There are 4 main types of sloped roofing systems

1. Asphalt Roofing
2. Metal Roofing (Panels or Shakes)
3. Synthetic Roofing
4. Cedar Shakes

Asphalt

• Pros

  • Cheapest roof

  • Last 20-30yrs

  • Easy to repair

  • Easy to walk on

  • Easy to tie additions into

  • Provide good wind resistance

  • Proven for the last 50yrs

  • Many colors and types available

  • Local company reps on the island

• Cons

  • Moss growth

  • Branches and debris can cause roof to degrade prematurely

Synthetic Roofing

• Pros

  • Provide great longevity 50+yrs

  • Awesome looking products

  • Keep their appearance for the longest of all products

  • Some of the best warranties 

  • Awesome as replacement to cedar shakes in communities that require shakes such as Crown Isle

• Cons

  • The most expensive options

  • limited supplies (all special order)

  • Limited track record

  • Few local jobs

  • usually limited colors and styles

Metal Panels and Shakes

• Pros

  • One of the longest lasting materials available

  • Snap lock panels have excellent wind resistance

  • Nothing can grow on roof

  • Great Looking

  • Many different colors available

• Cons

  • Price (2x+ cost of asphalt roof)

  • Condensation can be an issue 

  • Paint can be effected on roof close to salt water

  • Paint colors degrade and change over time

  • Metal shakes have potential to blow off in high wind areas

  • Warranties are all paint only

Cedar Shakes

• Pros

  • Look great when first installed

  • Supports local businesses

  • Last 20+yrs when properly installed

  • Can be installed over strapping without sheeting

• Cons

  • One of the most expensive options

  • Bad shakes can cause roof to prematurely fail

  • Moss growth can eat through shakes

  • Extremely slippery

  • Very difficult or impossible to fix after the first couple years

  • Look bad over time

  • Very flammable