Choosing The Best Roofing Material For Your New Custom Home

As you start planning your custom home, you’re probably much more excited to plan the fun things rather than the practical things, but the practical things are important too and require some thought and research. Roofing is a very important component of your home, but with all the options out there, choosing the right material, figuring out angles, and adding enhancements can be overwhelming. 

Yes, there are many considerations that go into choosing the right roof. Here are the things you’ll want to talk about with your custom home builder. 

Understanding Your Climate 

Like choosing an outfit for the day, the climate plays a crucial role in determining the right roofing material for your home. Certain materials and styles are best suited for specific weather and climates. 

If you reside in the sunny tropics, consider materials that deflect heat, such as clay tiles or metal roofing. On the flip side, for colder climates, asphalt shingles or wooden shakes can provide the insulation your home needs. Your builder will let you know how different materials perform and give you recommendations that are suitable for your local climate. 

The Weight Of The Matter

Just like humans, roofs have weight limits, too. Not every roof type is suitable for every home. For example, foam roofing cannot be applied to homes that have steep pitched roofs. Slate and tile roofing require strong support structure below the roof. 

These are issues that you can’t know without talking to your builder. Fortunately, if you have these discussions while you’re still designing your home, you can make adjustments to the design to accommodate the roof you want. 

The Look

Your roof is the crowning glory of your home and aesthetics play a pivotal role in making it stand out or blend seamlessly with the neighborhood. 

When you choose to design a custom home, you do so because you have a very specific idea about the way you want your home to look. Make sure you choose your roof with the overall look of your home in mind. 

Beautiful stone materials like slate will not only make your house look gorgeous, but will also significantly increase its value. Materials like wood shakes can give your home a charming and rustic look. Explore all your options to make sure you are getting the look you want. 

Longevity 

In the world of roofing, longevity is a love story that stands the test of time. While asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 20-30 years, metal and slate can weather the years for 50 years or more. Factor in the long-term durability of the material when making your decision. 

Conditions of Your Property

Some roofs will break down faster in certain conditions. For example, if your property is heavily shaded, your roof is likely to get more moss and mildew because of damp conditions. Therefore, you’ll need to choose a roof that is more resistant to moisture. 

Discuss your options with your builder, who can alert you to the conditions on your property that could influence the health of your roof. 

Maintenance: Low or High Maintenance

Are you the type to enjoy lazy Sunday afternoons or one who thrives on home improvement projects? Your answer may guide you to the right material. Asphalt shingles are low maintenance, while wooden shakes may demand more attention and care. Consider your lifestyle and how much time and effort you’re willing to spare in maintaining your roof’s pristine condition.

Roofs that require more maintenance may also put your home at a greater risk since damages are more likely to happen if you are not vigilant.

Cost

Roofing materials come in a wide range of prices, so it’s essential to align your budget with your aspirations. Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly and reliable, while slate and metal can be a bit more of an investment. Remember, a well-chosen roof is an investment in your home’s future, protecting it from the elements and increasing its resale value. 

Sustainability

In the era of eco-conscious living, consider the energy efficiency of your roofing materials. Metal roofing reflects sunlight, keeping your home cooler in the summer and potentially reducing energy bills. Other eco-friendly options include solar roofs and green roofs (those that actually plant a garden on the roof). 

Talk to your builder about the energy-saving properties of different materials and choose one that aligns with your commitment to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. 

Types Of Roofing Material 

There are many different roofing material options available. To help narrow down the decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best roofing materials. 

Asphalt And Asphalt Composite Shingles

Shingles made of asphalt and asphalt composite are the most often used and least expensive roofing materials. It is often made from a fiberglass base topped with asphalt and mineral granules or recycled paper saturated in asphalt and covered in granules. It is widely used and is available in a variety of colors. Asphalt roofs can be reinforced with organic material to increase its durability. 

Pros

  • They are available in many colors, easy to find, affordable, and are also easy to replace. 
  • In lighter colors, asphalt shingles can provide light reflectance to improve the energy efficiency of the home. Some shingles may also effectively emit light as well, further reducing energy needs. 
  • Fiberglass shingles are considered to offer excellent protection against fire and may provide a price break on your homeowners insurance. 

Cons

  • Asphalt shingles don’t last as long as roofing materials go, typically 20 to 25 years, but can be as few as 10 if cheaply made. 
  • They provide little to no insulation properties in and of themselves, and the quality varies widely. 
  • They are not considered sustainable. Although they can be recycled, much of this material ends in a landfill. 

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shingles and shakes provide a natural look to your roof. Shingles are machine cut and have clean edges and a smooth surface while shakes are hard cut from wood blocks and offer a rustic appearance. 

Pros

  • Available in a variety of woods, including redwood, cedar, cypress, and pressure-treated wood.
  • Wood shakes and shingles can last longer than asphalt shingles by up to 5 to 10 years. 
  • Boost curb appeal.
  • Good insulator. 
  • Wood shingles and shakes are not only recyclable, but many are made from salvaged trees that fall during storms. 
  • Treated wood shingles have a class A fire rating which could get you a break on insurance.

Cons

  • Non-treated wood shingles only have a class C fire rating, so your homeowners’ insurance may take a hit on the premium if untreated. 
  • If untreated, this type of roofing material is high maintenance, requiring regular cleaning to prevent moss or algae growth. Also, staining is typically needed due to the wood oils interacting with the environment. 

Concrete Tiles 

Concrete roof tiles are created using a lightweight blend of concrete that makes them rough, but easy to install. Some have wood or clay fibers blended into the concrete to develop strength without adding weight. 

Pros 

  • Concrete tiles can last for more than 50 years without the need for replacement.
  • Eco-friendly and made from recycled materials. 
  • Strong resistance against wind. 
  • Resistant to fire and insects. 

Cons

  • While lighter in weight than most concrete, the tiles are still heavier than most roofing material, so you need added framing to support them.
  • Cracks in very low temperatures.
  • Color can fade over time. 

Metal and Stone Coated Metal

Metal roofing has advanced far beyond the corrugated tin you may remember from old pictures. Today metal roofs are made of zinc, steel, copper, and aluminum, and they are in demand for their durability. New styles other than corrugated are available, and metal roofs can be finished in any color, style, or texture you can imagine. You can even get them stone coated to look like wood shakes, clay tiles, or asphalt shingles.

Pros

  • Durability – metal is considered a 50- to 100-year roofing material, typically warranted for 30 to 50 years.
  • Most metal roof material is made of recycled metals, and the roof itself is recyclable.
  • Resistant to fire.
  • Metal roofs shed snow and water quickly, preventing ice dams in the cold. 

Cons

  • Higher upfront costs, however, the cost is offset by its durability and long life. 
  • The material can dent when hit with a heavy object, and repairs cost more than for many other roofing materials. 

Slate Tile

Slate roofing is one of the most durable and long-lasting options, with a lifespan exceeding 100 years. It provides a timeless, elegant look, but comes with a higher price tag. Slate takes longer than other roofing materials to install. It can take between 200 and 300 hours to install a slate roof on any average-sized home, whereas asphalt shingles take one to three days.

Pros

  • Slate gives your custom home a luxurious European appearance. 
  • Slate is very low maintenance, durable, reusable, and recyclable.

Cons

  • Heavy, requiring reinforced structure.
  • Improperly installed slate develops moisture problems rapidly.
  • Expensive.
  • Heavy objects, such as large hail, can cause damage and require roof repair. 

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are one of the oldest roofing materials and are often seen in Italian or Spanish-style homes. Clay can be unglazed, such as terracotta clay tile, or factory-fire glazed with a light or cool color. While it’s expensive to install and repair, clay tiles last over 100 years and can help homeowners save on energy costs. 

Pros

Cons

  • High initial investment. 
  • Difficult to install. 
  • Not recommended for all roof slopes. 
  • Heavy, requiring additional structural support. 

Synthetic Tile

Synthetic roofing can be created from plastic, clay, asphalt, or rubber. Often it is designed to look like slate or wood roofing. Many synthetics were developed for flat and low-sloped roofs, which you may have on part of your custom home. 

Pros

  • Energy efficient due to reflective properties. 
  • Ideal for hiding solar panels.
  • Many have warranties of up to 50 years. 

Cons

  • Synthetics haven’t been used long enough to judge durability and longevity. 
  • Limited color options. 
  • Most subcontractors are unfamiliar with installing synthetic roofing material, so your builder will have to educate themselves and the sub on how to ensure proper installation. 

Choosing the right roofing material for your new custom home involves balancing multiple factors, including climate, budget, durability, aesthetics, and maintenance. By thoroughly researching and considering your specific needs and speaking with your builder, you can select a roofing material that will protect and enhance your custom home for years to come. 

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