12 Best Roof Replacement Options for Homes

A homeowner should repair or replace their roof at a certain point when it’s obvious that roof performance is being compromised. A full roof replacement is eventually needed on every property. When it comes time to install a new roof, you might want to look at switching up its aesthetic or opting for a more eco-friendly, long-lasting material.

Most people only know one type of roof, commonly found in traditional residential houses. However, they are amazed to learn there are many different options available, each with their own unique characteristics. You aren’t just limited to one type of roof. Here are twelve popular roof replacement options for homes:

Option #1: Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are what’s on more than three-quarters of homes across the country. They were cheap. That’s the primary advantage of asphalt shingles. That said, there are way more eco-friendly, energy-efficient, long-lasting, and durable options available than asphalt. Asphalt is heavy and hard but offers protection for a decade or, in lucky cases, longer.

Option #2: PVC Membrane

A PVC membrane roof is made from polyvinyl chloride and vinyl. It is a single-ply thermoplastic used in flat roofing because of its longevity, durability, and energy efficiency. When it comes to commercial and residential flat roofing, PVC membrane is a popular option and used since the 1960s. Nowadays, you can contact a flat roofing company to get the installation underway quickly.

Option #3: Wood Shingles

Many wood shingles, from cedar to redwood, cypress, and pressure-treated pine. The natural beauty of clean-cut wood offers a smooth appearance, slightly rustic in aesthetic. Stained with oils, wood shingles are naturally resistant to moisture and insects, are optimum insulators, and are made from recycled, salvaged woods in a lot of cases.

Option #4: Metal Roof Panels

Metal roofing was once reserved almost strictly for farmhouses and barns. These days, metal is in high demand due to its maximum durability, recyclability and eco-friendliness, and adaptability in look. Metal can be made to look like shingles, shakes, and tiles and can be made from aluminum, lightweight steel, zinc, and even copper.

Option #5: EPDM Rubber

A rubber roof?! Yes, that’s right! An ethylene propylene diene polymer is a low-cost flat roof alternative. EPDM rubber membranes can range up to 200’ long and 50’ wide, covering the entirety of the home avoiding leaks along the seams. Like PVC, EDPM membrane requires an insulating later installed between the roof deck and membrane. When installing EPDM rubber roofing, it’s almost like rolling out a very big sticker. The only downside to EPDM is it attracts solar radiant heat.

Option #6: Clay Tiles

Traditional clay tiles are seen as a sort of older, ancient-esque roofing option. They aren’t as popular countrywide as they are in other parts of the world, but it’s another option to entertain aesthetic-wide. Clay has strong durability, is resistant to fire and insects, and the light colours naturally reflect sunlight, thereby reducing heat penetration.

Option #7: Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are made from a lightweight blend of materials similar to clay, though tougher, stronger, and easier to work with. You also have fibre cement tiles, combining wood, clay, and concrete. Though heavier than most roofing material and at a higher cost, concrete tiles offer rich curb appeal, are recyclable, and look amazing on a Spanish or Mediterranean-themed home.

Option #8: Stone Or Slate Tile

A strong, composite, or vinyl slate tile roof can last decades. There is no material as durable in roofing as natural slate tile. The difficulty here, though, is that the materials’ heavy and require additional support that most properties don’t have. A synthetic composite slate may be more advantageous. Either way, stone or slate tile can be considered a ‘lifetime roof,’ so to speak, without expiration.

Option #9: TPO Membrane

TPO stands for ‘thermoplastic polyolefin.’ If you go with a flat or low-sloped roof, you may choose TPO for its energy efficiency and performance. The TPO membrane bonds rubber, ethylene, propylene, and filler materials, similar to EPDM rubber but with PVC characteristics.

Option #10: Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based multi-ply flat roofing system. Consider it as a sort of flat roof version of asphalt things. It is installed in multiple layers and is torched to the surface. It has to be installed by a professional with some experience handling modified bitumen in this context. Handling multiple layers and the installation is a labour-intensive process.

Option #11: Solar Tiles

Another roof replacement option is Tesla solar tile roof panels. Though incredibly expensive, unrealistic for most, and with difficulty accessing the materials, it remains to be seen how solar roofing fits into the future of roof replacements. Still, it’s at least an interesting idea to think about. This type of roofing is made from the glass over a photovoltaic (PV) substrate, wired to a Tesla Powerwall energy storage battery.

Option #12: Spray-On Roof Coatings

Some entertain another option when looking at roof replacements: spray-on roof coatings. Though many products in this category work well, spray-on roof coating doesn’t replace a roof. It can help improve energy efficiency and increase lifespan. However, when you’re at the point of looking at roof replacements, for most people, they’re far past considering spray-on roof coatings.