New Home Builders Raleigh NC

Types of Roofing - Shingles, Shakes, Metal and More

How to Keep Costs Down and Appearances Up for Your New Home

Considering buying or building a new home?  The types of materials used in building your new home can make a major difference in appeal, versatility, maintanence, and cost.  Here are some of the basics:

Asphalt Shingles - Types of Roofing in New Homes

Asphalt shingles are the most common kind of roofing used today.  This roofing material is durable and affordable.  Asphalt shingles come in different thicknesses, and have different "year" rankings.   Most common are 20 year, 30 year, 40 year, or 50 year shingles.

Many builders use 20 year shingles, but others do not see the initial cost savings or green impact as a worthwhile prospect, and install 30 year shingles.  

The initial savings on materials is very low, compared to the cost of replacing all the roofing, materials and labor, 33% sooner.  Not only that, the longer-lasting shingles are a greener choice, because there is less waste produced over time.

Least common is 50 year shingles, which tend to cost three to four times as much as a typical 20 year shingle. 

There are two basic types of asphalt shingles - three tab and architectural or dimensional.  A dimensional shingle has a lot of color variation, and looks more like a hand-applied individual shingle than a strip shingle. 

 

 

 

 

Cedar Shakes - Types of Roofing in New Homes

Cedar shakes are visually appealing, long lasting, and low maintenance, but also pricey, depending on location.  They are also prohibited in some areas due to fire hazard.

Green builders should purchase only Certified cedar shingles, as noted by the Forest Stewardship Council. 

Cedar roofs can cost two to three times the cost of a 50 year asphalt roof.

Clay Tile Shingles - Types of Roofing in New Homes

Clay tile shingles were common at one point in warmer climates like Florida and California. 

A clay tile roof can be overlapping or interlocking, and has a lot of fireproof and durability qualities.  They don't absorb the sun's heat as much as other types of roofing.  However, a tile roof is not as suitable for a climate in the frost zone - they are prone to breaking, and water damage can also occur.  Clay tile has also become more expensive.

Concrete Roofing Tiles - Types of Roofing in New Homes

Concrete is very flexible, that is, before it dries!  A concrete roofing tile can be shaped to look like late, wood, or clay.  They last a long time and are good at reducing heat build up.  They do require specialized application, and are more expensive than shingles, but can be another option for a different look. 

Slate Roof Tiles - Types of Roofing in New Homes

Slate is a natural stone product, which must be mined and shaped into shingles.  They are often seen in black, gray, red, purple, and green colors.  Slate has a lifespan of 100 or more years with proper application - however, cost for a slate roof can be 10 to 12 times that of a 20 year asphalt roof. 

Metal Roofs - Types of Roofing in New Homes

Standing seam metal roofs are most commonly seen as accents for porches or overhangs in a home that is otherwise traditionally roofed with asphalt shingles. 

Metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt, and because it is not as commonly used, labor costs can be higher as well. 

However, metal roofs are low maintenance, durable, and highly resistant to fire.  Metal roofs can be a great green building option - most metal roofs have at least some recycled material, and aluminum roofs can be 100% recycled.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a New Custom Home in Raleigh, NC?

Cost depends on the size of the home, the amenities desired, and other factors - home and land packages can start in the low $200s. For a free building cost estimate, contact Stanton Homes, or call us at 919-278-8070. 

Just browse our Library of Favorite Floor Plans, or send us a plan from one of your favorite online guides like Houseplans.com, and we'll go over a complete estimate with you, along with any factors specific to your desired location.  

 

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Copyright 2009 by Stanton Homes. 

 

My brother flew in from Georgia today for a brief surprise visit for our mother's birthday. 

It was such a magnificent day, with temperatures reaching well into the 60s, that we decided to take a drive up the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway (the River Road to us locals) to check out the new Grafton Winery.

It did not disappoint. The winery opened in early December and is attracting and delighting new customers daily.

The well-designed facility offers expansive decks overlooking the Mississippi River. Glass doors on garage-style openers can be raised to create an open-air atmosphere throughout the building. 

We sampled a variety of wines at the tasting bar before settling on Harbor Red, a terrific blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Zinfandel that tasted of dark fruits and raisins as it opened up in the fresh air.

As a bonus, the wintering American Bald Eagles soared overhead around the bluffs and perched in trees, looking for fresh fish snacks from the river.

The winery is adding a Brewhaus later this year, so the beer drinkers in your group will be just as happy as the wine lovers.  Learn more by visiting the Grafton Winery's web site.