The roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. It protects you, your family, and your belongings from rain, snow, hail, wind, and intense sunlight.
However, the role of your roof is not just about providing protective coverage, it also involves improving your home’s energy efficiency, as well as enhancing its curb appeal.
Over time, all roofs require repairs, upgrades, or even full-scale replacements due to several reasons, such as: normal wear and tear; damage from extreme weather events and conditions; or the desire to modernize the durability and appearance of your property.
Understanding the five most important items to consider for a roof renovation will help you make informed decisions to ensure a long-lasting solution that will enhance the look, performance and overall value of your home.
5 Important Items to Consider When Upgrading Your Roof
- Material Selection Matters
- The Importance of Proper Ventilation
- Aesthetic Choices and Functionality Should Align
- Weather Resistance Is Key
- Professional Expertise Will Extend Longevity
Also see:
1. Material Selection Matters
Choosing the right roofing material is a foundational decision that affects durability, cost, and upkeep.
Depending on your location and climate, some materials will be a better fit than others. Asphalt shingles are a popular and cost-effective option for many homes, while metal roofing offers enhanced longevity and energy efficiency.
Tile and slate roofs, although more expensive, can provide unparalleled aesthetic appeal and long-term performance.
Here are highlights of the key traits of the most popular roof material types:
Asphalt Shingles
Brick home with a light colored asphalt shingle roof
- Most popular due to lower cost and well-rounded versatility, making them the default material for most U.S. homes
- Dominates the market, accounting for approximately 70-80% of residential roofs
- Has average lifespan of 20-30 years, decent wind resistance (up to 110 mph with upgrades), and moderate durability
- Adaptable to hot summers, cold winters, and moderate storms
- Suitable for most climates with proper variations (e.g. algae-resistant in humid areas; impact-resistant in hail and high wind zones; proper insulation in cold areas)
- Affordable (typically $1-$4 per square foot installed), easy to install, and widely available
Close up view of asphalt shingles with unique pattern
Metal Roofing
Modern home with standing seam metal roof
- Handles varied weather well, including snow, rain, heat and wind, with longevity as a bonus
- Highly reflective, energy-efficient, and resistant to extreme heat
- Resists corrosion (with proper coatings), sheds water quickly, handles heavy rain and hurricanes well, resists rot and mold in damp conditions
- Lightweight but strong against wind uplift and debris impact, with secure fastening systems, well-suited for areas with occasional high winds (up to 140 mph)
- Sheds snow easily, resists ice buildup, and withstands freeze-thaw cycles without cracking
- Growing in popularity, especially in storm-prone and snowy regions, used on approximately 10-15% of homes
- Higher upfront cost ($5-$12 per square foot) than asphalt roofs, but is low maintenance, long-lasting (40-70 years), energy-efficient (reflective), versatile, and recyclable
Close up view of corrugated metal roof
Tiles (Clay or Concrete)
Clay tile roofs in Arizona
- Highly durable (e.g. rot-resistant, wind-resistant, and fire-resistant) with low-maintenance
- Long lifespans: clay (50-100+ years); concrete (30-50 years)
- Excellent at reflecting sunlight, dissipating heat, and withstanding intense UV exposure, contributing to lower energy costs in hot climates
- About 5-10% of homes have concrete or clay tiles
- Popular in regions with Spanish or Mediterranean architecture, with clay known for its classic aesthetic
- Concrete tiles are especially heavy (900-1,200 pounds per 100 square feet), requiring strong framing
- Heavy and sturdy, they perform well in moderate winds (up to 100-120 mph with proper installation), though they may crack under extreme storm debris
- Naturally water-repellent due to low porosity (especially clay), though concrete may need sealing to prevent absorption over time
- Susceptible to cracking in freeze-thaw cycles unless high-quality, frost-resistant versions are used — less ideal for snowy regions without reinforcement
- Clay tiles are less common than concrete but prevalent in specific regions (e.g. California and Arizona), representing under 5% of U.S. homes
- Clay tiles are more expensive ($6-$15 per square foot) than concrete tiles ($4-$10 per square foot)
- Clay tiles are more brittle than concrete
Southern California model home with creative application of ceramic tiles
Slate
Tudor guest house with slate roof
- Slate tile roofs are a premium roofing option, valued for their distinctive, elegant aesthetic and long lifespans
- Made of natural stone, typically quarried from metamorphic rock, known for its fine grain and ability to be split into thin, durable sheets. In the U.S., common sources include Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania.
- Colors range from gray and black to green, purple, and red.
- Its premium status often increases property resale value, especially for historic and high-end homes
- Extremely durable and heavy (weighing 800-1,500 pounds per 100 square feet, requiring robust structural support), ideal for handling snow loads
- More expensive than other types of roof material: $10 to $30 per square foot installed
- Offers exceptional longevity, often lasting 75 to 150 years or more with proper maintenance
- Installation is labor-intensive and requires skilled craftsmanship, as each slate tile is hand-cut and fastened (usually with copper nails) to ensure proper overlap and water resistance
- Is non-combustible providing excellent fire protection
- Highly resistant to wind, hail, and extreme temperatures, making it suitable for diverse U.S. climates
- Resists rot, mold, and insect damage, requiring minimal upkeep beyond occasional cleaning or replacing broken tiles
- While durable, individual slate tiles are brittle and can crack under impact, such as from falling branches or improper walking during maintenance
- Repairing cracked tiles can be challenging
- Is recyclable at the end of its use
- Ideal for homeowners seeking a long-lasting, low-maintenance, and visually striking roofing solution, particularly for historic and luxury properties
- High upfront cost, structural requirements, and installation complexity make them impractical for budget-conscious homeowners or homes not designed to support the weight
Close up view of rustic slate roof tiles on an older home
Cedar Shakes and Shingles
Coastal home with cedar shingles
- Prized for their natural beauty and rustic charm, especially popular for cottages, cabins, and homes aiming for a woodland or historic look
- Made from western red cedar or eastern white cedar, these roofs consist of split (shakes) or sawn (shingles) wood pieces. Shakes are thicker and more rustic, while shingles are smoother and more uniform.
- Naturally water-repellent and rot-resistant, though they require maintenance to prevent moss
- With proper maintenance, cedar roofs typically last 20-40 years, though premium grades or treated options can extend beyond 50 years in ideal conditions
- Common in the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and mountain regions of the U.S., where cedar’s properties suit wet or forested climates
- May struggle in humid, rainy, or fire-prone regions without extra treatments.
- Have higher maintenance demands due to susceptibility to environmental wear compared to low-maintenance materials like metal or asphalt roofs
- Lifespan varies widely based on climate, maintenance, and cedar quality, making it less predictable than synthetic alternatives
- Cedar is renewable, biodegradable, and often sourced sustainably, with minimal processing compared to synthetic materials
- Requires less structural reinforcement than heavier options like slate, reducing retrofitting costs.
- Contains natural oils (thujaplicin) that resist insects and decay, though this diminishes as the wood ages
- Allows moisture to escape, reducing the risk of trapped humidity when properly ventilated
- Requires regular upkeep — cleaning, sealing, or treating every 3-5 years — to prevent moss, mildew, and rot, especially in damp climates
- Installed in overlapping layers, cedar shakes and shingles require skilled application to ensure weatherproofing, often with felt underlayment and proper ventilation to prevent rot
Close up view of new cedar shingles
2. The Importance of Proper Ventilation
Ventilation is a critical yet often overlooked factor in roof renovations.
Home with new roof, soffit, gutters and siding
Without adequate airflow, moisture can build up in your attic, leading to mold growth, wood rot, and reduced energy efficiency. Proper ventilation systems prevent these issues by ensuring air circulates effectively beneath the roof.
Asphalt shingle roof with ridge vent
Whether installing ridge vents, soffit vents, or a combination, a balanced ventilation setup will contribute to the overall health of your new roof, helping it last longer and perform better.
3. Aesthetic Choices and Functionality Should Align
One of the most visually impactful considerations during a roof renovation is the choice of shingle color.
Dark asphalt shingles on new home construction
Choosing between dark vs. light roof shingles for your home involves weighing factors like curb appeal, energy efficiency, and climate.
Display of wide ranging asphalt color options
Light-colored shingles reflect sunlight, which can keep your home cooler in hotter climates. Dark shingles are better at absorbing heat, making them ideal for colder regions. Striking a balance between practicality and aesthetics will ensure that your roof delivers both function and style.
Standing seam light gray metal roof
4. Weather Resistance Is Key
Your roof is the home’s first line of defense against nature’s elements, so its ability to withstand severe weather is paramount.
Corrugated metal roof covered in snow
Living in a storm-prone region means prioritizing durable designs to minimize damage. Due to their strength and resilience, the best roof types to prevent storm damage often include metal or high-grade asphalt shingles. Features like wind-resistant materials and reinforced structures can make all the difference to withstand heavy storms or high winds.
Here’s a brief overview of home roof material types best suited for different climate zones in the United States, factoring in weather patterns like heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind:
Hot and Arid
Best Roof Materials:
Reasons Why:
- These materials keep homes cool by reflecting solar radiation and hold up against dry, sunny conditions with minimal moisture-related wear.
Geographic Areas:
- Southwest: e.g. Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico
Hot and Humid
Best Roof Materials:
- Metal Roofing
- Asphalt Shingles (Algae-Resistant)
Reasons Why:
- High rainfall, humidity, and storm risks (e.g. hurricanes) demand materials that resist moisture, wind uplift, and fungal growth.
Geographic Areas:
- Southeast: e.g. Florida, Louisiana, Georgia
Cold and Snowy
Best Roof Materials:
Reasons Why:
- Heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures require materials that can bear weight, resist cracking, and allow snow to slide off.
Geographic Areas:
- Northeast and Midwest: e.g. Minnesota, Michigan, New York
Temperate and Wet
Best Roof Materials:
Reasons Why:
- Frequent rain and mild temperatures call for materials that manage moisture and resist organic growth.
Geographic Areas:
- Pacific Northwest: e.g. Washington, Oregon
Mixed Climate
Best Roof Materials:
Reasons Why:
- These areas see a bit of everything — rain, snow, heat — so versatile, durable materials work best.
Geographic Areas:
- Mid-Atlantic: e.g. Virginia, North Carolina
Windy and Storm-Prone
Best Roof Materials:
- Asphalt Shingles (Impact-Resistant)
- Metal Roofing
Reasons Why:
- High winds, hail, and tornado risks demand materials that stay intact under extreme force and resist projectile damage.
Geographic Areas:
- Great Plains/Tornado Alley: e.g. Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas
5. Professional Expertise Will Extend Longevity
While some homeowners might consider DIY roof renovation in an effort to reduce costs, hiring skilled professionals has considerable advantages.
Professional roofer installing slate roof tiles on a new home construction
The benefits of hiring roofing contractors extend beyond just the quality of work. Experienced contractors offer valuable advice, access to better materials, and a warranty on labor and materials. Partnering with a reputable, licensed and bonded contractor also provides peace of mind, knowing that your roof renovation is in capable hands.
Closing Comments
Successfully renovating your roof is a significant investment that requires careful thought and planning. By considering factors such as materials, ventilation, aesthetics, weather resistance, and professional assistance, you will likely ensure that your new roof is durable and functional, while enhancing the value of your home.
Older home with slate tiles proving the test of time
Take the time to weigh these essentials and consult experts to make choices that will best meet your needs, keeping the following in mind:
Cost and Availability:
- Asphalt shingles are the most affordable and common roof material used nationwide, while metal is pricier but longer-lasting. Tiles and slate are premium options.
Installation Matters:
- Proper installation (e.g. wind-rated fasteners, underlayment, insulation) is as critical as the material choice for optimal performance.
Energy Efficiency:
- Reflective coatings or colors (e.g. white metal) boost efficiency in hot zones, while dark colors and insulation are key in cold zones.
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