What are the 5 Main Styles of Residential Roofing Systems?

When deciding to re-roof or build a new home, you may be inclined to begin your roofing research by exploring different roofing materials. However, because modern roofing materials come in a variety of styles, it may be better to explore the kind of look you like best and then decide on what kind of material best suits your needs and budget.

Here are the 5 Main Styles of Residential Roofing Systems:

1. Shingle Style

Architectural Asphalt Shingles or Traditional 3-Tab Shingles are what you will see on the vast majority of homes in America because they are the least expensive option. The terms Asphalt, Architectural Asphalt, Asphalt Composite, Fiberglass Asphalt, and Asphalt Composition all refer to a similar type of product. However, 3-Tab Shingles refer to an older looking style of asphalt shingles that are not as durable or aesthetically pleasing as newer styles and materials. The asphalt shingle stye of roofing is arguably the least attractive and lowest quality option available in today’s market. Nevertheless, many higher-end asphalt shingles have a more inviting curb appeal. Even so, the best looking, and most durable shingle style roofing products, are made from Stone Coated Steel or Stamped Metal.

2. Wood Shake Style

Real wood shake shingles have been used on homes for a very long time and have a high-end and classic look. They generally last much longer than asphalt shingles. However, as natural wood shakes age, they will inevitably split, warp, fall off, and could eventually make a home look old and shabby. Wooden shingles can be destroyed by hail and pose a fire hazard. Many insurance companies will not insure buildings with real wood shake roofing. Thus, real wood shakes have declined in popularity over the past several decades. However, you still can obtain this same timeless look through a variety of state-of-the-art stone coated steel, stamped metal, composite polymer, and concrete products.

3. Slate Style

Slate roofing has a classic high-end and luxurious look. Unfortunately, natural stone slate is very heavy and is expensive to produce and install. In most cases, roofs that use real slate must be reinforced to manage the additional weight. Natural slate is also susceptible to deterioration through freeze/thaw cycles and can be destroyed by large hail stones. Roofing Force installs natural slate on elite projects such as churches. Even so, the use of real slate is not very practical in most modern-day applications. Fortunately, there are several state-of-the-art alternatives to natural slate including concrete, composite polymer, and stamped steel.

4. Tile Style

Tile roofing, sometimes known as Barrel Tile, Mediterranean Tile, Spanish Tile, Italian Tile, Pantile, Pacific Tile and Double Roman, adds a timeless natural earth tone look to may roofs. Fired clay is the original material for this roofing material and has been used in roofing for centuries. Today this specialized look can be obtained through a variety of modern materials including polymer, concrete and steel.

5. Metal Panel Roofing

The styles of vertical panel roofing run from Industrial or Agricultural Corrugated Sheet Metal panels (like what is seen on some barns and industrial buildings), to the cleaner and more modern look of Standing Seam panels. Homes in residential neighborhoods with metal roofs most likely have the Standing Seam variety. Standing Seam roofs are perfect for certain types of Contemporary, Country, Farmhouse or Key West style houses. Vertical panels are available in almost any color. (i.e. more color options than you’ll find with composite/asphalt shingles)

We Inform. You Decide. Let Roofing Force Help You Choose the Best Roofing Style and Material for Your Home!

Roofing Force is an expert installer of all roofing products on homes in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Visit our roofing Material Comparison page and Gallery for more information, or give us a call at (913) 270-5440 and one of our experts in your area will be happy to share more about all material and style options.