Choosing the Right Roofing Materials for Roof Repair

Adding a new roof can be an intimidating renovation project for most homeowners because there are so many types of roofing materials available, and it can be difficult to choose the right one. To help you decide, the expert roofers at Dream Roof have outlined important factors to consider when choosing roofing materials, pros and cons of each, why metal and steel are the best roofing materials, and more.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials 

Structure of metal roof with coating


Here are the seven most important factors to consider when choosing roofing materials for your house:

There is a significant difference in the prices of roofing materials, and they vary depending on the quality, longevity, and brand. The more durable a roofing material is, the more expensive it will be. For example, asphalt is relatively low-priced, while slates and concrete are quite expensive.

The lifespan of a roof varies depending on the material used. You should choose your material based on your plans for the home. If you intend to live in your home for a long time, then investing in durable materials that can stay strong for decades at a time is your best option.

It’s important to factor the slope or steepness of your roof because certain roof pitches require specific roofing materials. Solar roofing for example is not ideal for homes with steeply pitched roofs or those that are surrounded by a lot of trees or other sun-blocking objects. The most popular low slope or flat roofing options are standing seam metal roofing.

Try to coordinate your roofing materials with a complementary style that matches the architecture of your home. It’ll add to the exterior appeal of your property! If your house features a traditional design, you may have to use traditional materials such as metal roofing.

Since buying a roof is a long-term investment, it’s important to think about how easy or challenging maintaining the material will be. Despite the high cost of some materials, they may require little to no maintenance in the future whereas others cost less upfront but may have a shorter lifespan and/or require constant upkeep.

In addition to the costs of materials themselves, the level of difficulty to install the material also will impact your total expenses. If the installation process is rigorous, whether it’s because the material is fragile or complex, you’ll require specialized roofers, and this expertise comes at a higher price. Not to mention the added costs of needing more labour hours.

Snow, rain, hail, wind, heat, and cold are all weather conditions that impact roofing materials differently. Metal for instance may be better suited for your local climate because it can withstand the harsh elements of winter more so than others.

Different Types of Roofing Materials 


There are many different types of roof materials on the market, so knowing what to choose can be difficult. Let’s look at the seven most common types of home roofing materials, and the advantages, disadvantages, and lifespans of each:

  • Pros: Cost-effective/affordable, works well in most climates, easy and fast to install and maintain. Asphalt is available in a variety of types (3-tab, dimensional or architectural, luxury) and shapes like scallops and diamonds, pairing with most house styles.
  • Cons: Not the most durable and is prone to damage from wind and hail. Also limited stylistically and lacks colour options.
  • Average lifespan: 25-30 years

  • Pros: Very durable, virtually leakproof, and can withstand high winds, hail, water, and fire. The material is a safe choice for snowy, harsh winter climates, plus most metal roofs are made from recycled content — making them a more environmentally-friendly choice.
  • Cons: The material itself can be expensive, plus the installation can be costly because of the tools and expertise required. Metal roofs can be noisy during hailstorms or heavy rain.
  • Average lifespan: 40-80 years

  • Pros: Concrete offers a ton of curb appeal with versatile colour and style options. This natural material is very durable and can withstand high winds, hail, and fires, and holds up well in extreme heat and exposure to salt air.
  • Cons: Concrete is one of the more expensive roof materials. It’s also heavy, so they can put a lot of stress on the structure of a home. They are not ideal for roofs with sharper slopes, and you’ll require professional installation. Concrete becomes more fragile in extremely cold temperatures, which rule out homes in Canada and our brutally cold winters.
  • Average lifespan: 50-100+ years

  • Pros: This long-lasting material holds up in most climates, and is durable enough to withstand strong winds, and high temperatures, resist moisture and prevent fires. Slate is also mold-resistant and does not require routine maintenance. This material delivers a distinctive elegant appearance and is a sustainable roof that can be recycled.
  • Cons: Slate is just about the most expensive roofing material available, likely two or three times more expensive than asphalt shingles. This material is also so heavy that it would likely require extra roof support which makes the installation process more difficult.
  • Average lifespan: 50-100 years

  • Pros: Clay tiles add texture and elegance to most housing styles. Genuine flat, ribbed, or scalloped clay tiles are extremely durable and tough, shrugging off fire, wind, sun, and hail damage. They also require minimal maintenance because they absorb less moisture.
  • Cons: More expensive than asphalt or wood shingles. Along with the expense, clay tiles are heavy so your roof might need structural reinforcement to carry the load and in general, they are not ideal for roofs with sharper slopes. Cold weather areas are notoriously rough on clay because this material becomes even more brittle in cold temperatures.
  • Average lifespan: 100+ years

  • Pros: Wood roofing is a natural, stylish choice that offers a unique curb appeal. It’s energy-efficient and can be considered more eco-friendly because it is biodegradable. The material is also very durable, wind-resistant, and impact-resistant.
  • Cons: Not the best roof material for all climates, especially wet environments since wood roofs can split or rot, they are susceptible to moisture and mold damage, and they’re prone to insects. This material is also vulnerable to fire. Wood roofing requires significant labour hours to maintain, and it can become severely damaged and ineffective if not supported properly.
  • Average lifespan: 25-30 years

  • Pros: Solar tiles are energy efficient and can help save you money on your electricity bill. This material requires little maintenance after installation, and it can increase the value of your home.
  • Cons: Solar tiles are expensive, and it is a difficult, lengthy process to install so finding qualified roofers might be a challenge. They are not ideal for homes in shaded areas, or homes with steeply pitched roofs. Additionally, they are somewhat fragile compared to other roofing materials.
  • Average lifespan: 25-30 years

Best Roof Material for Your Home

In Canada, the best roofing materials for your home are metal and steel. These materials have a long lifespan of around 80 years and our metal roofs are eco-friendly, made from 100% recycled content. They hold up exceptionally well in harsh winter climates since they can withstand the impact of high winds, hail, and snow. They are extremely durable, keeping moisture away, and possess fire-resistant properties.

They also shouldn’t corrode because of their rust-proof coating, and they provide superior UV protection. Metal roofing can be installed over asphalt shingles and are relatively simple to keep clean. Our metal roofing is available in a wide range of colours, making it easy to coordinate with the current design of your home exterior.

Let Us Help You Choose the Best Roofing Materials

Our metal roofing materials provide the protection you need without sacrificing style to do so. Dream Roof lays down highly durable, quality roofs that require zero maintenance or repair work after installation. Contact us today and our experts will help you choose from our selection of the best roofing materials near you!

Related Article: Metal Roof vs. Concrete Tile

FAQs

What are signs I need a new roof?


Here are the most common signs that indicate you need a new roof:

– Your roof is 20+ years old
– Shingles are curling, cracked, or buckling
– Leaks in your home
– Dark streaks on the roof
– Your roof is sagging
– Sun damage
– Missing or broken shingles
– Rotting wood on the roof
– Damaged vents
– Sections of shingles have blown off
– Moisture in your attic

How much do roof repairs cost?

The cost of roof repairs in Toronto is anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000. Prices vary though depending on the extent of the damage, your choice of roofing materials, the difficulty of the installation, and the size of your house.

The unique properties of each type of roofing material for instance will affect your total roof repair costs. Lightweight shingles and tiles are generally easier to install which means you’ll save money in the short term on fewer labour costs. However, the heavier materials may be more expensive upfront but typically have longer lifespans saving you money in the long run.