Need your roof to look good AND protect your home?
Selecting the right roofing material is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. From curb appeal to energy efficiency to durability and everything in between, your roof really does matter. Make the wrong choice and you’ll pay for it for years to come.
Here’s the thing.
Most homeowners don’t think about their roof until there’s a problem. Damaged shingles post storm? That’s an emergency roof repair project. Roofs don’t grow on homeowners suddenly caring about maintenance and longevity.
The best time to consider which material works best for your home’s exterior design is months or years before you have an issue. But if you do need emergency roof repair in Tacoma, having a trusted Roofing Contractor in Tacoma ready to handle business can make things easier.
Your roof does more than keep the rain out. It brings your entire home’s exterior design together. Here’s how to pick the perfect material and maybe increase your property value while you’re at it.
What you’ll learn:
- Why roofing material matters more than you think.
- The most popular roofing materials, compared.
- Matching your roof to your home’s architectural style.
- Emergency roof repair & how it changes everything.
Why Roofing Material Matters More Than You Think
The biggest thing to know about roofs is they make up a large portion of your home’s exterior. Some estimates say as much as 40%. With such a large visible area, your choice in roofing material and color will impact how your home looks.
Looks aren’t everything though.
Did you know that the U.S. spent nearly $31 Billion on roof repair and replacement in 2024? According to a Verisk report, that number is only climbing. You can bet a ton of that money is from homeowners who chose a material ill-suited to their climate or didn’t properly maintain their roofs.
Think about it like this…
The roofing material you choose determines how well your home weathers harsh wind, hail, heat, and rain. It can also decide how often you’ll have to spend money on repairs and how long your roof’s total lifespan will be.
Roofs typically last anywhere from 20 years to 50 years. The material you choose can save you thousands in the long-run.
The Most Popular Roofing Materials Compared
There are pros and cons to every roofing material option. Here’s the lowdown on the most common types…
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are far and away the most popular roofing material option in the country. Available in almost any color you can imagine, they’re also cheap and easy to install. With proper maintenance, most asphalt roofs will last 20-30 years.
This material works well on just about any home exterior design. Whether you own a traditional, colonial, or craftsman style home… asphalt shingles can help.
The downfall of asphalt is its durability. They aren’t recommended for areas with frequent heavy storms as you may find yourself in emergency roof repair mode more often.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs have been gaining serious popularity over the last decade. Installation costs are higher than asphalt, but they can last 40-70 years, depending on the type of metal you choose. Not to mention they’re resistant to wind, fire, and even hail damage.
According to Roofer’s Guild, standing seam metal roofs can reflect up to 70% of solar radiation. This helps keep your energy bills low and your home cooler during hot summer months.
Metal roofs look amazing on modern and contemporary style homes. They really accent the clean lines and add a unique finishing touch.
Tile Roofing
Tile roofing typically refers to clay or concrete tile options. They offer a timeless appearance that works well on Mediterranean, Spanish-style, and southwestern homes. Tiles can last over 50 years and tend to do very well in hot areas.
The issue with tile is weight. Tile is heavy and not all homes can support it without reinforcing the home. Tiles are also more expensive than asphalt or metal roofing.
Slate Roofing
Want the absolute best? Look no further than slate roofing. With proper maintenance, your slate roof can last over 100 years. Slate looks fantastic on historic and high-end homes.
The downside to slate is the price. Slate roofs cost significantly more than other materials and require highly skilled labor to install. But if you want the best… slate is hard to beat.
Matching Your Roof to Your Home’s Exterior Design
Don’t just think about how well your roof will hold up over the years. Consider how it looks with the rest of your home.
- Traditional style homes look great with asphalt shingles in neutral colors. Think grey, black and brown.
- Modern homes pair well with metal roofing in darker colors or natural finishes.
- Mediterranean homes are complimented by clay tile roofing in warm terracotta colors and earth tones.
- Historic homes can benefit from slate roofing or wood shake.
Look at your home’s siding, trim, windows and landscaping. You should get a feel for what roof colors and materials will work best. Also take into consideration what other homes in your neighborhood are sporting.
A roof that completely clashes with the rest of the street is never a good look. Neither is it good for resale value.
Emergency Roof Repair & How It Changes Everything
Sometimes… emergencies happen.
You want a certain material and style but are forced to settle during an emergency roof repair. Or vice versa, your Roofing Contractor insists you get the right material because you needed emergency roof replacement.
Either way, damage to your roof can force your hand when it comes to materials. Just remember that because you were unhappy with your old roof, doesn’t mean you need to settle with your new one.
Here are a few tips to remember when dealing with emergency roof repair:
- Don’t rush into anything. Get a professional inspection ASAP.
- Know the extent of the damage before picking out material.
- Upgrade to a more durable material if possible.
- Always check with your insurance to see if they’ll cover replacement.
You might be tempted to cut corners with emergency roof repair and choose the cheapest thing possible. But that will cost you more in repairs down the road.
Wrapping It All Together
The roof is one of the most important aspects to your home’s exterior. It keeps everyone inside dry, helps with energy efficiency and plays a huge role in curb appeal.
Pick the right material that will stand up to your climate and compliment your home. From asphalt shingles to tile roofing… there’s an option that will look and perform great.
If you find yourself in need of emergency roof repair, use it as an opportunity to really analyze your home and choose a winner.