6 Best Roofing Materials for Cape Cod Homes That Maintain the Charm
Charming roofing materials can be durable, too
Charming is a common description for the Cape Cod home design. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice durability in your Cape home’s roof to maintain its personality. Some of the best roofing materials for Cape Cod homes include asphalt, cedar shake, slate tile, metal, rubber, and composite materials. Let’s explore each roofing material to see how they stack up against each other.
| Material Types | Best Feature |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | Cost-effective |
| Cedar shake | Rustic look |
| Slate tile | Timeless beauty |
| Metal | Modern design |
| Rubber | Extremely durable |
| Composite | Mimics any design |
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are among the best roofing materials for cold climates, making them ideal for the Cape Cod home design that’s associated with New England. You do have to be on the lookout for ice dams in wintertime, though.
Asphalt shingles will last at least 20 years, which is a good performance level but still lags behind other options. You can select from a wide range of neutral color shades, allowing the design of your Cape Cod home to stand out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low price point | Prone to ice dams |
| Neutral colors | Can pop off in wind |
| Easy to install | Less durability |
Best for: Those who want a traditional roofing material
2. Cedar Shake
Rustic cedar shake or wood shake roof materials nicely complement a Cape Cod home design. They most often are made of cedar wood, but you can also use pine or redwood. They’re energy-efficient, which is helpful during cold winter days. They have an expected life span of 30 years or more, but you do need to perform regular maintenance. Considering the cost of the materials, installation, and ongoing care, the cedar shake roof cost is above average.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High wind resistance | Pricer than average |
| Insulative material | Requires maintenance |
| Good longevity | Could suffer rot |
Best for: Those who want a rustic design
3. Slate Tile
The slate roof cost can be quite high, as installation is challenging. However, the look of slate is difficult to duplicate among the other best roofing materials for Cape Cod homes. Slate’s longevity can be 100 years or more. Its timeless appeal matches its longevity, making it a perfect pairing with the beauty and charm of the Cape Cod design. You may need to reinforce the roof structure because of the added weight of the slate, which can drive up the cost. If you live in an area with significant hail, you could see damage, but slate doesn’t often come loose in strong wind.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional beauty | Pricey installation |
| Lasts 100-plus years | Needs reinforcement |
| Low maintenance | Possible hail damage |
Best for: Those who want a “forever” roof that looks amazing
4. Metal
If you want to add a bit of modernity to the classic Cape Cod design, consider adding a metal roof. You can select among materials like aluminum, copper, and steel, and you can pick almost any color you want. Metal reflects sunlight in the summer, keeping your home cooler. The metal roof cost is above average versus other options. However, it requires almost no maintenance, and it can last 40 years or more, providing a good value over time. Some people will prefer a more traditional type of roofing material with their Cape Cod homes, though.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly durable | Pricey to install |
| Modern design | Non-traditional look |
| Multiple colors | May show rust spots |
Best for: Those who want to add a modern look to a Cape Cod
5. Rubber
Rubber roofing is likely not your first choice when you’re seeking a roofing material for Cape Cod homes. It certainly isn’t going to enhance the classic charm of this type of home design. However, rubber roofs are extremely durable, easy to install, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, you don’t have a lot of design or color options when you choose rubber, so it’s difficult to match it to the look of your Cape Cod home. You could select a rubber roof that’s made to resemble cedar shake, but this simulated look tends to work better with composite materials.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly durable | Minimal styles |
| Easy to install | Unusual for Cape Cod homes |
| Eco-friendly option | Not a charming look |
Best for: Those who want maximum durability in a roof
6. Composite
When you want the look of wood shake, slate, or asphalt shingles, but you want a high level of durability, composite materials are the answer. Because they can resemble almost any roof design, you can use them to enhance the classic look of your Cape Cod home, or you can try to create a contrasting look. Composite roofing materials can last 50 years or more. However, the composite shingle roof cost is higher than any of the other options among the best roofing materials for Cape Cod homes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Eco-friendly | Very expensive |
| Create any design | Still a new material |
| Long-lasting option | May fade in UV rays |
Best for: Those who want a charming look with maximum durability
How Do I Choose the Best Roofing Materials for Cape Cod Homes?
If you still aren’t sure which materials to use with the roof on your Cape Cod home, you may want to reach out to a local roofing company for their advice. The roofer can suggest some roofing materials and colors that will fit in with your home’s design and your budget. The roofer may even be able to show you computer-generated photos of your home with different roof materials on it, so that you can visualize all your options.
When choosing a roofer, make sure that the professional can handle whatever roofing material you want to use with your Cape Cod home. Any roofer can install asphalt shingles, but other materials may require seeking out a roofer with specific experience.