Do you need a new roof? Are you looking for something different than the commonly used architectural shingle to really enhance your home’s curb appeal?
A new roof is one of the best ways to increase your home’s look. However, there are a variety of roofing materials that offer different levels of curb appeal.
Don’t get me wrong, a properly installed roof will look great no matter which one you choose. But if boosting curb appeal plays a big role in your decision-making, you need to know the roofing materials that take a home’s look to another level.
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners make the roofing material decision with transparent information. So, let’s look at the roof systems that really boost your home’s curb appeal.
I'll start this article by breaking down the top 5 roofing materials for curb appeal, including their lifespan, warranty, and pros and cons. After that, you'll learn a few more things to consider before making your roofing material decision.1. Luxury asphalt shingles
Luxury (also called designer or premium) shingles are designed to look like a natural slate tile roof. They are larger, more durable, offer the highest curb appeal, and are the most expensive of the three types of asphalt shingles.
Lifespan: ≈30 years or longer in perfect conditions
Material warranty: 30-year warranty (prorated after 10 years) from the manufacturer. Upgrade to a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty with a full roof system.
Luxury asphalt shingle pros:
- Durability
- Longevity
- High curb appeal
- Stands up well to storm damage
Luxury asphalt shingle cons:
- Expensive
- Longer installation compared to the other asphalt shingles
- Needs yearly maintenance
2. Standing seam metal roofing
A standing seam metal roof system is a series of panels locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. Under each rib (seam) is a clip that fastens the panels together and allows them to glide back and forth when the metal goes through thermal expansion.
Because of its expansion and contraction capabilities, a standing seam metal roof is the recommended type of metal roof for residential purposes.
Lifespan: 30 years (up to 50 in the right conditions)
Material warranty: 30-year paint warranty on the Kynar 500 painted finish
Standing seam metal roofing pros:
- High curb appeal
- Versatility (used to accent asphalt shingle roofs)
- Color options
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Virtually maintenance free
Standing seam metal roofing cons:
- Expensive
- Potential for oil canning
- Makes noise when it rains
- Hard to repair
3. Synthetic shingles
Synthetic (also called composite) shingles are made of a synthetic polymer or recycled materials and designed to look exactly like a slate or cedar shake roof. This roofing material is a newcomer to the roofing industry, but it’s becoming increasingly popular among homeowners.
Lifespan: ≈40-50 years
Material warranty: Depends on the manufacturer
Synthetic shingle roofing pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Very high curb appeal
- Class 4 impact rating
- No cracking or breaking like natural material counterparts
- Cheaper than the materials it mimics
Synthetic shingle roofing cons:
- Newer to the roofing industry
- Expensive
4. Cedar shake shingles
Cedar shake shingles are a premium roofing material made of natural wood (cedar). The shingles come from large cedar trees in the Northwest United States or Southwest Canada.
They are split into 3 grades (types) of cedar shake shingles: common (most inferior), selects (80/20 split), and 100% straight grain (highest quality).
Lifespan: ≈30 years (up to 50, depending on your area’s climate)
Material warranty: None (made from natural materials)
Cedar shake roofing pros:
- Very high curb appeal
- Durable
Cedar shake roofing cons:
- Expensive
- Needs yearly maintenance
- Loses the “fresh” color over time
- Cedar shakes rot, crack, and curl as they age
- No material warranty
- Materials may not be readily available
5. Slate tiles
Slate tiles are a premium roofing material made primarily out of naturally mined slate. The slate is mined (mostly in Italy) and cut into square tiles.
Unlike other roofing materials that come in 3-foot-wide strips or metal panels, slate tiles are installed one at a time. Slate roofs are also incredibly heavy, so your home has to be built or retro-framed to carry the weight of a slate roof.
Lifespan: 75 to 100 years
Material warranty: None (made from natural materials)
Slate roofing pros:
- Longest-lasting roofing material available
- Very high curb appeal
- Durable
Slate roofing cons:
- Expensive
- The weight factor
- Slate tiles are fragile
- Slow and skillful installation
- Harder to repair
- No material warranty
What else should you consider when choosing a roofing material?
Now you know the top 5 roofing materials that enhance a home’s curb appeal, plus their cost, lifespan, warranty, and their pros and cons. While curb appeal is a big consideration, there are a few more questions to ask yourself when choosing one.
By using the information above combined with asking yourself a few questions, you’ll have confidence that you’re making the right roofing material decision.
How much am I willing to spend on my new roof?
The first (and most important) thing you need to ask yourself is how much you’re willing to spend on your new roof. If you’re looking for the most affordable option or have a tight budget, these premium roofing materials will not be right for you.
If you have wiggle room in your budget, luxury asphalt shingles are around 30% more expensive than architectural shingles. This is a sizable price increase, but the much longer lifespan and higher curb appeal are worth it.
If budget isn’t a concern, standing seam metal roofing or one of the premium roofing materials is a great option. But no matter which one you choose, it’s crucial to stick to a budget and invest in quality without trying to find the cheapest price.
How long do I want my roof to last?
The ROI for every roofing material is its lifespan. So, it’s crucial to consider how long the different roofing materials last.
Fortunately, all the roofing materials that enhance a home’s curb appeal come with long lifespans. Luxury asphalt shingles and cedar shake shingles should last 30 years, but can last longer with maintenance.
If you want a roof that your grandkids have to worry about, you should strongly consider a standing seam metal roof, synthetic shingles, or slate tiles. While their lifespans are great, it’s also important to consider how long you plan on staying in your home.
If you don’t plan on living in the home long term, you just need to decide if the large investment required is worth it. However, you will recoup some of the cost when selling the home if you plan on moving in the future.
Do I want the best roofing material warranties?
A roofing material warranty protects your roof investment in the event of defective materials. Material warranties vary greatly, which is why you need to consider the protection each roofing material offers.
Luxury asphalt shingles come with a basic prorated warranty from the manufacturer, but there’s an opportunity to get a non-prorated enhanced warranty. If you get the luxury shingles and specific components (accessories) from one manufacturer to form a roof system, a certified roofer can offer a 50-year non-prorated warranty.
A standing seam metal roof comes with a 30-year paint warranty on the Kynar 500 painted finish that protects the colors and panels from the elements. The material warranty on synthetic shingles varies by manufacturer, but they’re pretty comparable.
Unfortunately, cedar shakes and slate tiles don’t come with a material warranty because they’re natural materials. So, you shouldn’t consider a cedar shake or slate if a material is important to your decision.
How much does a new roof cost?
After reading this article, you know the top roofing materials to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Architectural asphalt shingles still have strong curb appeal, but the 5 materials in this article take it to a much higher level.
Just remember to consider the other things we covered to ensure you make the right choice. However, there’s still one more thing that you need to know to feel 100% confident in your decision.
This, of course, is how much a new roof costs based on the roofing material. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the pricing information you need to know when getting a roof replacement.
Check out How Much Does a New Roof Cost to learn the average cost of a roof replacement, pricing based on the roofing material, and the factors that determine the final cost.
