On average, the roof of a home covers about 60% of the exterior of the home, making it a significant investment that has both practical – protecting the home from rain, snow, and the elements – and aesthetic effects. Choosing a roof involves a number of considerations about material, cost, durability, and maintenance, not to mention the style and appeal of the curb. And homeowners are increasingly paying attention to the sustainability and energy efficiency of a product.
Asphalt is still number one
Asphalt has long been the top roofing material in the US housing market. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) says there are many reasons the product is preferred by builders and home buyers, but the three main factors are beauty, affordability, and reliability.
“Asphalt products continue to raise the bar for today’s selection of roofing materials, making them the most popular choice for protecting US roofs,” said the trade association that represents North American asphalt roofing manufacturers and raw material suppliers. “Over the years, asphalt shingles have evolved in terms of performance and aesthetics while maintaining their affordability. These advances have made asphalt shingles the preferred choice for homeowners and contractors alike. “
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To top it off, the asphalt roofing industry had a good year in 2020. In January, ARMA reported that asphalt shingles shipments in 2020 were up 10.1% compared to 2019. That number included a 45% increase in shipments in the fourth quarter from the fourth quarter of 2019.
Metal roof sees growth
However, in recent years, the dominance of asphalt has seen little question as the popularity of metal roofs continues to grow. Last year, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) announced that metal roofing is the second most popular type of residential roof in the United States. According to the Longview, Washington-based association, the market share of metal roofing for new buildings has doubled from 4% in 2018 to 8% in 2019.
The MRA attributes this surge in demand for metal roofs from US builders to the introduction of more resilient building products to combat climate extremes such as forest fires, hurricanes and hail. “In the mid-Atlantic region, where severe storms and hurricanes are common, metal roofs were used most often,” said the association. “Other factors that have contributed to the popularity of metal roofs are consumer desire for greener choices.” Metal roofs are often attractive to buyers because of their recycled content and the fact that they reflect UV rays to keep homes cool.
6 New asphalt and metal roofing products
Tamko laminated fiberglass asphalt shingles
Heritage IR is a laminated fiberglass asphalt shingle with an added polyester mat that reinforces the entire shingle and provides double reinforcement of the sawtooth and common joint areas, the company said. It’s available in four colors: Rustic Black (pictured), Rustic Slate, Storm Gray, and Weathered Wood.
CertainTeed two-ply asphalt shingles
Landmark Asphalt Shingles feature a two-layer design that mimics the dimensionality of a real wood shake, the company said. Landmark shingles offer the heaviest weight and widest range of color options (24) in their class (weathered wood, pictured), the company says, so builders can create or recreate the ideal look for their projects. The clapboard is equipped with a fire resistance class A.
Owens Corning Laminated Shingles
Oakridge’s laminated shingles feature a full double layer in the nail area that provides up to two times better nail pull-through resistance and up to seven times better nail blow-through resistance, according to the company. The collection is available in a variety of colors. Estate Gray is displayed.
ProVia steel roof line
The manufacturer’s new product line for metal roofs combines the look of slate or cedar wood shakes with the durability and longevity of a steel roof system. The two types of metal roofs Slate (Eisenstein, pictured) and Shake are made of hot-dip galvanized 26-gauge steel and, according to the manufacturer, weigh up to three times less than asphalt shingles. They are equipped with the four-part Kynar paint system GalvaTec for performance and light and chalk resistance. The metal shake and slate roofs are made in the US from domestic recycled steel.
Rheinzink zinc metal roof
The brand’s roof panels are made of high quality zinc with trace elements from titanium and copper. As a result, the product has a lifespan of more than 80 years, according to the company. In addition, zinc will weather and create a protective patina that contributes to its self-healing, low-maintenance, and corrosion-resistant performance. The roof consists of 40% recycled post-consumer content and 30% post-industrial content and is 100% recyclable according to the manufacturer.
Petersen Pac-Clad stamped metal tiles
The Pac-Clad Precision series stamped tile is made of 24-gauge metal and comes in three profiles: cupping, flat, and diamond (pictured here on the outside walls of the house). Architects and planners therefore have a number of design options. The interlocking tiles are installed directly over plywood or raised ducts using concealed fasteners so no sealant is required. The product offers a 30-year final guarantee.
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