The type of roof you choose for your home is about more than aesthetics. The Arizona climate is challenging for roofs, with hot, dry summers, cool winters, and the ever-present risk of damaging storms and hail. Choosing the right type of roof could keep maintenance costs down, reduce your utility bills, and make your home more appealing if you decide to sell.
In this post, we will examine the 5 most common roof types in Phoenix and Mesa and explain how to make the right choice for your home.
Concrete Tile
Tile roofs have been a popular choice for Arizona homeowners for decades as they combine affordability and durability. Concrete tiles are made using automated production, producing quality products while keeping costs low. They are made using cement, sand, water, and iron oxide, which is added to produce the range of earth tones we’re familiar with.
Some advantages of concrete tile roofs include:
- Fire resistance: Concrete tile shingles have a Class A fire rating, making them effective even when exposed to severe fire tests.
- Weather protection: Concrete roofs can withstand heavy rain, high heat, and wind speeds in excess of 125 miles per hour. Some newer roofs can even handle winds over 150 miles per hour.
- Rot resistance: Unlike wooden shingles, concrete tiles are impervious to rot.
Concrete tiles come in a wide range of styles. The most common are flat tiles, which are extremely versatile and fit in with the character of many styles of homes. They also come in barrel style with a rounded appearance and French tiles with indents to allow water to flow off the roof more easily.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), concrete tile roofs can last over 100 years, potentially making them a great choice for a once-in-a-lifetime roof replacement project.
Clay Tile
Clay tiles, Arizona’s most traditional roofing material, are still a popular and attractive choice. They come in a wide range of colors and are a great choice for Arizona due to their ability to withstand extreme heat, hail, and fire.
Many families appreciate their insulating properties that help homes stay relatively cool during summer but keep heat in during the winter. Like concrete shingles, they are fire-resistant and have an expected lifespan of over 100 years when properly installed, ventilated, and maintained.
However, clay tile roofs can be more expensive, as the shingles are much more brittle. They are more likely to break during installation than concrete tiles. Clay tile roofs are also rather costly, costing around 3 to 4 times more than asphalt roofs. However, the price tag is offset by their lengthy expected lifespan.
Asphalt Shingle
Asphalt shingle roofs are the most popular roofing type in the United States but less popular than tile roofs in Arizona. They are often the most affordable option for homeowners looking to replace their roofs, with a national average cost of $11,500 for a 1,500-square-foot roof.
The most common type of asphalt roofing materials are 3-tab shingles. They are 12” wide and have 3 tabs cut into the bottom edge to resemble 3 separate shingles when installed. Although there are now many types of asphalt shingles on the market, 3-tab shingles remain a popular choice.
Advantages of 3-tab shingle roofs include:
- Fast installation
- More affordable than other roofing materials
- Available in a wide range of colors
InterNACHI states that 3-tab shingle roofs have an average lifespan of 20 years. However, more durable asphalt shingle roofing options are becoming more common in the Grand Canyon State.
Architectural and Designer Shingle
Architectural shingles are the next generation of asphalt shingles. They are becoming the most popular choice for Arizona homeowners looking to install asphalt roofs. Architectural shingles are thicker than 3-tab shingles and have a more refined appearance. They may include treatments against algae and mold that can extend the life of your roof.
InterNACHI predicts a lifetime of 30 years; some brands offer a 30-year to lifetime limited warranty. However, the harsh Arizona climate will eventually take its toll on architectural shingles, and they will start to break down. You will also need regular inspections and maintenance to keep your roof in good condition.
Designer shingles are the pinnacle of shingle technology. They are made from layers of asphalt, composite, or recycled materials that are fused together into a 3-dimensional shingle.
The advantages of designed shingles include:
- Wind resistance of up to 130 miles per hour
- Algae resistance
- Long warranties
Many homeowners also appreciate the superior aesthetics of designer shingles, which can transform the appearance of your property.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
SPF roofs are relatively common in Arizona due to their energy-efficiency credentials. In a state where keeping your home’s interior cool is essential, SPF roofs make sense as they minimize heat absorption. In some homes, an SPF roof may reduce HVAC bills by as much as 50 percent.
SPF roofs are applied as a liquid spray and bond to the substrate with seams, nails, or screws. The result is a completely waterproof covering that provides excellent protection against heavy rainfall and storms. They absorb less heat than other roofing materials, are therefore less prone to breaking down, and provide Class A fire protection for your home.
Although an SPF roof may be more expensive than other options, the savings you will make on your utility bills could mitigate this.
Choose a Roofing Company You Can Trust
Any of the five roofing types we have reviewed could be an excellent choice for your Arizona home. However, you need an experienced roofing company with your best interests at heart to help you make a choice that meets your needs, goals, and budget.
At Overson Roofing, we have been helping customers in the Phoenix metro area make the right choice for over 3 decades. We are committed to installing quality roofs and delivering outstanding customer service. We can guide you through all your options so you get an affordable roof that looks great and stands the test of time.
Talk to our Phoenix roofing experts today. Call 480-354-2564 for a free estimate or fill out our contact form, and we will respond within 24 hours.
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