The roof over your home is one of the most critical components of your entire property. It not only keeps you and your family safe, but it also protects mechanical systems and the interior structure of the home.
Because of their importance, complexity, and the cost of materials, roofs are a significant investment and an area where skimping on costs is not advised. Nonetheless, when you are in need of residential or commercial roofing, you naturally wonder which option is the most affordable one for them.
Roofing System Options
Roofs come in a wide variety of styles (e.g., gable, mansard, flat) and materials (e.g., asphalt shingles, tile, metal) that are easy to see.
However, roofing systems consist of more than just visible roofing. A roof system includes:
- Roof covering/roofing materials
- Roof deck
- Underlayment
- Flashing/drip edge
- Ventilation
Roof Covering / Roofing Materials
Given that the roofing materials used as roof covering can make a significant contribution to the home’s overall aesthetic, most homeowners understandably focus on that element, leaving the rest of the “invisible” decisions to their roofing company to decide.
Roofing materials also have a high degree of variability when it comes to features, styles, and costs. Homeowners working with a roofer are wise to understand their options and the associated advantages and disadvantages before making any decisions.
Here is a general overview of roofing materials arranged by cost from lowest to highest. (Order is based on the lowest cost in the range for that roofing material)
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used in the US due to their lower cost and ease of installation. They are generally the most affordable option, though the cost can vary widely depending on the exact type of shingles used. Most roofing services agree that roof repair with asphalt shingles is among the easiest.
Metal Roofing
Metal has become an increasingly popular material for residential roofs. No longer just flat sheets of steel used on commercial buildings, metal roofing materials are now available in a variety of styles and profiles. Metal is weather and fire-resistant, durable, and has a long expected lifespan of 40-70 years.
Concrete Tile Roofing
Concrete tiles can mimic the look of wood shakes or clay tiles. They are durable and fire-resistant, but they may require special roof construction due to their heavyweight.
Clay Tile Roofing
Made of natural clay, clay roof tiles are often seen on Mediterranean-style homes, though there are newer options that resemble wood shakes or slate.
TPO Roofing
TPO roofs are made of flexible membranes made from ethylene propylene rubber that come in two thicknesses and different widths and lengths. This material is relatively new to use in residential roofs, but it is known to have a long-expected lifespan.
Roof Deck
The roofing materials rest on top of the roof decking, which is also sometimes called sheathing. Roof decking is typically made of wood.
Prior to the invention of plywood, plank decking made up of long, rectangular wooden boards was used. Now, sheet decking is used. This can come as either oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood.
The type of decking used in a roof replacement or roof repair can have an impact on the overall cost.
Underlayment
According to Owens Corning, “Roofing underlayment is what lies between the shingles and the roof sheathing, or roof deck, which is typically either plywood or OSB. It’s installed directly on the roof deck and provides a secondary layer of protection from the elements, including rain, snow, and wind.”
There are two types of underlayment – felt and synthetic. Each type of underlayment has its own pros and cons. From a cost standpoint, felt is typically the more affordable option.
Roof Flashing and Drip Edge
Roof flashing is a thin layer of metal that is installed by roofers to direct water away from roof areas like the sidewalls of dormers, chimneys, and skylights.
Drip edge is similar to flashing but is designed to keep water away from the fascia and from seeping under the roofing materials.
Ventilation
Ventilation in roofs is critical. Roof ventilation is designed to allow air to flow through the attic space. It keeps the atmosphere inside the home comfortable, and it also helps to prevent moisture from accumulating inside the attic, which could lead to damage.
The Best Residential and Commercial Roofing Company in Woodstock
Northpoint Roofing Systems is proud to be a National Award Winner with Best of the Best, and we are honored to have gotten positive reviews from our many satisfied customers. We look forward to demonstrating our commitment to service and quality to meet all your roofing services needs.
Our service areas include:
- (Woodstock, GA) Cherokee County
- (Newnan, GA) Coweta County
- (Lawrenceville, GA) Gwinnett County
We offer free roof inspections using drones and the #1 rated artificial intelligence software specially designed for roofers.
Working with Our Roofing Company is Simple:
- Schedule an appointment to have one of our FAA licensed drone pilots fly a drone over your home to obtain measurements and photographs of your entire roof.
- Have a conversation with one of our residential or commercial roofing teams to discuss the next steps and how to navigate through the insurance process if storm damage is present.
- Choose roofing materials with guidance from our roofing expert, who can explain the options from the roofing products we use from the top two manufacturers in the industry.
- We install the roof, using the highest standards of craftsmanship. Our care and competency are evidenced by the fact that we placed in the top 1% of roofing contractors in the country!
- Warranties give you peace of mind, knowing that your roof is installed properly with the best materials available.
Northpoint Roofing Systems has experience working with homeowners insurance, and we can walk you through the steps and ensure that your claim goes as smoothly as possible. We can also work with you to obtain affordable roof financing if needed. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
