New Roof Options — Roofing Guide for Homeowners

Are you a homeowner in need of a new roof? We are Prime Roofing, a roofing company based in Jacksonville, Florida, and we’re here to help you decide which roofing option you should choose. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of asphalt shingle, metal, and slate roofs, and figure out which one is right for you.

Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation

Standard shingle roofs are the most common type of roof. Standard shingles are commonly known as asphalt shingles because they are made of a fiberglass mat or organic materials covered with asphalt. They are quite durable and aren’t too expensive to install, making them a top choice for many households.

If you’re in search of the best roofing option for your house, you’re likely to consider standard shingles. They are a great choice if you live in a moderate climate and you’re looking for inexpensive roofing. However, if you want to invest in a roof that will last you a long time, and you live in a climate prone to bad weather, you should look into some more durable options.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of standard shingle roofs:

Asphalt Shingle Roof Pros

Firstly, standard shingles are inexpensive. At around $300–$400 per 100 square feet, they are an affordable option for homeowners on a budget. They are also easy to install and require little prep work. That means a skilled roof contractor will be able to install the shingles quite quickly.

Secondly, asphalt shingles come in numerous styles that will fit almost any home. If you want to sell your house, you can choose from three-tab, laminated, and premium shingles, among others. You’ll certainly find a style that will fit your home beautifully.

Thirdly, certain types of asphalt shingles have a coating that reflects sun rays, preventing them from warming up the house. That can lead to lower cooling costs over the summer.

Lastly, they are quite easy to remove and replace, as well. You won’t have to replace the whole roof if you’re having issues with a few shingles. You can simply replace the affected shingles and leave the rest.

Asphalt Shingle Roof Cons

Although asphalt shingles offer many benefits, they do have some drawbacks, as well. Since they’re lightweight, standard shingles are prone to wind uplift. You should consider other roofing options if you live in an area with strong winds and stormy weather. Additionally, asphalt shingles can crack when exposed to harsh elements such as temperature fluctuations and even extreme heat.

Furthermore, standard shingles will only last you for about 20 years, even if the weather conditions don’t damage them. They’ll need consistent upkeep to remove debris and moss, and you’ll likely need to replace some of them before you decide to re-do your whole roof.

Metal Roof Installation

Metal roofs have become quite popular over the last few years. Many cite the longevity of a properly installed metal roof as the reason they decided to invest in one.

As opposed to shingle roofs that last for about 20 years, a well-installed metal roof will last you as long as your house does. Many manufacturers even offer a warranty on their metal panels and tiles ranging from 30 to 50 years.

Still, installing a metal roof is an investment many are scared to make. Here are a few pros and cons of metal roofs to help you decide on whether you should invest in one:

Metal Roof Pros

Metal roofs are quite durable. They can sustain winds up to 140 miles per hour, won’t corrode due to water damage, and can even be impact-resistant. Furthermore, metal is fireproof, so your roof won’t catch a flame in case of a wildfire or a lightning strike.

Additionally, metal roofs are environmentally friendly, as the metal tiles are 100% recyclable. They also don’t require frequent replacements, so parts of your roof won’t end up in landfills over time.

Metal roofs are also energy-efficient, as the metal reflects solar heat. Installing a metal roof could lessen your cooling costs by up to 25%.

Metal Roof Cons

The first con you should consider is the price. Metal roof pricing ranges from $700 to $1200 per 100 square feet, which is more than many can afford. They can also be noisy during rains and storms. If the sound of raindrops hitting metal tends to annoy you, maybe you should steer clear of metal roofs.

Additionally, you should make sure you find the best contractors to install your metal roof, as an improperly installed roof can cause many problems. Water can accumulate on top of it due to poor-quality installation and cause serious damage over time.

Furthermore, metal expands and contracts when the temperature changes. An unskilled contractor may not know how to install the panels in a way that allows them to expand and contract without causing damage.

Slate Roof Installation

Slate tiles and panels are made of rocks, which gives them a unique appearance. However, the high price of slate roofs deters most people from choosing them over asphalt shingles or metal tiles.

Still, they are a great option to consider if you plan on selling your house in the future. Slate roofs increase the value of your home, so you’ll be able to sell it for a higher price. Alternatively, you can opt for them if you plan on leaving your house to your children, as they’ll have a beautiful roof that will last them for years to come.

If you’re interested in slate roofs, here are a few pros and cons to consider before you decide to install them:

Slate Roof Pros

Firstly, the stunning appearance of slate roofs is the main reason many homeowners end up choosing them. Slate tiles come in many variations, so you can choose the exact color, size, and tile thickness you’re looking for.

Secondly, slate roofs are durable. If they are installed correctly, these roofs are expected to last for over 150 years. Furthermore, they are fire-resistant, making them a great option for areas affected by wildfires or lightning strikes.

Lastly, slate roofs are also the best option for areas with frequent rain and heavy snow. Slates shed snow well, and there’s no room for water to pile up on the roof and cause damage.

Slate Roof Cons

Slate roofs cost around $6000 to $8000 per 100 square feet, which is quite an investment. That’s why you should be extra careful when choosing contractors to install the roof for you. Poor installation is a problem many homeowners who opt for slate roofs face. That can lead to damage that you’ll have to spend more money fixing in a few years.

Additionally, slate tiles are quite heavy, weighing from 800 to 1500 pounds per 100 square feet. You’ll need to make sure your house can take the weight of slate tiles before you install the roof, and you may need to add reinforcements, which will end up costing you more.

Conclusion

Now that you know the pros and cons of each roofing option, you can decide on which one is right for you. However, no matter which you choose, you’ll need skilled roofing contractors to install the roof of your dreams properly. At Prime Roofing, we have plenty of happy customers willing to vouch for our expertise. Contact us now and you will be one of them, too!