Alise O'Brien
SLATE
Seen in many of St. Louis’ older neighborhoods, including St. Louis Hills, slate gives homes classic beauty and charm. A natural stone, slate is most often found in shades of gray but is also available in purple, green, and red tones, as well as a combination of hues. Dan Hagerty, founder of Old World Roofing Company, says slate is ideal for St. Louis homes because of its strength and longevity. As with tile, the durability of the material is in part because of its weight—100 square feet of slate weighs an average of 750 to 800 pounds—and, as we’ve seen, those sturdy older homes bear the weight well. Slate roofs have a lifespan of at least 75 years, he adds, with only minimal upkeep required for the first 50.
Alise O'Brien
COPPER
Copper is beautiful but also expensive— Patrick McNichols, founder of Innovative Construction & Roofing, says it costs about 10 times as much as asphalt shingles. But it also gives a home a look that ordinary shingles just can’t match. The soft metal is at risk for denting in hailstorms but holds up well against rain, sleet, and snow and can last more than 80 years. “There’s no maintenance involved with copper,” says Shawn Wittenberg of Duration Construction. “Once it’s done, it’s done.” Perhaps its most alluring quality is its change of color over time. A copper roof begins to oxidize during its first year, taking on an aged, elegant look; after 10 to 15 years, it will have developed the classic green patina. For those who love the appearance of copper but aren’t in the market for a full copper roof, copper accents are a nice compromise: Copper gutters, flashing, and chimney caps look great on just about any style of roof.
Alise O'Brien
TILE
Mike Walter of Vince Graye Slate & Tile Roofing points to the Central West End, Clayton, and University City as local neighborhoods with a rich array of architecture featuring clay tile roofs. The earthy S-shaped Spanish-style tiles lend roofs a touch of color. In St. Louis, the material is easy to spot in natural terra-cotta or rich green, but many more color options exist, including shades of red, blue, black, brown, and white. Walter says that older homes “were engineered to support a heavier load than modern homes,” allowing them to take a heavier roof material. (Note: 100 square feet of clay tile weighs 1,000 pounds, on average.) During the heat of the summer, clay tile helps cool a home’s interior, resulting in lower electric bills. In the spring and winter, it resists the effects of snow, ice, and rain. Tile requires little to no upkeep and won’t need to be replaced for 80 to 100 years. When maintenance is required, the original tile may be reused, Walter says, noting that it’s more often the flashing and underlay that need repair.
Alise O'Brien
CEDAR
Cedar shakes and shingles, used to impart a rustic vibe, are most common in West County, Frontenac, and Ladue, says Brian Teipel of Aspen Touch General Contracting and Consulting. Vince Mannino, president of R.G. Ross, notes that shakes are the more popular, less costly option. Shakes, thicker at the bottom, are hand-split, he says. Shingles, on the other hand, are machine-split, yielding consistency in size and appearance. Homeowners are also drawn to these materials because of their energy-saving capabilities. Teipel says that owners who switch from cedar to asphalt shingles generally see an increase of 4 to 8 percent on their energy bills. Properly cared for, a cedar roof can last as long as 40 years. The key to longevity? Application of sealant to protect against mold and mildew in the first five years of the life of the roof and a good power-washing 10 years after installation.
Alise O'Brien
SHINGLES
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material here because of their affordability; their light weight also permits quick installation. An asphalt shingle roof lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 years. McNichols of Innovative says that the grade of the shingles, the pitch of the roof, the degree of ventilation beneath the shingles, and the surrounding tree cover determine the material’s longevity. Asphalt shingles are available in a diverse selection of colors, including solid and blended hues. Homeowners who desire the look of a historic roof without the steep cost may opt for a shingle with the appearance of slate, tile, or wood.
