Comparisons of Roofing Materials

For your porch project

Our Comparisons of Roofing Materials Guide will give you the essential information you need in order to select the right material for your porch roof or other roofing project.

There are many roofing materials to choose from and each has its own unique characteristics.

Comparisons of Roofing Materials Guide

Asphalt Shingles (Composition)

Probably the most common roofing material in the United States. Asphalt shingles come in two basic types: fiber glass and organic.

• Organic shingles contain around 40% more asphalt per square than fiber glass shingles which gives them more weight, excellent durability, and wind resistance.
• Fiberglass shingles; however, are more flexible and stronger.
• Shingles come in a wide variety of colors. Composition roofs can be overlaid with a new roof if the initial roof is a single layer and in good condition.

Metal Roofing Materials

Metal roofing comes in shapes that imitate either asphalt shingles or tile, and wood shakes. You can also get metal trim pieces to coordinate with the color of your roof.

Metal roofs are becoming very popular because:

• although more expensive initially, metal roofing can be a good investment in the long run.
• metal roofs last 2 -3 times longer than asphalt shingles
• they increase a home’s resale value
• they decrease a home’s energy consumption by up to 40%
• they can reduce your insurance premiums
• you can install it right over the top of an existing roof in most cases

Types of Metal Roofing Materials

• Suitable for a slope of 3:12 or more
• a properly installed roof made from copper panels will last for over 75 years
• copper is not flammable
• provides a great barrier against flood damage from torrential rains or heavy storms.
• acceptable for extremely heavy loads like blizzards
• $48.00/5ft. shingle

• resistance to corrosion and rusting
• less expensive material than aluminum, zinc, or copper
• install sheathing under the tin to insulate from the noise of rain and hail
• recommended for harsher environmental conditions

• high initial cost but will last longer than other materials
• Stainless steel roofing is chosen more often for its corrosion resistance
• zinc coating reacts to the environment which may cause color changes

Roofing Shakes

Historically, shakes have been made of wood. However, there are now metal and rubber shakes. We understand that in some geographical areas, wood shakes are no longer permissible due to a fire hazard so check your local building codes prior to installing wood shakes on your porch or home.

Types of Roofing Shakes

• can last up to 30 years; however, young growth red cedar has a significantly shorter life expectancy
• relatively expensive
• can be used on a 4:12 pitch and steeper roof
• require extensive maintenance to keep it looking good as to maintain performance

• have a longer life but costly as well
• use on roofs of 3/12 pitch or greater
• more color choices and more durable

• more durable, longer lasting, environmentally friendly, and more energy efficient
• suitable in any climate and are comparatively attractive
• relatively new product - find an experienced contractor to install
• rubber shakes cost more than asphalt shingles or wood shakes but will last longer - up to 100 years!
• use less energy to heat and cool your home because they are great insulators
• negotiate labor costs (easier to install and lighter)

Slate

Slate is the most beautiful and durable roofing material available. For centuries, it’s been the roofing material of choice for the world’s greatest buildings. In fact, some slate roofs have lasted for literally hundreds of years.

• expensive; installation costs begin about $10 per square foot up to over $40
• requires skilled craftsmen to install
• not recommended for low sloping roofs

Ceramic Tile

• can cost $300 to $500 installed per square
• fire-resistance and adds additional insulation
• a tile rooftop can last for generations
• tile is brittle, individual tiles may break and need replacement periodically

Membrane

Membrane roofing usually comes in large sheets which are fused together to make a continuous in penetrable surface. Our comparisons of roofing materials wouldn't be complete without discussing membranes.

Types of Membranes

• Thermoset membrane (e.g. EPDM rubber): Synthetic rubber sheets combined with an adhesive. Normally used on very large commercial roofs
• Thermoplastic (e.g. PVC, TPO, CSPE): Plastic sheets welded together with hot air creating one continuous sheet membrane.
• Modified bitumen: Asphalt is mixed with polymers such as APP or SBS, then applied to fiberglass and/or polyester mat, seams sealed by locally melting the asphalt with heat, hot mopping of asphalt, or adhesive
• Sprayed-in-Place Polyurethane Foam (SPUF): Foam sprayed in-place on the roof, then coated with sugar, or in some instances, covered with marshmallows

Here is a special resource for our site visitors: Do you need to calculate costs for your new porch roof? Here's a great resource for you. We hope our Comparisons of Roofing Materials Guide is helpful to you for your roofing project.

Return from Comparisons of Roofing Materials to How to Build a Porch