Whether you use your detached garage for parking your car or you use it for storage, the entire structure needs to be able to protect what’s inside. This means the exterior needs to be in good condition.
If your garage’s roof is starting to age, it may be time to consider a new one.
While roofing isn’t the most affordable house material on the market, there are several garage roofing options that are both durable and budget-friendly, so you don’t have to choose between your wallet and providing protection for your garage.
1. Metal
When it comes to durability, you won’t get much better than metal. Comparing metal roofing with other materials, metal tiles give the longest-lasting, most durable roof for the cost.
You can expect to pay around $300 per square for the least expensive metal tiles — more decorative versions get pricey, at around $1,000 per square.
A metal roof will last up to 50 years or more. Keep in mind that you still want your detached garage’s roof to match the roof on the rest of your home.
In addition, metal tiles can be heavy, so make sure your garage roof is strong enough to hold them.
2. TPO
If your detached garage’s roof is flat or has a very low pitch, TPO — thermoplastic polyolefin — roofing is one option. This single-ply rubberized roofing system stretches tightly across your roof.
For flat roofs, it’s one of the longest lasting, giving up to 40 years of performance. TPO costs around $450 per square, or 100 square feet, and does a good job of holding up to rain and the elements.
TPO is often white or light-colored in appearance, so it will give your garage a more contemporary look.
This is a good roof to consider if your home is modern in appearance.
3. Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based option for flat garage roofs. These roofs, which cost around $300 per square, have a classic flat-roof appearance, with a dark-colored body.
They last about 15 years on average, and they’re a good choice if your property is traditional in appearance, and you need your detached garage to blend in rather than stand out.
For the cost alone, bitumen is one of the first choices for garages and outbuildings, so if you have other flat-roofed structures on your property, roofing your garage with this would help create a cohesive look.
4. Asphalt Shingles
If your garage is attached to your home, it likely has a similar roofline and should use the same roofing material as the rest of your home.
Likewise, if your detached garage has the same type of roofline as the rest of your home, its roofing needs to match the style and material.
Since asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials around, there’s a good chance this is what you’ll need to use.
Asphalt shingles come in a lot of colors and styles. They may last around 30 years on average, and they cost around $210 per square for basic shingles.
5. Clay
Another option to consider for your detached garage is clay tiling — especially if you have a roof with a moderate pitch, and your home has a clay roof.
Expect a range of associated costs, but if you opt for a clay composite, you can find tiles for around $300 per square — this will let you match more expensive clay tiles on the home nearby for less.
Well cared for, a clay-tile roof can last up to 100 years or more, but you will need to consider whether your garage roof can handle the tiles’ weight before moving forward.
Learn about how much a clay roof costs.
Protect Your Garage
A good roof is the first step to protecting a garage from the elements. A good roof will also help improve your property’s curb appeal, whether the garage is detached or not.
Consider these five options for a durable and budget-friendly roof for your garage, and make sure that your belongings get the protection they need.
