When a roof is destroyed by fire, windstorm, hail, or other severe weather, there’s no denying it needs to be fixed. But often, the signal that your roof needs repair or replacement is nothing more than a seemingly innocent ceiling stain or drip. Caught early, a small leak can be fairly inexpensive to fix. If ignored, it may result in significant damage to your house.
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Sometimes, if you have an unfinished attic and can find the water trickle along a rafter or stud, you can find the leak’s source yourself. But it’s best to have an experienced roofer inspect and handle the repairs. We don’t recommend that homeowners navigate steep ladders and pitched roofs themselves.
The remedy may be as simple as filling in a crack with caulk, replacing a few shingles, or installing some flashing (a waterproof membrane or metal sheet that redirects water). Most leaks can be stopped if they’re limited to a few spots. But if you’re experiencing recurring leaks and your roof is out of warranty, a new roof is in order. Even without obvious signs of damage, it’s wise to replace an out-of-warranty roof that’s more than 20 years old.
Keep in mind that even if your roof needs replacing, you may be able to replace only one side of it rather than the entire surface; that’s something to discuss with a contractor. If new shingles can be laid on top of the old ones, you’ll save money over having the old shingles torn off and starting from scratch. But you or the contractor should check with your municipality to see what’s permitted; if two layers are already installed, you might not be allowed to add another.
Asphalt shingles remain far and away the most popular choice for houses because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
In CR’s roofing tests, we’ve found that some asphalt shingles perform better overall than others that cost more. And some provide a beautifully layered look or come in a huge array of colors. But depending on your house and your budget, many other roofing types may work as well. Metal shingles, for example, cost more than asphalt but tend to last longer and can provide a similar look.
To help you compare, we’ve included a price range for each of the options below per square, or 100-square-foot area, that manufacturers use when pricing shingles. Except where noted, prices are for materials only, not installation.
Once you’ve decided on a roofing type, check the manufacturer’s website for contractor recommendations. A manufacturer’s credentialed contractors, in theory, have more training in installing the product. Your homeowners insurance company may also have a network of contractors. Look for those who have been around for at least five years and have a good local reputation.
With any roofer, get local references and check for local and state licenses, proof of bonding, a Better Business Bureau rating, and active certificates of insurance for liability and workers’ compensation.
Request bids from at least three pros. Roof replacement costs can vary widely, even when the exact same shingles will be installed. For asphalt shingles, prices range from about $75 to $105 per square for basic three-tab shingles, and up to $350 per square for multilayered architectural shingles. The cost of the shingles themselves should be similar no matter who installs them, but costs for labor and other materials are what you have to look out for when comparing bids.
Ask for a breakdown of all the costs involved. There should be one price for the shingles, one for the labor of removing the old ones and installing the new ones, and a contingency budget that outlines the costs if your roofer discovers that sheathing or other materials need to be replaced.
Some installers offer workmanship warranties separate and apart from a shingle manufacturer’s. Be sure to ask for one in writing. Among the dozens of contractor websites from across the U.S. that we reviewed, only a few showed explicit warranties. The promises we found covered between one and 50 years, though experts told us most roof problems happen in the first couple of years.
Even though replacing a roof isn’t a do-it-yourself job, estimating the cost of the shingles themselves can be helpful when you’re comparing bids from roofers.
Manufacturers price roofing by the square, or 100-square-foot area, and that’s how we price each option in our ratings. To estimate how much roofing you’ll need, multiply the overall length and width of each roof section in feet, add the numbers for the sections together, and add 10 percent to allow for waste. Then divide by 100 to determine how many squares you’ll need. In addition to buying extra to account for waste, it’s a good idea to keep an additional bundle on hand for minor repairs. That way, you’re covered if the manufacturer stops making those shingles.
For example, for a one-story, 2,300-square-foot house with a medium-pitched roof, you’ll want to figure on about 30 squares to cover 3,000 square feet total. That should give you enough for waste and extra shingles for future repairs.
While manufacturers price their product by the square, roofing is generally packaged and sold in bundles. Generally, you’ll need three to five bundles of shingles to cover one square of your roof. The exact number of bundles required depends on the type of shingle you are buying; the heavier the shingle, the fewer you get per bundle. By law, each shingle bundle should state clearly how many square feet it covers, so you can calculate the number of bundles you need and budget accordingly.
Before giving you an estimate, a contractor should assess all components in and around your roof, including the drip edge and gutters that steer water runoff. In a complete roof repair or redo, you’ll typically need to replace the underlayment. That component, usually treated paper or synthetic sheets, serves as a weather barrier atop the sheathing or decking, which is the flat surface—typically made of oriented strand board or plywood—that lies on the rafters. In a cold climate, a roofer may suggest applying an ice-dam protection membrane in some areas to guard against water seepage caused by ice buildup. Adding or updating the ridge vent and vented soffits can improve attic airflow and prevent harmful moisture buildup. Replacing or fixing flashing, the material around the chimney and where roofing planes meet, can prevent leaks. Ask about alternatives to copper, which is durable and attractive but costly.
Ideally, ask for a contract that locks in the job’s pricing. If the contractor requires you to abide by a temporary clause making you responsible for interim price increases, make sure you understand how much you’ll be responsible for. And if you need the roof done right away, ask the contractor which shingle colors and styles are available now, so you’ll face minimal wait time. If the contractor doesn’t know, seek another roofer.
In your shingle shopping, you might be impressed by how many manufacturers offer a “lifetime protection” warranty. But in roofing parlance, a lifetime really isn’t a lifetime. It’s more like 10 years. That’s the period during which most manufacturers will pay the roof’s original owner in full to replace defective shingles under the baseline warranty. After that—and for the rest of the period you own your house—it’ll reimburse you only for your shingles’ depreciated value.
Warranties involve a lot of fine print like that. For instance, to extend the full-replacement period, you have to either upgrade to a different shingle or buy more of the manufacturer’s components. A roofing warranty won’t pay if the shingle maker finds problems in your home’s ventilation. And manufacturers usually won’t cover damage from so-called acts of God, such as very high winds and hail. For that, you’ll have to put in a homeowners insurance claim or pay out of pocket.
Given all those gotchas, a warranty probably shouldn’t be your main focus in choosing a new roof. Rather, our testers recommend that you place your faith in a strongshingle and a reliable contractor. That said, see whether the warranty is transferable to the next owner. If you sell your house, a transferable roof warranty can be a perk to a potential buyer.
The addition of solar panels can also affect your warranty. So if you think you might add solar panels to your new roof, check the warranty of the shingle you’re considering to make sure a solar-panel installation won’t void it. You should also check for insurance coverage from the solar panel company.
As they have for years, asphalt shingles remain the most common type of residential roofing purchased in the U.S., says Kelly Moomey, the market analyst who covers roofing for Consumer Reports. “However, there are small, niche segments emerging,” she says.
Metal roofs, for instance, are expected to grow in popularity. The inherent advantages of this type of roof—including resistance to leaks and wind uplift, not to mention durability against the elements—are likely to make metal roofing more popular in areas prone to violent storms, according to the Freedonia Group, a market research company.
Here are some other trends we see in roofing:
Fewer choices, higher installation costs. Stung by supply-chain problems of the past few years, manufacturers have cut back on new styles and colors, our sources tell us. At the same time, historically high prices for roofing installations could continue to rise in the next year or so, largely due to continued high demand from consumers and a tight labor market. That’s made finding workers a challenge.
Solar roofing options are expanding. The major roofing manufacturers GAF and CertainTeed have joined Tesla in introducing photovoltaic—aka solar—roofing shingles for homes. CertainTeed’s Solstice Shingle looks more like a traditional shingle than GAF’s Timberline model, which includes perpendicular bars across the shingle array.
Federal tax credits apply to solar roofs, but for a limited time. Homeowners who retrofit their roofs with solar panels or solar roofing tiles now can get a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the project cost—with no income restrictions or dollar ceiling on the project—thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of . The credit was originally set to expire in , but recent congressional action cut that short. The tax credit is now only good through the end of , giving consumers who are thinking of going solar a very short time to act.
“Cool” (or light-colored) roofs are an option for sustainability. While this option isn’t new, it’s worth considering if you need a new roof and want to reduce your carbon footprint without buying costly solar. The trick: Pick a lighter color roof. Because a light-colored roof reflects more sunlight than a darker roof, it can reduce the energy and cost needed to cool your home by up to 15 percent.
White roofs are best, reflecting from 60 to 90 percent of sunlight, according to the Department of Energy. But you also can shop for a “cool colored” roof: a darker roof that uses specialized pigments that reflect about 30 to 60 percent of sunlight. (Check the DOE’s Energy Saver page for advice on buying cool-roof roofing products for both shallow-pitched and steeply pitched roofs, and check the Cool Roof Rating Council for cool-roof products.)
Roofing shingles are arguably the most important building materials used to protect your home from the elements. Designed for installation in an overlapping pattern of rows, they shed water in the direction of a roof slope to keep a home dry. Roofing shingles come in a variety of shapes, colors, and materials. Since a roof is highly-visible, you will want shingles that reflect your aesthetic and design preferences. However, you also need to take into consideration factors like price, utility, longevity, and region-specific performance needs (like algae protection in humid areas). These factors make choosing the best roofing shingles more complex than just picking a nice design and color. While your options may seem overwhelming, this page will help you evaluate different shingle types and develop a set of criteria to choose the right product for your roof.
Popular Roofing Materials
There are numerous roofing materials and designs to choose from. Use this list to learn about the different options available and guide your decision-making process.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing option in North America. These shingles are built to be durable, lasting decades while requiring minimal upkeep. They are a top choice for homeowners and building professionals alike because they are affordable, inexpensive to install, and come in a variety of colors and styles that can match almost any taste.
There are three main classes of asphalt shingles to choose from: strip shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles.
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Strip shingles, also known as three-tab shingles, are the most basic and affordable option. They are named for the cut of the shingle, and come in the form of a single, flat layer of asphalt. CertainTeed offers multiple strip shingle options, including our XT 25 model.
Dimensional shingles, also known as architectural or laminate shingles, are the most prevalent roofing choices for American homes. They are made from two or more laminated layers of asphalt to create a multi-dimensional look that replicates the appearance of natural wood shake roofing or slate tile roofing. CertainTeed’s Landmark® shingles are a top model for this option.
Luxury shingles are the high-end laminate shingles. They offer greater protection from the elements, richer color blends and gradations, and sophisticated designs that add value and beauty to an exterior. CertainTeed’s Grand Manor® and Carriage House® shingles are luxury asphalt products.
To learn more about these differences, check out our guide to the Types of Asphalt Roofing Shingles, which will help you determine which asphalt shingles are ideal for your home.
Solar Shingles and Tiles
You may already be familiar with non-integrated solar roofing systems, like panels that are placed on top of your roof; however, solar shingles are an option that is growing in popularity. These tiles are integrated into the existing roofing, creating a flatter, smoother appearance. You may have seen solar shingles like those developed by Tesla, but there are also other options to consider.
CertainTeed’s Apollo® II solar shingles and Apollo Tile II solar tiles integrate with new or existing asphalt shingle or concrete tile roofing, allowing a roof to capture solar energy while maintaining a low-profile look that is more aesthetically pleasing than traditional solar panels. If you want your roof to protect your home while also providing clean energy for your household, consider the options available to you on our Solar Roofing page.
Wood Shakes
Historically, shingles were made from split pieces of wood, and many homeowners still want that old-world look. In North America, cedar shakes are one of th
e most popular wood types used in roofing. However, wooden shingles are expensive to purchase and install, and require more maintenance than almost any other roofing material.
CertainTeed offers multiple products that emulate cedar shakes without the restrictive drawbacks. A few options include:
Landmark designer asphalt shingles and Presidential Shake luxury asphalt shingles, both of which are highly fire resistant, as well as less expensive and easier to maintain than wood shakes.
Clay Tiles
The very mention of clay roofing conjures images of charming Spanish Colonial homes that are popular across California and Texas. Not only is this roofing useful for keeping homes cool through the hot, dry desert summers, but it also offers protection in the form of fire resistance.
Traditional clay roof tiles were made from local resources like terracotta, whereas modern clay shingles are made from a variety of materials that are designed to last longer. Clay is also very heavy, breakable, and expensive to install and repair.
Slate Tiles
Slate roof tiles are similar to their clay counterparts. They are prevalent in areas with significant slate resources, though you will find slate roofing across the country. While aesthetically pleasing, slate is expensive, difficult to install, and fragile.
The challenges of working with slate led to the development of numerous alternatives. CertainTeed offers many slate-style shingles that emulate this classic look while improving the overall roofing performance. A few different options we have are:
Belmont and Carriage House luxury asphalt shingles, which closely replicate the color and dimension natural slate, but with greater durability, less weight, and a lower material and installation cost.
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Other Considerations
While personal design preference is an important factor when choosing a roofing material, other considerations could affect your home’s value and durability. Below are a few factors to keep in mind when weighing your options.
Sustainability
Consider the effect that your roofing option will have on the environment. Not only because of the carbon footprint that comes with making the shingles, but also because of the long-term energy costs to your home. The right roofing materials can insulate a home, driving down energy costs and your environmental impact. If you choose solar shingles, your roofing can actually generate clean energy, limiting your dependence on utility companies that are still mostly powered by fossil fuels.
At CertainTeed, we developed Cool Roof technology that works to insulate your home while reflecting the sun’s rays. This, in turn, keeps your roof cooler in the summer, requiring less energy - like the use of air conditioning - to cool your home. Our Cool Roof products can be used to comply with the leading standards, and achieved EnergyStar® qualified levels for protecting homes.
Additionally, since our metal roofing products are recyclable, they don’t have to end up in a landfill, contributing to sustainability once you decide to remove them. Other manufacturers use a percentage of recycled metal when they create new shingles, thereby extending the service life of the base product.
We also have an asphalt shingle recycling program. Roofing materials are one of the most common items found in landfills, but we collect old asphalt roofing and use it for asphalt road paving.
Impact Resistance
If you live in an area that is prone to extreme weather, then impact resistance needs to be a significant factor in the shingle decision. The damage caused by hail can create breaks in roofing materials that compromise waterproofing capability and leave a roof vulnerable to water infiltration, leaks, and possibly mold. The damage done to roofing by hail impact is not always visible to the untrained eye, leading to misconceptions by homeowners that their roof is still ok because it doesn’t ‘look damaged’.
If you live in a hail prone region, CertainTeed recommends roofing that has a high impact resistance rating. Roofing materials of all types must pass vigorous third-party testing before they enter the marketplace, including impact-resistance testing. Each product is provided with an impact-resistance rating from Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 4 being the most durable against simulated hail testing (capable of withstanding impacts up to 90 mph without cracking or breaking).
Since it can help reduce or neutralize hail damage, many homeowners’ insurance carriers offer discounts on premiums when impact-resistant roofing is installed. In areas where hail storms are prevalent, some insurance carriers require that roofing with a high impact-resistance rating be installed on an existing or replacement roof in order to qualify for coverage.
Impact-resistant roofing can be found in many materials types, from inherently tough metal roofing to shingles with rubberized polymers blended into the asphalt to help withstand forceful blows.
Algae Resistance
The natural elements of wind, rain, and sun aren’t the only threats to your roof. In humid areas or regions with thick shaded areas, black streaks can quickly form along your roof. This discoloration is the result of algae growth, which may form in specific patches at first and then expand across your roof.
If this is a significant problem in your area - look for black streaking on other roofs in your neighborhood as a barometer - you will want to opt for an algae-resistant roofing option. If you are considering asphalt shingles, we recommend shingles made with StreakFighter® algae-resistant shingle technology to help prevent the formation and spread of algae.
Warranty
A roof is critically important to the health and welfare of any household, which is why warranty coverage is offered for both roofing materials and installer workmanship. Sometimes these warranties are standalone, and sometimes they are bundled together. There are also extended warranties offered. It can be a confusing consideration, so we have created a Warranty 101 guide to help you navigate your options and better understand what should be covered to protect your investment.
Learn More
Get more explanations about other considerations beyond the material type, including sustainability, impact resistance, algae resistance, and warranty coverage.Choosing the right roofing for your home goes well beyond deciding on a color and style.
The smart path forward also considers which materials will be best based on climate, budget, and homeowner needs.
CertainTeed offers numerous resources to build your knowledge-base and help you make sound roofing decisions. Check out the links below, which offer insight to common questions on both residential roofing and roofing contractors, as well as provide design tools to help bring your creative vision to reality.
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