Many U.S. homeowners prefer asphalt shingles for their roofs because they are easy to find, affordable, and versatile. The most durable roofing types in New Jersey are slate and clay tiles but they’re more expensive than materials like metal or wood. Functional roofing alternatives like green roofs and solar shingles are among the most costly.
Replacing an old roof is one of the best and most profitable ways to invest in a home. When getting a new roof, pick the right type that fits your home, the weather in your area, and your budget. Also, don’t forget to find a trustworthy roofing contractor for the installation.
Shingles (Asphalt, Fiberglass, Composite)
Composite asphalt shingles are a popular roofing choice for almost 90% of homes in the US. These are popular because they’re affordable, durable, and super easy to install.
Asphalt shingles only cost $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot or roughly $8,000 per roof installation. Did you know that their lifespan can reach up to 30 years, and they can also be recycled to create pavement?
Manufacturers mix fiberglass, asphalt and mineral composite to create a variety colors like gray, brown, red, green or blue. However, their color will fade over time to sun exposure. The color and quality will look different depending on whether you choose architectural or three-tab shingles.
Advantages
- Affordable
- Low-maintenance
- Easy to find
- Works well in most climates
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Recyclable
Disadvantages
- Color fades with sun exposure
- 3-tab style prone to wind damage
- Short lifespan
Architectural and Three-Tab
Architectural asphalt shingles are thicker than three-tab shingles. These roofing materials are crafted to build a strong, multi-layered texture on your roof. The higher quality material and longer installation make architectural shingles more expensive. However, they can last 15 to 30 years and are more weather resistant.
Three-tab asphalt shingles are thinner and cut to look like three shingles. This allows for faster installation and creates a uniform, brick-like pattern. They are prone to high winds and generally last 7 to 15 years. These are usually the most affordable roofing option.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing feels like a modern choice, but they’ve been around since the 1800s. Metal sheets and shingles remain popular due to their affordability, easy transport, low maintenance, and enduring beauty. They can last up to 80 years and cost between $6 to $14 per square foot depending on design and material.
You have two options to choose from: shingles and sheets, also known as panels, which connect using a stylish “standing seam.” You can also have the metal pre-treated with sealants. While metal roofing can come in a variety of colors, you can also paint some styles.
Did You Know? The blue-gray rooftops in Paris get their color from zinc panels installed in the 1830s.
Advantages
- Requires minimal upkeep
- Long-lasting
- Able to replicate the appearance of slate, asphalt, or wood
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Not heavy
- Can be recycled
Disadvantages
- Requires soundproofing to minimize noise
- May become distorted or develop waves if not installed properly
- Installation and repair require skilled labor
Standing Seam and Shingles
Standing seam metal roofing takes careful installation to keep panels from rippling to create clean vertical lines. Installing metal sheets like this is usually more expensive, pricing between $9 and $14 per square foot.
Metal shingles look like slate, asphalt, or wood roofs, providing a stylish and long-lasting option for your home. These, on average, are about $1 to $3 per square foot less expensive than standing seam.
Wood Roofing
Wood roofing pairs well with charming Cape Cod cottages, cozy Craftsman and Tudor-style homes. They start sandy brown and silver with age.Wooden roofs in arid regions can last for 50 years. However, in fire-prone areas like California, it’s important to treat them for safety. Wet climates, such as the East Coast go through wood roofing more quickly to water damage.
Cedar, redwood, and pine are popular building materials with natural insect-repelling properties. Cedar shake roofing is the most popular choice and averages $5 to $7 per square foot.
Advantages
- Curb appeal
- Natural material
Disadvantages
- Susceptible to water damage, mold, mildew and rot
- May require treatment with fire retardants and chemical preservatives
- High-maintenance
Shakes and Shingles
Here are two ways to shape wood roofing:
- Shakes are split into wedges to produce a more natural, rugged look. These are the more expensive option, pricing around $3.50 per square foot and $7 to $13 to install.
- Workers precisely cut shingles to ensure clean, uniform lines with a consistent length, width, and thickness. These, on average, are about $1 to $2 less expensive than shakes.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the world and date back 5,000 years to glazed earthenware rooftops in China. They cost $10 to $18 per square foot and last 50 to 100 years or more. You can choose from a variety of styles like Spanish, French, Scania and more.
Clay tiles are a durable roofing option, lasting longer than most others. Clay tiles are a long-lasting roofing option that is popular in hot climates like Southern California and Florida.
They can withstand strong winds and are fire-resistant. Despite being expensive to install and repair, they are a good choice for areas that experience extreme weather conditions. Though costly to install and fix, they are a good choice for areas prone to extreme weather conditions.
Advantages
- Low-maintenance
- Great curb appeal
- Colors include terracotta, red, brown and gray
- Made from natural materials
- Regulates temperature inside the home
Disadvantages
- Vulnerable to impact
- May need extra structural support for its weight
- May require specialized labor to install and repair
Slate Roofing
Slate is a very strong roofing material, costing about the same as clay tiles, which is between $9 and $20 for each square foot. This material can last 50 to 200 years. It is fireproof, can withstand strong winds and extreme temperatures, and is also tough against hail and small branches.
You can choose from natural, quarried slate or synthetic alternatives like fiber cement slate or bituminous styles. Synthetic slate is much more affordable and has many of the same benefits of natural.
Advantages
- Long lifespan
- Low-maintenance
- Durable
- Colors include gray, blue, green, brown and red
Disadvantages
- Cost
- May need extra structural support for its weight
Green Roofing
Green roofs (or living roofs) cover your home with vegetation like grasses or native wildflowers that support pollinators. They cost $10 to $25 per square foot to install and help reduce heat outside and lower rainwater runoff. Green roofs often last 30 to 50 years.
Once you know the truth about green roofing, it might top of your list.
Advantages
- Durable
- Supports the environment
Disadvantages
- Gardening and water maintenance
- Needs extra structural support for weight and water.
- Requires specialized labor
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are one of the newest types of roofing materials. You’ll need to hire a roofer who specializes in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) to install it.
While solar shingles may work efficiently for 20 to 30 years, this renewable energy solution is an expensive investment. Installation ranges from $21 to $25 per square foot. However, they can boost the value of your home by $15,000 or more. The future of US solar power looks bright.
Advantages
- Produces usable, renewable energy for your home
- Improves resale value
Disadvantages
- Requires specialized labor to install and repair
- Moderate maintenance
- Needs extra structural support for weight and wiring
Rolled Roofing
Rolled roofing is a cheap option for roofs and is liked by people and builders who want to save money. All installation materials are affordable, and the labor is cost-effective, too.
This rolled material is best for roofs with a lower incline, and you can easily hammer it into place. It should not, however, be hammered onto flat roofs. Doing so can cause water leaks.
Advantages
- Good for low-slope roofs
- Does not require an underlayment
- ConsMay only last five to 10 years
- Quality may not compare to more expensive options
Disadvantages
- May only last five to 10 years
- Quality may not compare to more expensive options
New Jersey Roofing Experts at Cambridge Roof Repair
Cambridge Roof Repair provides expert roofers for all your roofing needs. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality roofing solutions with a focus on customer satisfaction. Contact us today for professional assistance with roof repairs, replacements, and installations.
