Nowadays, roofs are just as customizable as the clothes we wear. Depending on your preferences for style, longevity, and cost, there’s a roofing material out there for you. And no, you don’t have to replace your roof with the exact same material you had before!

While some roofing companies only work with asphalt shingles, Scro’s Roofing is qualified to install numerous roofing materials so you can get exactly what you want for your home. Here are the 7 most popular roof replacement options in the industry today.

1) Asphalt Shingles

Close up view on asphalt roofing shingles. one of the most popular roof replacement options

Asphalt shingles are consistently the most popular roofing material across the country. Homeowners like how affordable asphalt shingles are for how long they last. When driving through an average neighborhood, you’ll likely see that most houses have standard three-tab shingles.

Asphalt shingles are made of a woven fiberglass base, covered with waterproof asphalt, and topped with granules that help protect the shingles from moisture and UV rays. Part of the reason they are so affordable is that they’re widely available and easy to install. More and more stylish colors are being made by reputable manufacturers, so you are sure to find a color that suits you.

Average cost per sq. ft.: $1.50 to $5.50
Average Lifespan: 20-25 years

2) Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is slowly but surely encroaching on the popularity of asphalt shingles. Many people associate metal roofs with old, loud tin roofs that easily dent. However, modern metal roofing couldn’t be further from that.

Metal roofs today are extremely aesthetically-pleasing and durable. You’ll get a sleek look with metal panels, or you can even opt for metal shingles. This stylish option is becoming more popular thanks to its long lifespan and affordable prices.

Homeowners also love this choice because metal is one of the most eco-friendly roofing materials available. It’s fire-resistant, and there are plenty of colors and styles of metal roofing to choose from!

Average cost per sq. ft.: $9 to $14
Average Lifespan: 40-70 years

3) Clay Tiles

While clay tile roofs are notably most popular in the Western United States, homeowners across the country gravitate towards them for their durability and attractive appearance. If you choose to get your roof replaced with clay tiles, you’ll get a unique architectural style in return that makes your house stand out from the rest.

Clay tiles have impressive longevity, but only if they’re properly maintained and cared for. Be sure to schedule annual maintenance with your roofing contractor to ensure your clay tile roof stays in top condition and lasts for decades. Note that you’ll pay more for how durable and stylish this material is.

Average cost per sq. ft.: $10 to $18
Average Lifespan: 50-100 years

4) Cedar Shakes

Wood roofs aren’t top of mind for many homeowners, but for people who love rustic styles or own historical-style homes, wood roofing is a great choice. The most popular type of wood roofing is called cedar shakes. Cedar shakes are hand-split, which gives them a rustic, yet expensive feel.

Cedar shakes require more frequent upkeep than asphalt shingles to ensure they stay in good condition. Keep in mind that cedar shakes are ideal in dry climates, but you should opt for a different material if you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires. Wet climates usually cause wood roofs to decline more quickly.

Average cost per sq. ft.: $5 to $10
Average Lifespan: 30-50 years in the right conditions

5) Slate Roofing

Slate roofing has been nicknamed the “forever roof,” and for good reason! Slate is hands down the most durable roofing material available. Plus, it has a beautiful, unique look that you won’t get with any other material.

Slate is so durable because it’s a dense, natural rock. But with a “rock-solid” roof comes higher costs. Since slate is so heavy, it’s quite labor-intensive to install, making it more expensive. However, the benefits for the price are undeniable: fire-resistant, waterproof, resistant to high winds and hail, and available in multiple colors.

Average cost per sq. ft.: $10 to $20 for soft slate, $20 to $30 for hard slate
Average Lifespan: 100-200 years! 😱

6) Green Roofs

As more people become environmentally conscious, green roofs are getting more and more popular. Green roofs are “living roofs” that support vegetation. That’s right; you could have a grass roof with native wildflowers.

They might seem impractical for homeowners, but green roofs actually have numerous benefits, including:

Reduced rainwater runoff
Better insulation
Extended roof life
Reduced heat outside the home
Lower energy costs

If you want a green roof, be sure to hire a skilled roofing contractor. They’ll need to install several layers of waterproofing membranes to protect your home from leaks. You’ll also likely need an irrigation system and root barrier.

Average cost per sq. ft.: $10 to $25
Average Lifespan: 30-50 years

7) Solar Panels

Last, but certainly not least, we have solar panels. Solar is becoming more and more popular for homeowners replacing their roofs. While many people assume that solar panels are only helpful in very sunny states like Florida or California, they actually are effective across the country.

Most people install a few solar panels over the top of their existing roof material, but if you have the budget for it, you can install a section of solar shingles that look incredibly similar to standard asphalt or metal shingles. Solar panels are definitely an investment, but you’ll see a return on your investment with much lower energy costs, increased home value, and federal tax incentives.

Average cost per sq. ft.: $21 to $25
Average Lifespan: 30 years

Discover Your Roof Replacement Options Today

Getting a brand new roof is exciting, but it can also be stressful. When you’re making such a significant investment in your home, you want the results to be completed perfectly the first time. To ensure this happens, work with a highly-reputable local roofing company.

Scro’s Roofing has been serving Raleigh and the Triangle area with excellence for over 25 years. We’ll install your dream roof in any material, plus, we’ll go above and beyond with exceptional customer service.

We had significant hail damage due to the May 2016 hail storm in Cary, and warded off all the storm chasers that came through our area for 2 months after. I called Scro’s Roofing after the insurance adjusted had written off the roof, and they worked us into their busy schedule. Amazing job done by an amazing and hard-working crew. I was impressed by the way they used tarps to protect the landscaping around the house, and Patricia was pretty particular about cleaning up after the crew. Danny was a pleasure to work with, and he provided several improvements to our roof like a installing a chimney cricket and ridge vents. We used Moire black shingles and the roof looks...

Larry O. | Cary, NC

In life you get what you pay for and this is certainly true with Scro’s Roofing. There are so many “fly be night” roofing companies out there who do not have the long standing customer service and support that a local roofing company can offer. Everyone should take the time to educate themselves about the roofing process and the track record of the company, as this is a very larger investment and an area where you don’t want to cut corners. The team at Scro’s Roofing provided me with many educational links and never pressured me into a sale. They wanted to ensure that I fully understood the process and trusted that I would make an intelligent decision. This sharing...

Kevin A. | Wake Forest, NC

Scro’s Roofing installed a new roof on our home and everything went exactly as planned and scheduled. The installation crew covered all our plants and deck when removing the roof and then cleaned up perfectly when the job was done. We were kept informed all along the job from start to finish so we knew how and when everything would be done. I’ve never experienced a contractor, a company or an owner like Danny who worked with us on every detail. Further, we had gotten several other quotes with Scro’s being the best. This project couldn’t have been done more smoothly… We greatly appreciate Danny the owner and Sarah our scheduling contact. They both were there for all and every...

Joe V. | Cary, NC

We just had our roof done by Scro’s Roofing, and we are very happy with the results. Danny and his office were very helpful in answering all of my questions. I did a good bit of research beforehand, and after talking with Danny, I had a lot of confidence that they are up to date on best practices and latest materials. In particular, I liked that they hand nail the shingles, use a synthetic underlayment instead of tar paper, install a drip edge, and provide a 10-year labor warranty. The thing about getting a new roof is that most people may not find out whether the installer did a bad job or used inferior materials for 5-10 years when they...

Matt B. | Cary, NC

The big hail storm of May 2, 2016 did extensive damage to our roof (and Leaf-Guard gutters as well). Our insurance company appraised the roof and said it all needed to be replaced. My first choice was again Scro’s Roofing. I was not about to use one of the “storm chasers” that descended on our neighborhood like carpetbaggers from who knows where. Danny, the owner of Scro’s Roofing looked up my record from seven years ago and was able to give me an estimate almost immediately from the information he already had on file. Their estimate was within a couple percent of what our insurance had already written a check which made the decision to go with Scro’s Roofing again...

David C. | Cary, NC

I had a great experience working with Danny and his team. Danny even recommended a less expensive roofing product based on our needs. Sarah was so helpful and accommodating throughout the process. I wish all home repairs/renovations were this easy and professional. A wonderful company to work with!

Kate L. | Cary, NC