofs 

Low-slope roofs are at risk for water damage since water runs off them more slowly than steep-slope roofs. It’s crucial that these types of roofs are watertight and resistant to water pooling. Here are the main materials used for low-slope roofs to achieve this: 

Photo credit: SOPREMA

Built-up roofing (BUR) – BUR systems are made of layers of asphalt and reinforcing fabrics with the end result being a finished membrane. A roll of granulated surface is sometimes applied on top as well. 

Photo credit: Western Colloid

Liquid applied materials – These roofs tend to be made from polymeric resins using urethans, silicones, bitumens or acrylics. When these coatings cure, they create a rubber-like membrane with no seams. 

Photo credit: Polyglass

Modified bitumen – This roof type comes in rolls made of modified asphalt or coal tar with rubber. 

Photo credit: General Coatings

Spray foam – SPF roofs are made of a mixture of a two-component liquid that creates the base of the roofing system. 

Photo credit: Duro-Last

Single ply – These types of roofs are made of a single ply of a material, usually TPO, EPDM or PVC. 

Materials for steep-slope roofs 

Since steep-slope roofs shed water better than low-slope roofs, there is less chance of water leaks or damage occurring. However, they are prone to wind damage as wind can get underneath the shingles and harm the structure of the roof. Here are the main materials used for steep-slope roofs: 

Photo credit: IKO

Asphalt – This roofing material is made up of asphalt shingles which are relatively inexpensive. However, asphalt is prone to wind damage and problems with mildew. 

Photo credit: DaVinci Roofscapes

Wood shakes – This material is made of different types of wood, though cedar is the most common. Although they can withstand harsh weather, they require a good amount of maintenance. There are even synthetic shakes on the market that maintain the look of natural wood shakes while offering more durability than natural shakes. 

Tile – Roofing tiles are typically made of concrete, clay or slate and can last 50-100 years. They are highly durable and low maintenance, but can be difficult to install. 

Photo credit: Metal Roofing Alliance

Metal – Metal roofs are usually made of steel, copper or aluminum and are known for their durability and low-maintenance. Their popularity has increased over the years as well due to its sustainability. 

Now that you understand what the different roofing materials are, the next big thing to factor in with a new roofing project is your regional climate, which we’ll discuss in part two of this series. 

Have a question? AskARoofer.   

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About Evelyn 

Evelyn works as a writer for RoofersCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When she isn’t writing about roofing, she’s either at the gym lifting weights or curled up on the couch watching a movie.