How to Choose a Roofing Style

Your roof represents one of your property's most significant investments and critical protective systems. As the primary barrier against weather elements, your roofing style dramatically influences not only your building's aesthetic appeal but also its energy efficiency, structural integrity, and overall market value. 

Whether you're planning new construction, undertaking a roof replacement, or considering a property upgrade, selecting the appropriate roofing style is a decision that will impact your building's performance and appearance for decades to come.  The choice of roofing style is important for reasons beyond looks. It affects your property's ability to withstand local weather, maintenance needs, and costs over time. 

In Nebraska, Colorado, and Texas, where Murray Roofing LLC offers expert services, climate challenges differ significantly. These areas face issues like hail storms, strong winds, extreme heat, and heavy snowfall. A well-chosen roofing style improves your property's design and offers protection suited to your specific climate and location.

Importance of Roofing Style Selection

Selecting the appropriate roofing style represents one of the most consequential property decisions, with implications for building performance and financial value. A strategically chosen roofing style enhances curb appeal, potentially increasing property valuation by 5-15%, while directly influencing energy efficiency and long-term maintenance obligations. Weather resistance capabilities and structural requirements vary substantially among materials, with each option demonstrating optimal performance under specific conditions.

Before evaluating roofing styles, property owners should assess critical factors: architectural design, local climate patterns, building codes, budget parameters, maintenance expectations, and ownership duration. These considerations provide essential guidance toward solutions that align with your property's unique requirements.

Residential Roofing Styles

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles dominate the residential market, protecting approximately 80% of North American homes. This versatile roofing style delivers exceptional affordability, durability, and design flexibility. Available in three-tab and architectural formats, asphalt roofing adapts to virtually any home design.

Three-tab shingles offer uniform appearance and economy, lasting 15-20 years. Architectural shingles provide enhanced visual depth, lasting 25-30 years or longer. Premium designer shingles can extend lifespan to 40-50 years with proper installation.

Modern asphalt shingles come in hundreds of colors and profiles. They resist fire effectively (Class A rating), withstand winds up to 130 mph when properly installed, and require minimal maintenance. For hail-prone regions, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles provide critical protection and may qualify for insurance discounts.

Installation costs typically range from $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot. When installed by GAF Master Elite contractors like Murray Roofing LLC, homeowners gain access to the prestigious 50-year Golden Pledge warranty protecting both materials and workmanship.

Wood Shake and Shingle Roofing

Wood roofing brings natural warmth and rustic elegance to residential properties. Crafted from cedar, redwood, or pine, wood shakes and shingles create distinctive organic appearance. Shakes are hand-split for irregular texture, while shingles are machine-cut for uniformity.

Natural wood offers excellent insulation and environmental benefits when sustainably sourced. With diligent maintenance, wood roofing lasts 30-40 years, developing attractive silver-gray patina naturally. However, wood demands periodic treatments to prevent rot, mold, and insect damage. Local codes may restrict wood roofing in fire-risk areas, though fire-rated products exist.

Installation costs range from $6 to $12 per square foot. While initial investment falls between asphalt and premium materials, ongoing maintenance increases lifetime cost.

Synthetic Roofing Materials

Engineered synthetic roofing replicates premium materials without associated weight, cost, or maintenance. Manufactured from polymers, rubber, or composites, synthetic products convincingly mimic slate, wood, and tile.

These products weigh 50-75% less than natural materials, eliminating structural reinforcement needs. Most achieve Class 4 impact ratings and Class A fire resistance. Quality synthetic roofing lasts 40-50 years with minimal maintenance. Many incorporate recycled materials.

Premium synthetic roofing costs $7 to $14 per square foot installed, positioning between asphalt and natural materials while offering superior durability.

Roofing Styles for Both Residential and Commercial Properties

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has evolved into a sophisticated choice for both residential and commercial properties. Available in standing seam panels, metal shingles, corrugated sheets, and metal tiles, it adapts to diverse architectural styles.

Metal roofing typically lasts 40-70 years depending on material. Steel provides strength and affordability, aluminum resists coastal corrosion, while copper and zinc develop attractive patinas. Reflective coatings reduce cooling costs by 10-25%. Metal facilitates snow shedding, preventing ice damming. It's fireproof, wind-resistant, and impervious to rot and insects.

Installation costs run $7 to $12 per square foot. While higher than asphalt initially, extended lifespan and energy savings justify investment. Murray Roofing LLC's expertise ensures proper installation for optimal performance.

Clay and Concrete Tile Roofing

Clay and concrete tile brings timeless Mediterranean elegance to residential estates and upscale commercial properties. This traditional roofing style offers unmatched durability and distinctive appeal.

Available in barrel, S-shaped, and flat profiles, tile complements Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, and Southwestern architecture. Natural clay offers rich colors that deepen over time, while concrete provides extensive color ranges.

Tile roofing lasts 50-100+ years when properly installed. It's naturally fire-resistant (Class A), highly weather-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. Tile's thermal mass helps regulate building temperature in hot climates.

However, tile weighs two to four times more than asphalt, often requiring structural reinforcement. Installation costs range from $10 to $18 per square foot. For long-term ownership, tile's durability and appeal justify investment.

Slate Roofing

Natural slate represents ultimate roofing elegance and longevity for prestigious properties. Quarried from metamorphic rock, slate lasts 75-200 years when properly installed—potentially outlasting the buildings it protects.

Slate offers remarkable color variety including gray, black, green, purple, and red. Each tile is unique, creating authentic character. The material is completely fireproof, impervious to rot and insects, and highly weather-resistant. It requires virtually no maintenance beyond periodic inspections.

Slate's weight requires significant structural reinforcement. Installation demands specialized expertise. Initial investment ranges from $15 to $30+ per square foot—three to four times more than premium asphalt. Despite high initial cost, slate's exceptional longevity makes it cost-effective over multi-generational ownership.

Flat and Low-Slope Roofing Systems

Modern commercial buildings and contemporary residential designs increasingly feature flat or low-slope roofs. Common systems include TPO, EPDM rubber, PVC, and modified bitumen.

TPO roofing provides energy efficiency through solar reflection, reducing cooling costs. White TPO membranes resist punctures, tears, and bacterial growth. EPDM rubber offers excellent durability at competitive pricing, performing reliably across extreme temperatures. PVC provides superior chemical resistance for commercial applications. Modified bitumen combines traditional concepts with modern polymers for durable, flexible membranes.

These systems last 15-30 years depending on quality and maintenance. Murray Roofing LLC's commercial expertise ensures optimal results for both commercial and residential flat-roof applications.

Green Roofing Systems

Green or living roofs incorporate vegetation layers over waterproof membranes, appearing on environmentally focused commercial and residential properties. These systems deliver environmental and economic benefits beyond traditional roofing.

Green roofs absorb rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff by 50-90%. Vegetation and soil provide natural insulation, potentially reducing energy costs by 15-25% while extending membrane life. Additional benefits include heat island mitigation, improved air quality, and wildlife habitat creation.

However, green roofs require specialized expertise. System weight necessitates structural analysis and often reinforcement. Initial costs run $15 to $25+ per square foot. Ongoing maintenance includes irrigation, weeding, fertilization, and plant replacement. Green roofs work best on flat or low-slope roofs with appropriate structural capacity.

Matching Your Roofing Style to Your Home's Architecture

Architectural harmony should guide roofing style selection. Colonial and Cape Cod homes suit classic asphalt shingles or slate, while ranch homes work well with metal roofing. Mediterranean architecture demands clay or concrete tile, and Tudor homes gain character from wood shakes. Contemporary designs benefit from standing seam metal or architectural shingles.

Consider neighborhood context and HOA guidelines. Consulting with Murray Roofing LLC's specialists ensures your choice enhances property character.

Climate Considerations for Your Roofing Style

Regional climate dramatically influences roofing performance. In hail-prone areas like Nebraska, Colorado, and Texas, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, metal roofing, and concrete tiles resist damage and may qualify for insurance discounts.

Heavy snowfall favors metal roofing or steep-pitched designs preventing ice damming. Intense sun exposure benefits from reflective materials reducing cooling costs. High-wind zones require wind-resistant materials—quality asphalt shingles resist winds exceeding 130 mph when properly installed. Murray Roofing LLC's regional experience ensures proper material selection for your location.

Budget and Long-Term Value Considerations

Smart property owners evaluate total lifetime value rather than just initial costs. Asphalt shingles cost $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot, metal roofing $7 to $12, tile $10 to $18, and slate $15 to $30+ per square foot.

Longevity dramatically affects value. Asphalt lasting 25 years at $5 per square foot costs $0.20 annually. Metal at $10 lasting 50 years costs identical $0.20 annually. Reflective materials can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%, and many impact-resistant materials qualify for insurance discounts. Murray Roofing LLC offers flexible financing and GAF Master Elite warranty programs, adding significant value.

Working with Professional Roofing Contractors

Professional installation determines performance throughout your roof's lifespan. Partnering with a GAF Master Elite Contractor like Murray Roofing LLC ensures superior expertise and comprehensive warranty coverage. Only 2% of contractors nationwide achieve Master Elite status.

Professional contractors identify structural issues, understand local codes, and prevent common installation problems. Murray Roofing LLC's process includes thorough inspections, quality materials, skilled crews, and comprehensive cleanup. Their A+ BBB rating and five-star reviews reflect excellence. Their Master Elite status provides access to GAF's 50-year Golden Pledge warranty covering materials and workmanship.

Additional Factors to Consider

Your roof's pitch affects material suitability, and proper ventilation impacts energy efficiency and material lifespan. Local building codes establish minimum standards, and HOA covenants may limit colors or materials.

Murray Roofing LLC's Master Elite status provides GAF's 50-year Golden Pledge warranty unavailable through standard contractors. Environmental considerations also matter—many materials incorporate recycled content and offer energy-saving benefits.

Making Your Final Decision

Choosing the right roofing style requires balancing aesthetics, budget, climate, and long-term value. Research options thoroughly and consult experienced professionals.

Request a free inspection from Murray Roofing LLC to assess your roof and discuss suitable options. Their specialists provide material samples, explain warranty coverage, and discuss financing. With locations serving Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, Denver, and Houston, Murray Roofing brings extensive regional expertise. A quality roof professionally installed will protect your property for decades.

Schedule Your Free Roofing Consultation

Murray Roofing LLC offers complimentary inspections with no obligation. Their experienced team will assess your property's needs, explain suitable roofing styles, and provide transparent pricing.

As a locally owned company with over 18 years of experience, Murray Roofing understands unique roofing challenges in each market. Contact Murray Roofing LLC today to schedule your free inspection. Whether dealing with storm damage, an aging roof, or upgrading your property, their team is ready to guide you with expertise and professionalism.