So you need to re-roof your home. Where do you begin? Budgetary concerns, location and the length of time you’ll remain in your home, among other issues, all play a role in your decision making process. Some people don’t realize the neighborhood in which they live may actually dictate what can be installed on their roof. There are more than one homeowner’s association on Oahu that will not allow their residents within their community to install asphalt shingles – though these are often the most affordable option.

 

There are many options available for steep-slope roofing applications. The list below provides a broad overview of the options, but by no means is it a comprehensive list. Shoot us a note if you have a specific question or if a type of roof you’re considering isn’t on the list.

 

Asphalt Shingles (3-tab, architectural, designer, solar reflective, algae resistant)

 

Tile (concrete, clay, Japanese ceramic)

 

Wood (shake, shingle and tapersawn)

 

Traditional Metal (corrugated, standing seam, J-rib)

 

“New” Metal Roofing (stone coated, stamped)

 

Synthetic (shake and slate)

 

Thatch (natural, synthetic)

 

Slate

 

Obviously, that’s quite a bit to consider.

 

Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice on the islands; primarily due to their relatively low cost and low maintenance. Gone are the days of boring, 3-tab shingles being the only shingle available. Laminated (architectural) shingles are now the most common. Manufacturers also offer “designer” shingles with unique shapes, and heavy-weight shingles that provide nearly as much definition and character as cedar shakes (with a lower price tag). Additionally, solar reflective shingles are now available. They can actually help keep your home cool! Algae resistant shingles promise to keep your roof looking clean and you’ll avoid having those dark streaks that afflict so many roofs. (Go check your neighbor’s roof, you’ll see what I mean.)

 

Tile, whether concrete or clay, is also very common throughout Hawaii. In fact, there was once a tile manufacturing plant in Campbell Industrial Park. No wonder there’s so much tile in Kapolei! Japanese ceramic tile, known by its shiny, glazed, finish definitely has a presence here, but along with it comes a hefty price tag, putting it out of reach of many homeowners.

 

Of course, cedar roofs are the choice of many Hawaii homeowners. Entire neighborhoods are covered in cedar. It looks fantastic when new and many people love the gray, weathered, look cedar has after a few years of aging. Not all cedar roofs are created equal. There are several grades and levels of quality available. Beware of unscrupulous roofers or suppliers that may promise a certain quality, but deliver something less. Also be aware at the time of this writing, the price of cedar is skyrocketing and is expected to continue to rise. If you’re considering cedar, don’t wait long!

 

Traditional metal roofs have long been a popular choice in commercial roofing. These types of panels are typically roll-formed in a manufacturing facility or right on the job site and can provide a seamless panel from the eave to the ridge. From corrugated, on the lower end, to standing seam on the higher end, metal is increasing in popularity in residential applications. With metal roofs come long warranties and low maintenance.

 

Maybe a little less known, but rapidly increasing in popularity are “new” options in metal roofing. These metal roofs typically come in panels that are 1-2 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. They are installed on the roof in “courses”, much like shingles. These products give the appearance of shake or tile when viewed from street level but are often less expensive and require little maintenance.

 

Synthetic roofing materials provide a “green” roofing option as they are made in part from recycled materials, thus keeping waste from entering the landfill. Synthetic roofing is made to look like wood shake or slate, including realistic texture and natural looking color variations. Additionally, these types of materials are formulated to outperform their natural counterpart.

 

Thatch, both synthetic and natural, is present on the islands. Thatch is common in resort areas (think tiki bars). Natural thatch is extremely expensive and there are often issues bringing it into Hawaii due to environmental concerns. Synthetic thatch is more common but also quite expensive as its typically shipped internationally.

 

Slate as a roof covering has long been associated with custom homes. This too is another very expensive option. It’s quarried from only a few locations in the country. Due to this fact, slate is not commonly found in Hawaii, though is available to those that want to spend a small fortune. No doubt about it, slate is very appealing due to its color variations and texture.

 

If you’ve made it this far and have specific comments or questions to ask, please feel free to do so. And please come back often as we add content and build this resource.