What is The Best Type of Roofing Material for My Garage?

There are a lot of options to mull over when redesigning a garage or building one from scratch.  There’s the flooring, the garage door, the storage space, windows, etc.  While the focus may be on the internal features of a garage, one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this project will actually be on the outside—the roofing material.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common—and popular—type of roofing material for a residential garage.  This is a cost-effective option for homeowners looking for both durability and aesthetics without breaking the bank. Asphalt shingles can be used on all common roof shapes.  They’re durable and have a lifespan that typically exceeds twenty years.  Because of its popularity, this type of roofing material is usually kept in stock at most roofing supply centers, which makes it an easy choice for homeowners looking to match their house. A few styles in which asphalt shingles can be used include:

• Gable roofs
• Reverse gable roofs
• Hip roofs

Composite Shingles

Sometimes, a garage isn’t so much an extension of your main house, but rather a small, extra workspace.  If that sounds like your situation, then you might not be interested in springing for something so expensive as a metal or asphalt roof. Composite shingles are an excellent option because whatever they “lack” in typical aesthetics, they make up for in durability and cost effectiveness.  Composite shingles are comprised of plastic, and while you might baulk at the thought of using plastic as a roofing material—think again.  These shingles will last just as long as a metal roof—up to 50 years—without the expensive price tag attached.

Roofing Membranes

Have you considered a roofing membrane?  They’re products that can be used to in lieu of shingles or other roofing materials that adhere directly to the roof’s surface.  The membranes are attached with nails, offering water protection and extremely simple installation.  Because roofing membranes are just that, membrane sheets, the cost is low.  It’s the perfect solution for a garage that doesn’t have much roof and you don’t feel like spending a ton of money on its roof, but still want to protect it.

Not Ideal Roofing Options

It’d be a broad statement to claim that the following are “not ideal” roofing materials.  For some, these materials might be a good option.  Generally speaking, however, there are a few roofing materials that should give you pause, especially depending on where you live.  Climate can play a huge role in your final decision, so you should consider your geographical location when picking out the best roofing material for your garage.

Clay or Concrete Tiles

These tiles can look nice (clay especially), but for a garage roof, clay or concrete might not be the best choice.  The reason being is because of their sheer weight.  Too much weight on a small structure like a garage can be dangerous.  For the average homeowner, the garage isn’t that large, so you might want to skip these options, even if they are fire-resistant and extremely durable.  Perhaps consider using them elsewhere, like on your main housing structure.

Cedar and Wood Shingles

Popular in New England, cedar and wood shingles are beautiful to look at.  For a garage, installing these shingle styles will sign you up for what could be some unwanted maintenance.  For some homeowners, the desire to match the main house in roofing material outweighs any negatives, so if you choose these shingles, you should be sure to inspect your roof every year in case it needs repairs or replacements.

The Best Roof for Your Garage

The best roofing material for your garage truly depends on you—the garage owner.  Here are a few guiding questions to ask yourself when selecting your material:

• What type of climate does your garage experience?
• Do you want your garage’s roof to match that of your main house?
• What features do you favor?  Durability, longevity, aesthetics?
• What’s your budget?

These guidelines will help narrow down which roofing material is the best fit.  There are multiple roofing materials out there that are of superior quality and features, so it’s up to you to find out which one will fit your personal preference.

Do You Need A Bigger Garage?

Do you have enough space in your garage? Are you thinking of building a new two or three car garage? Danley’s Garages is the most trusted garage builder in the Chicagoland area with over 100,000 garages built since 1959. Take a look at our custom garage packages in many styles and sizes. Get a free quote and speak to a product specialist today!