The latest cost-vs-value report indicates that a roof replacement can yield an ROI of 60%.

So, don’t let those buckled shingles and annoying leaks get you down any longer. Installing a new roof might cost more than most home improvements, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Apart from increasing your home’s value, a new roof adds safety and security to your abode and can prevent considerable future expense, inconvenience, and even injury. This is why you shouldn’t underestimate a roofing project as it could affect many things. Therefore, working with the best Denver roof repair contractor would be the best course of action.

The good news is there are so many different types of roofing materials available nowadays, you’re bound to find one that suits your budget. 

Asphalt Shingles

These roofs comprise shingles made from various materials, like fiberglass or felt, coated with a layer of asphalt.

They’re topped with granules of ceramic material, quartz, or mica that help the shingles stick together. These types of shingles might have only one layer of asphalt or have a coating on both sides. 

Asphalt serves as a fire-retardant layer and can resist a wide variety of environmental conditions. You can easily replace them if they’re damaged and a well-maintained asphalt roof may last as long as 30 years.

About 80% of homes around the world have asphalt shingle roofs.

Metal Roofing Materials

Metal’s an attractive and durable option for both pitched and low-slope roofs and can last up to 60 years.  

You can buy metal roof material in vertical sheets or shingles made to imitate tile, slate, or shake. Metal’s lighter than these aesthetic high-end options but not as expensive.  

We usually think of roofs in terms of durability and energy efficiency rather than aesthetics. Yet, good looks can impact the value of your home. Find out how appearance can affect your home appraisal here.

Stone-coated steel shingles look a lot like asphalt roofing but asphalt wins this round if you’re looking for budget roofing.

Whichever type of metal roof you choose, you can rest assured that these roofs stand up to snow, rain, wind, and fire. The only drawback with metal roofing is that it’s noisy during heavy rainstorms, and some types of metal rust. 

It’s best to buy treated metal and make sure you repeat the treatment as needed if you want to avoid corrosion problems. You can also install metal roofing over your existing roof for an added layer of protection. 

Slate Roofs

Slate’s one of the most durable roofing materials with a lifespan of up to 200 years. Due to this, it adds enormous value to your home.

What’s more, slate resists fungus, mold, moisture, and fire, but it can crack when exposed to hail or people walking on the roof.

Real slate roofing comprises sheets of quarried stone and is the most expensive type of roofing available. That’s because you need a specialized tradesman to install this type of roof.

Slate roofs are heavy, and you might need to reinforce your home’s structure before installation. This adds even more to the cost of this roofing material.  

Genuine slate roofing’s made from thin sheets of real stone and requires specialized installation. Due to this, it’s the most expensive type of roofing available. As such, you can expect to pay a premium for a home with a slate roof. 

Rubber Slate

If you crave the attractive appeal of slate but it’s way out of your budget, this type of roofing’s the next best thing. This versatile and hardy roof material closely imitates real slate.

It has many of the same drawbacks as slate, including the ability to endure for up to 100 years. It’s difficult to find installers who still work with this type of roof. 

Clay and Concrete Roof Tile

These are among the best roofing materials if you’re looking for something in the mid-price range. These hardy roofing materials can last up to 100 years and withstand winds of up to 125 mph, as well as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. 

Clay and concrete tiles resist humidity but they’re susceptible to breakages if you walk on them. These roof materials are heavy, and you’ll need to reinforce your roof structure before installation. 

Clay tile consists of clay molded into interlocking shapes and then heat-treated until it’s hard. Concrete tiles comprise everyday sand-mix concrete molded into shape and dyed into the most popular colors.

Some concrete tiles imitate the look of wood shake. Of the two, concrete’s slightly cheaper.  

Green Roofs

Green roofs are an energy-efficient type of roof that have environmental benefits too.

They improve air quality, reduce urban heat islands, and reduce water runoff. If this type of roof becomes more common, it could have a huge effect on reducing carbon emissions too. 

These roofs have a layer of plants on their upper surface and since these living elements become heavier as they grow, you’ll always need to add extra structural support if you want a green roof. 

You’ll also need to add extra waterproofing, filtration, a vapor barrier, drainage, and thermal insulation. They’re constructed with a layer of waterproof membrane topped with compost and lightweight plants like moss. 

Some intensive green roofs can support people as well as large plant species.

Solar Tile

Solar tile is one of the latest green roofing innovations.

These photovoltaic shingles are basically small solar panels and can generate about 1 kW of energy per 100 square feet of tile. Like solar panels, they can add considerable value to your home thanks to the potential savings on electricity bills.  

If you’re keen to get on board with solar power but live in a housing development that insists on conventional roofing, this type of roof is a good choice for you. They closely resemble slate or asphalt roofing. 

Solar tile roofs can produce electricity for up to 30 years before their output starts to decrease, so they’ll save you a ton of money on your utility bills.

Right now, they’re an exceptionally costly option to install. Perhaps, as they become more widespread, we might see the prices reach more acceptable levels.  

More of the Best

Choosing roofing materials for your home is an important decision and you should take your environment, budget, and aesthetic needs into consideration. 

If you’re in doubt about which type of roof’s best for your home, ask an expert roofing contractor for help. For more general advice, browse our blog to discover the best home improvement tips. 

Jane