The Best Roofing Materials for Arizona
The longevity of your roof is determined by a number of elements, including the overall design, material quality, climatic conditions, and installation quality. When installed by a competent roofing contractor and properly maintained, today’s finest roofing products may easily endure for decades. Even so, the extreme Arizona heat, monsoon rains, and high UV exposure can damage even the most resilient homes. That’s why it is essential to take appropriate care of your roof. To do so, you should know about the best roofing materials for Arizona so you know what to expect when you install a new roof. To guarantee that your roof has a long lifespan, you should schedule frequent inspections and get any repairs completed as soon as possible.
Best Roofing Materials for Arizona
One of the most frequently asked questions by new homeowners is, “Which roofing material is the greatest quality and lasts the longest in Arizona?” Whether it’s beauty, lifespan, overall installation costs, or simplicity of upkeep, the answer truly depends on what each homeowner values the most. In summary, each roofing style has its own set of benefits, drawbacks, and environmental benefits.
The following are the general lifespans of each roofing material in Arizona:
Asphalt Shingles
Lifespan: 25 to 50 years
There are two main types of shingles: Regular 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles On average, 3-tab shingles are only a few dollars cheaper than architectural shingles. 3-tab shingles are also thinner, which can make their lifespan a bit shorter than architectural shingles.
Shingles have several advantages:
- They are a highly cost-effective solution for any sloped roof.
- Shingles may also give high fire protection, and some varieties can even withstand hail, wind, and mold development.
- Shingles are eco-friendly because of their ability to be recycled. Because asphalt is present in many shingle varieties, they are extremely recyclable. Asphalt removed from old shingles is frequently utilized in road building, maintenance, and repair, as well as in the manufacture of new shingles. The tiles from a single average-sized home in Arizona can pave roughly a quarter of a mile of road!
- Shingles can be UV-resistant if you get them coated. Coated shingles will absorb less heat during the night hours, which helps to decrease dependency on grid electricity to cool the home. This, in turn, helps homeowners save money.
Drawbacks:
- They have a relatively short lifespan compared to other roofing materials (say, for example, metal roofs which can last 50+ years).
- They are not the most durable roofing type and may succumb to damage from monsoons and high winds
- Asphalt shingles are not meant for homes with flat roofs. Shingles installed on a flat roof will take considerably more damage than shingles installed on a sloped roof.
Wood Shakes and Shingles
Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
Wood roofs have lost favor in Arizona over the years, and the quality of materials has deteriorated as well. Even yet, many homeowners prefer the look of a wood shingle roof.
Wood Shakes and Shingles Pros:
- Because wood shake roofs are a layered structure, they have a proven lifespan that can outlast other types of roofing if properly maintained.
- Shake roofs are particularly ecologically beneficial since they can be reused for a variety of purposes, such as mulch or pellets for wood-burning stoves.
Drawbacks:
- The most significant drawback of wood roofing is that they are not fire-resistant without the use of specific chemicals. As a result, several Arizona towns have imposed limits on the number of wood shake shingles that may be used on a roof.
- If not properly treated, shake roofs can attract termites. This can cause serious damage to your home.
- Shake roofs are a costly investment and may not fit every homeowners’ budget.
Metal/Steel
Lifespan: 50 years or more
Metal roofs have grown increasingly common, particularly for modern residences and companies. This is largely because metal roofs work well in Arizona and are among the longest-lasting roofing materials that require the least amount of maintenance.
Pros of Metal/Steel Roofs:
- They have a highly appealing clean and modern look, as well as a lengthy lifespan.
- They are incredibly durable and can withstand extreme weather without breaking or warping.
- Metal/Steel roofs do not absorb much heat and are covered with a gloss that reflects the sun’s energy, making them environmentally friendly. This helps homes save money on electricity during the summer heat.
- The majority of metal is extremely recyclable and can be installed on an existing roof
Cons of Metal/Steel Roofs:
- Metal roofs have the disadvantage of being more expensive than other roofing systems.
- While beauty is subjective, some individuals prefer the appearance of more conventional materials such as sandcast, clay, and concrete tiles.
- During rain and hailstorms, metal roofs are noisy.
- They are difficult to repair on your own and always require a professional roofing contractor’s help.
Tile (clay, concrete, and sandcast)
Lifespan: 50+ years
In Arizona, tile roofs are the second most prevalent roofing system. This material can be made from clay, concrete, or sandcast. Concrete tiles are less expensive than clay tiles, but they don’t last as long since the underlayment isn’t as good as what you’d get with clay or sandcast tiles.
Advantages of Tile Roofs:
- In Arizona, tile roofs can endure up to 50 years. Some Arizona tile roofs have even been reported to survive as long as 80 years!
- Contractors can reinstall and reuse undamaged tiles.
- Tile roofs are also fireproof, rot-resistant, and cost-effective.
- Concrete tiles are actually cooler than other roofing alternatives, such as asphalt shingles, which helps to lower the attic’s ambient temperature and save money on total power bills.
- Tile roofs are eco-friendly because they can be recycled, absorb carbon emissions, and reduce the amount of heat absorbed and generated.
- Tile roofs are extremely heavy. Many roof constructions are insufficiently robust to support their weight.
- Because of their aesthetic appeal and durability, tile roofs are expensive to install.
- While the tiles themselves may last a lifetime, you will need to change the underlayment multiple times over the life of the roof (typically every 25-35 years). Leaks and tile breakage might occur if the underlayment is not replaced.
- Despite their durability, they are still susceptible to damage. However, individual tiles are relatively easy to replace.
Foam Roofing
May last for 50 years or more (with proper maintenance)
Polyurethane foam roofs are the most common flat roof roofing method in Arizona, and they’re also frequently utilized for commercial roofing.
Advantages of Foam Roofs:
- The capacity of polyurethane foam to endure the expansion and contraction of a building’s structure is one of the benefits of foam roofing.
- It’s light, strong, and completely flawless.
- Foam roofs insulate your Arizona house, making it more energy-efficient.
- This material is great for flat rooftops and can be used on both residential and commercial buildings
Disadvantages of Foam Roofs:
- They are typically more costly than more traditional alternatives.
- Foam roofing may require more regular maintenance than other types of roofs, depending on the type of coating you choose.
Capstone Roofing, LLC
Now that you know about the best roofing materials for Arizona, it’s time to install a new roof! Capstone Roofing is the valley’s go-to contractor for roof repairs, maintenance, installation, and replacement. We also offer roof consulting services and can give you a free estimate on your next project. Ask us about these roofing materials and more as you consider the best option for your Arizona home.
Because of our many years in business, we are one of the highest-rated roofing contractors in Phoenix. Give us a call at (602) 486-0763 and we’ll be happy to provide you with our services. Capstone Roofing LLC strives to provide 100% satisfaction to all of its clients. We treat each client with the utmost respect. Our clients have faith in us and rely on us to provide the best possible service.
Looking to start a new project with one of the best roofing materials for Arizona? Get a free estimate today! For any type of questions or concerns about your roof, contact Capstone Roofing today or call us at (602) 486-0763!
published on Monday, August 9th, 2021
