(Photo by Nicole De Khors from Burst)

A new roof is a big investment, but if your Northern Virginia home needs a new roof or an upgrade, there is a lot to think about in terms of what types of roofing is best and what material makes the most sense.

Just like there are different types of houses, there are also a lot of different types of roofs. Seriously! These include: Gambrel, Gable, Mansard, Pyramid, Hip or Dutch Hip, Butterfly, Saltbox, Curved, Shed, Folded Plate, Dome, Bonnet, Flat, Jerkinhead, Skillion, A-Frame, Winged Gable, and even Combination.

You can find almost any of these types of roofs in Virginia, especially since depending on the architecture and renovation of your home you have an option of design types and materials that make up your new roof. 

Factors that determine what types of roofing are best for your home include the slope and complexity of the roof, as well as the style of the house, local climate, and the cost of different types of roofing, including asphalt shingles, tile roofing, metal roofing, and more.

Common Types of Roofing to Consider

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles is one of the most popular types of roofing, especially for sloped roofs on residences, because they’re affordable, easy to install, durable, and available in a wide variety of colors. Asphalt shingles are also known for adding energy efficiency and aesthetics to a home while protecting it from the elements at the same time.

Shingles can also be made of wood, though these require much more maintenance and are usually reserved for historic projects. 

Composite Shingles

Composite shingles are the type that carries the industry’s longest warranties. Composite roofing is a simulated roofing slate that is made from resin or rubber. These look like slate, but aren’t as heavy and aren’t as expensive to install.

Slate

Speaking of slate, it’s the ultimate in roofing material since it lasts for 75 years or more and provides both historical integrity while providing modern benefits — though, to be fair, it’s usually difficult to find someone to install or repair it.

Metal

Metal roofs are gaining in popularity since they have longevity as well. They are also exceptionally strong and able to withstand decades of strong winds, harsh rain, and even hail, without showing signs of wear and tear. In fact, a metal roof will probably be the last roof you’ll ever need! (Which is good since metal roofing is also one of the most expensive options.) Metal roofing styles range from standing seam styles to ones that look just like shingles and can be installed directly over a worn-out or older roof without tearing off the old roofing material, which can be an appealing prospect for many homeowners.

Corrugated Roofing

Another one of the types of roofing that can be installed over an existing roof is corrugated roofing. This type of roof is easy to spot because of its distinctive form — a thin sheet of a symmetrical pattern of alternating ridges and grooves that can be made from steel, polycarbonate, or an asphalt-fiberglass composite. This isn’t usually used for houses, though. It’s usually more popular on commercial buildings. 

Tile

Tile roofs also aren’t seen as often in our area. They are usually associated with Spanish-style houses, but clay and concrete roofing products can be used with other architectural styles as well.

Rubber

Rubber roofing is another fairly new residential roofing material that isn’t seen much on Springfield and Burke homes yet, but may become popular. Rubber roofing is used primarily on flat or low-slope roofs. It’s economical, sustainable, and far easier to install than a traditional roof, which may be why it is gaining in popularity among homeowners.

Solar Shingles

Lastly, solar roofing — or solar shingles — are a way to actually make money from your roofing. You may have seen some early version solar panels installed atop roofs, but advancements have been made! New “thin-film” photovoltaic technology solar shingles are designed in the standard size and shape of asphalt shingles, so they almost seamlessly integrate into an asphalt shingle roof. This looks great, provides energy for your home and community, and may even allow you to be compensated for the energy you provide to the grid. 

As you can see, when you are ready for a roof renovation or upgrade, there are many different and innovative types of roofing to choose from. You’ll see any number of these styles of homes right in your neighborhood, but when deciding on the roof that’s right now you, there is much to consider, including HOA rules, style, cost, ease of installation, and longevity when it comes to the types of roofing.