The Most Popular Roof Types for New Jersey Homeowners

Common Roof Types for New Jersey Residents

The shingles on your roof have to be able to withstand harsh weather and a wide range of temperatures when you live in New Jersey. The New Jersey weather fluctuates greatly during the year and the state definitely experiences all four seasons. Because our state is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware River, New Jersey has a fairly moderate climate. 

In the winter, New Jersey can be very snowy and cold while the summers are humid, wet, and warm. And, if you live here, you are well aware that the weather is partly cloudy here all year long. We can get a temperature range during the year from 26 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, the temperature can occasionally break these and go below 12 degrees and above 94 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If you need to replace the roof on your home, you may be wondering which shingles are most popular in New Jersey. Many times, the style of your house points to a specific type of shingle. New Jersey is part of the oldest area of the United States, so there are many homes and buildings here with unique architectural elements. From Tudor Revival to the Colonial home, building styles have influenced architecture on the East Coast for centuries. And, so the shingles that are used complement the architecture of these homes. 

At Allied Roof Solutions, we are knowledgeable of all the different types of shingles and we are experts at installing new roofs and replacing old ones. Our roofers specialize in all roofing aspects–inspecting, repairing, framing, and installing–for all roof types and styles. We can consult with you and guide you through selecting the best shingles for your house. In this article, we discuss the most popular roof types including the positives and negatives for each.

The Most Popular Roof Types for New Jersey Homes

Each house and each homeowner is different with their own needs and preferences. At the end of the day, you want your roof to complement the style of your home and be tough enough to withstand harsh weather and temperature fluctuations. That being said, here are some of the most popular roof types in New Jersey.

Asphalt Shingles Roof

By far, asphalt shingles are the most common shingles used not only in the New Jersey area but in the entire United States. These shingles are both reliable and economical. Asphalt shingles can also look similar to much more expensive materials like slate or cedar shake. These shingles are very durable when experiencing many years of rain and snow. There are 3 types of asphalt shingles: 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. 

3-Tab Shingles

3-tab shingles are the most basic of asphalt shingles. They are functional and affordable, lasting approximately 20 years and requiring very little maintenance.

Dimensional Shingles

Dimensional asphalt shingles are the most popular of the three types. Because of their dimensional appearance, they have a more interesting design than the 3-tab shingles. They are a bit more costly upfront, but they also are long-lasting, sometimes up to 30 years.

Luxury Shingles

Luxury shingles imitate the look of cedar or slate shingles but are much more affordable. This type of shingle looks great on period homes or homes that would look best with slate or cedar shingles. They are 3 times heavier than 3-tab shingles, making them extremely durable against severe weather, and especially heavy winds.

Pros of Asphalt Shingles

• Ease of installation - Easiest of all shingles to install
• Low cost - Asphalt is a less expensive material to make plus it installs easily
• Long life - Lasting from 15 to 50 years, with thicker shingles reaching the latter end
• Color and style selection - Unlimited color and style options allow customization
• 50-year warranty with Allied Roofing Solutions

Cons of Asphalt Shingles

• Require periodic maintenance - Need to be inspected often and repaired frequently
• Low insulation value - Doesn’t insulate well
• Environmental impact - Made from petroleum and fiberglass, which are not green material

Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes and shingles enhance the aesthetic appeal of any home. This type of shingle looks beautiful on a rustic cottage or an elegant French chateau. Older Tudor-style and Georgian homes typically have wood shakes and shingles on their roofs. Wooden shake shingles add a rustic feel to a house. Beyond that, cedar is a naturally insulating material that provides up to 2 times the insulation as asphalt shingles. Cedar shake shingles conserve heating and cooling energy and, therefore, save on your energy bills. Additionally, cedar shingles resist strong winds, heavy rain, hail, snowstorms, and other severe weather. 

Pros of Cedar Roofing

• Premium thermal insulation - Reduces energy costs
• Storm and weather resistant - Resist strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and snowstorms
• Long-lasting - Durable and strong lasting about 20-30 years
• Strength-to-weight ratio - Keeps the shingles lying flat and straight over time
• Beautiful aesthetic - Enhance the curb appeal and, therefore, the value of your home

Cons of Cedar Roofing

• More expensive than other shingles - Higher quality equals higher cost.
• Needs regular maintenance - Keeping the roof properly maintained will make it last

Slate Roofs

Slate is a beautiful roofing material that has been regarded highly by architects for centuries. It has clean and classic lines that are complementary to older historic homes as well as new homes. Slate offers a large variety of roofing choices. It is a durable and natural stone material that is resistant to extreme weather and climate conditions more than asphalt shingles are.

A slate roof can last well over 100 years because of its durability. Many times a slate roof increases the home’s value because of its durability and pleasing aesthetic whereas an asphalt roof does not. Because a slate roof is made of inorganic material, it doesn’t develop mold or moss the way asphalt shingle roofs do. Additionally, because the slate doesn’t absorb moisture, it is more resistant to damage from ice and freezing. This type of roof requires low annual maintenance involving checking for broken and loose tiles to keep it in excellent shape.

Pros of Slate Roofs

• Fire, ice, and mold resistant 
• Environmentally friendly
• Energy efficient
• More durable than a shingle roof
• Can increase the value of your home
• Long-lasting 
• Very little roofing waste in replacement and installing

Cons of Slate Roofs

• Very heavy and may require reinforcement
• High cost compared to asphalt or shake shingles
• Can require specialized installers
• Foot traffic can damage tiles

Metal Roofs

A metal roof is a much more energy-efficient material than asphalt shingles. This type of roof saves energy through the use of cool roof pigments and above-sheathing ventilation. The cool roof pigments reflect sunlight, lowering the amount of energy that is absorbed by the roof material. Metal roofs are extremely durable with an average lifespan of more than 50 years. Metal roofing is resistant to hail and high winds. There are many options when selecting a metal roof. Some specialty metal roofing even looks like shingles. 

Pros of Metal Roofs

• Longevity and durability
• Energy efficient
• Environmentally friendly
• Safety from fires and lightning strikes
• Beautiful aesthetic choices

Cons of Metal Roofs

• Higher cost
• Noisy during heavy rain or hailstorms
• Possible inconsistency in color matches when a repair is needed
• Performance issues if installed poorly, causing serious damage eventually

Contact Allied Roofing Solutions for Roofing Options

If you are considering a new roof, contact our team of professional roofing contractors for knowledgeable advice and consultation on the different available options. For honest and reliable guidance, call us. We serve New Jersey residents in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Somerset County. Call us at  (201) 773-0633 or complete the free roof estimate contact form to schedule an appointment. Let us help you choose a beautiful new roof for your home!