Installing a new roof begins with choosing the right roofing material. When you search for roofing materials for your property, you’ll find many options, which can make it hard to decide which one is best.
At RST Roofing and Renovations, LLC, we are your local roofers in Atlanta, GA, and we understand this challenge.
In this article, we will go over different types of roofing materials based on their usage, lifespan, and more. We’ll look at roofing materials for both residential and commercial properties.
If you need help choosing the right roofing material, feel free to call us today at (404) 548-8901.
What Are the Different Types of Residential Roofing Materials?
Here, we will walk through types of residential roofing materials so you can make the right choice based on the look you want, the durability you need, and your budget.
#1 Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material for American homes. These shingles are made from a fiberglass base covered with asphalt and mineral granules. They’re popular because they work well in all types of weather and don’t cost too much.
👉 Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
👉 Best Weather Conditions: Works well in most weather conditions
👉 Not Suitable For: Very high-wind areas without proper reinforcement
👉 Cost: $1.50 to $9.50 per square foot
👉 Installation: Easy and quick to install
👉 Additional Benefits:
- Generally fire-resistant
- Many colors and styles available
- Easy to repair and replace
- Most roofing companies know how to work with them
#2 Metal Roof
Metal roofs generally come in two main types: standing seam panels and metal shingles. They’re becoming more popular because they last a long time and help save energy by reflecting heat from the sun. These roofs can be made from metals like steel, copper, or aluminum.
👉 Lifespan: 40 to 70 years
👉 Best Weather Conditions: Great for areas with heavy rain, intense sun, or fire risk
👉 Not Suitable For: Coastal areas without proper coating (due to salt exposure)
👉 Cost: $5 to $20 per square foot
👉 Installation: Requires special skills and experience
👉 Additional Benefits:
- Very durable
- Energy efficient
- Fire-resistant
- Can be recycled
- Good for solar panel installation
#3 Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay tiles are made from natural clay that is molded and fired to create a strong roofing material. Concrete tiles are similar but made from a mixture of sand, cement, and water. Both types give your home a distinct Mediterranean or Spanish look.
👉 Lifespan: 50 to 100 years for clay, 30 to 50 years for concrete
👉 Best Weather Conditions: Perfect for hot climates and coastal areas
👉 Not Suitable For: Areas with frequent freeze-thaw cycles
👉 Cost: $8 to $25 per square foot, concrete tiles are less expensive
👉 Installation: Requires extra roof support because of their weight
👉 Additional Benefits:
- Very long-lasting
- Great for areas with salt air
- Fire-resistant
- Energy efficient in hot climates
- Low maintenance needs
#4 Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood roofs come in two forms: shingles, which are machine-cut and have a smooth look, and shakes, which are hand-split and look more rustic. Cedar and redwood are the most common choices because they naturally resist insects and decay.
👉 Lifespan: 20 to 30 years in wet climates, up to 60 years in dry areas
👉 Best Weather Conditions: Dry climates with moderate temperatures
👉 Not Suitable For: Very wet areas or regions with high fire risk
👉 Cost: $4.50 to $14 per square foot
👉 Installation: Requires experienced installers
👉 Additional Benefits:
- A natural look that ages beautifully
- Good insulation properties
- Environmentally friendly
- Can be recycled or composted
#5 Slate
Slate is a natural stone roof material that has been used for hundreds of years. It’s one of the most durable roofing materials you can choose and gives your home a sophisticated, timeless look.
👉 Lifespan: 75 to 100 years or more
👉 Best Weather Conditions: All climates, especially good in areas with heavy rain
👉 Not Suitable For: Homes without proper structural support
👉 Cost: $10 to $30 per square foot
👉 Installation: Requires specialized skills and experience
👉 Additional Benefits:
- Extremely durable
- Completely fireproof
- Resistant to mold and fungus
- Available in different colors and sizes
**Important Note: Remember that each roofing material has its own pros and cons, and the lifespan we’ve mentioned is a general estimation. The exact lifespan of your roofing material depends on the quality of the material, installation, and maintenance practices. Always check the reviews and ratings of the product and roofing company before choosing one for your home.**
What Are the Different Types of Commercial Roofing Materials?
Commercial buildings need different roofing materials than homes because they usually have flat or low-slope roofs and different durability requirements. Here are the most common types of commercial roofing materials that work well for businesses:
#1 Metal Roof
While metal roofing systems are popular for homes, commercial metal roofing systems are built differently to handle larger spaces. These systems use strong metal panels that can cover wide areas and support heavy equipment like HVAC units.
👉 Lifespan: 40 to 70 years
👉 Best Weather Conditions: Good for all climates
👉 Not Suitable For: Areas with high salt exposure without special coating
👉 Cost: $5 to $20 per square foot
👉 Installation: Requires professional commercial roofing experience
👉 Additional Benefits:
- Strong enough to handle foot traffic
- Can support solar panels
- Reflects heat to save energy
- Low maintenance needs
#2 Built-up Roofing Membrane (BUR)
Built-up roofs, often called BUR, are one of the oldest types of commercial roofing materials. It uses multiple layers of special roofing felt with hot asphalt between each layer, topped with stone or gravel. This creates a very strong, waterproof roof.
👉 Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
👉 Best Weather Conditions: Works in most climates
👉 Not Suitable For: Areas with frequent heavy storms
👉 Cost: $2.50 to $7 per square foot
👉 Installation: It takes longer to install than other options
👉 Additional Benefits:
- Very good waterproofing
- Strong fire resistance
- Can handle foot traffic well
- Protects against UV rays
#3 Modified Bitumen
This is an updated version of built-up roofs that uses special strengthened asphalt layers. The material is reinforced with either polyester or fiberglass to make it stronger and more flexible.
👉 Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
👉 Best Weather Conditions: All climates, especially good in cold areas
👉 Not Suitable For: Areas with frequent heavy rain
👉 Cost: $3 to $8 per square foot
👉 Installation: Can be applied in several ways
👉 Additional Benefits:
- Handles temperature changes well
- Strong and flexible
- Easy to repair
- Good waterproofing
#4 EPDM Rubber Membrane
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a rubber roofing material that’s becoming more popular for commercial buildings. It’s a single-layer rubber material that’s easy to install and repair.
👉 Lifespan: 20 to 35 years
👉 Best Weather Conditions: All climates, works well in sunny areas
👉 Not Suitable For: Areas with a high risk of puncture damage
👉 Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot
👉 Installation: Quick and straightforward
👉 Additional Benefits:
- Very lightweight
- Resists UV damage
- Easy to maintain
- Can be recycled
#5 TPO
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-layer white roofing material that’s becoming very popular for commercial buildings. It combines the best features of rubber roofs with hot-air weldable seams that make it very strong.
👉 Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
👉 Best Weather Conditions: Works especially well in sunny, hot climates
👉 Not Suitable For: Areas with chemical exposure
👉 Cost: $5 to $15 per square foot
👉 Installation: Fast installation with heat-welded seams
👉 Additional Benefits:
- Reflects sunlight to keep buildings cooler
- Resistant to dirt and algae
- Can handle temperature changes well
- Energy efficient
#6 PVC
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is another single-layer option that’s very strong and flexible. It’s made from two layers of PVC with polyester between them, creating a very durable roof.
👉 Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
👉 Best Weather Conditions: Good for all climates
👉 Not Suitable For: Contact with certain chemicals
👉 Cost: $5 to $12 per square foot
👉 Installation: Requires skilled installation
👉 Additional Benefits:
- Very strong seams
- Fire resistant
- Chemical resistant
- Can handle high winds
How to Choose the Right Roofing Material for Your Property
Now that you know the different types of roofing materials available, let’s look at what you should think about when choosing the right one for your property.
#1 Type of Property
The first thing to consider is whether you’re roofing a home or a commercial building. As we’ve shown above, some materials work better for homes, while others are better for commercial buildings with flat or low-slope roofs.
#2 Climate and Weather
Your local weather plays a big role in choosing the right roofing material. Think about:
👉 How much rain and snow you get
👉 Temperature changes in your area
👉 How strong the winds are
👉 How much sun your roof gets
👉 If you’re in an area prone to wildfires
#3 Building Structure
Not all buildings can support all types of roofing materials. Heavy materials like slate or clay tiles need extra support. Consider:
👉 How strong your roof structure is
👉 The slope of your roof
👉 Any special features like chimneys or skylights
#4 Budget
When thinking about costs, remember to consider:
👉 Initial material costs
👉 Installation costs
👉 Expected lifespan
👉 Maintenance needs
👉 Potential energy savings
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Roof?
Installing a new roof on a residential building generally costs between $5,500 and $15,000. For commercial properties, costs can range from $5,000 to $50,000, but prices can vary hugely based on the size and complexity of the project.
Here are some common things that impact the final cost of your new roof:
👉 The roofing material you choose
👉 Your roof’s size and shape
👉 Local labor costs
👉 The condition of your existing roof
👉 Any special installation requirements
To get an idea of how much your roofing project will cost in Georgia, call us today at (404) 548-8901. Our professional team can help you choose the right roof material option and give you a free estimate for your project.
Final Thoughts!
Remember, choosing the right roofing material is a big decision that affects your property’s protection, value, and appearance. Take time to consider all your options and talk with professional roofers who can help you make the best choice for your specific situation.
Get Professional Roofing Services In Atlanta Today!
At RST Roofing and Renovations, LLC, we are your trusted roofers serving Atlanta and the surrounding areas in Georgia. Our team understands the importance of picking the right roofing material for your property.
We not only provide high-quality services but our team will also help you choose the right roofing material for your property.
Our team stays up-to-date on roofing techniques and materials to make sure your roof gets the best possible care. Whether you need a minor roof repair or a full replacement, we have the right skills and knowledge to handle your project.
Every home is different, and we treat each project with the unique attention it deserves. From the basic inspection to the final cleanup, our team always maintains the highest possible standards of workmanship and professionalism.
To schedule your free roof inspection or for a no-obligation discussion with our professionals, reach out to us today at (404) 548-8901.
