Roofing 101

Roofing 101

As the housing market in the Triangle continues to be red hot, we are seeing lots of first time buyers get into the game and become homeowners.  They are tired of renting and wanting to invest their money into one of the best possible spots they can.  With new home ownership, buyers begin thinking about updating the home (kitchens, bathrooms, LVP flooring,...) and they want to tackle a lot of outdoor projects to improve the curb appeal.  No one ever buys a home and says, “I can’t wait to replace the roof”.  Although it is often forgotten about, the roof of your home is possibly the most important component of the structure.  Its job is to keep the rest of the home safe and dry and without a good roof, everything else you do to the home is a waste.  Roofs are also probably the most expensive replacement item on a home so you need to know what to shop for and the benefits of that choice.  In the Raleigh/Durham real estate market, there are primarily two roofing materials that are most commonly used…..Asphalt Composite Shingles and Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Asphalt Composite Shingles are by far the most commonly used material not only in the Triangle but across the nation.  The 3 tab shingle is in general a good option for all types of weather conditions and typically have a life expectancy of 20-30 years (depending on quality and installation).  With an average cost of installation between $2.50-$5.00 per square foot, this roofing is the most budget friendly.  Asphalt shingles are not rigid so they can flex with the expanding and contracting of the roof during the different seasons and temperatures.  They also are very easy to fix if one is damaged.  An experienced roofing professional can simply replace the damaged shingle(s) as needed and virtually all roofing companies are very experienced with this type of roofing.  Asphalt shingles come in a multitude of colors for easy matching to whatever color pallet you are working with on the home.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing is becoming more and more popular as a replacement option for roofs.  These metal panels are most commonly made from aluminum or steel and are interlocked at the raised seam in order to create a waterproof barrier.  Metal roofing has become extremely popular in areas that generally experience heavy snowfalls.  The smooth metal more easily sheds the roof of the snow than that of the coarse asphalt shingles.  Metal roofing is also fire resistant so it is becoming more popular in areas that have a tendency to experience wildfire dangers.  Metal roofing will typically last for 30-50 years however with that life span, the cost of metal roofing is generally $6-$12 per square foot installed.  Metal roofing is susceptible to denting in a hail storm and can be considered “noisy” in a heavy downpour of rain.

A few other materials that are not as common in the Triangle but you may see on homes in the area include Wood or Slate Shingles.  Slate is very long lasting.  Some historic homes have slate roofs that are well over 100 years old.  Slate roofs can be expensive with the materials alone running $10-$14/sqft and then you have to add the cost of installation which requires a very experienced and skilled roofing professional.  However, if you can handle the cost, then a slate roof may be the last roof you ever have to install.  

Wood Shingle/Shake roofs are very appealing to the eye and may often be found on large estate homes. They are also expensive and are not for all homes.  They are relatively short lasting if installed in an area that is prone to lots of moisture and a poor choice for wildfire prone areas.  If properly installed and maintained on the “right” home, wood shingles can last in excess of 50 years and will run $6-$9/sqft..

When purchasing a home in the Triangle, consider the current age of the roof that is already on the home and please budget for a replacement in the future if the roof is possibly entering the last few years of its life expectancy.  Consider your options, not only the budget but also the aesthetics you want as well as the climate and conditions your home experiences when choosing a new roof.  Get several quotes and make sure to check out the roofers online in regards to reviews and customer comments.  Who installs your roof is just as important as the material they are installing.