How to Choose a New Roof for Your Home

Pergolas

Asphalt is the most common roofing option in the United States. This material is highly sought after due to its low cost, light weight and easy installation. Asphalt shingles come in a full range of colors and textures. Asphalt is commonly used to replicate the look of more expensive materials such as slate. This roofing material will last around 20 years.

Clay (commonly referred to as Spanish tiles) is a beautiful roofing material that will add a sense of warmth to any roof. Weighing in at an average of 10.5 pounds per square foot, this roofing material is one of the heaviest and most costly. Clay tiles are very durable and will last homeowners an average of 100 years. The beauty of clay roofing does come with upkeep- it requires regular maintenance and must be hand washed to avoid damage to shingles.

Metal is the most weather resistant roofing option due to its ability to battle many weather conditions such as hail, snow, rain and fire. The most common metals used for roofing are aluminum, copper and steel. Metal roofing is so durable that it can be pressure washed, making for easy maintenance. Metal roofing is appealing to most due to its fire resistance.

Slate comes from natural stone making it a very durable and high-quality roofing material. Stone roofing can last homeowners more than 120 years if taken care of correctly. If a beautiful stone roof is something you are considering, there are a few things to know first. Slate can weigh up to 1,500 pounds so you must consult a professional to ensure that your home can take the weight of a full stone roof. Any cracked or broken slates need to be replaced as soon as possible, which means that regular inspections are a must. Any damaged slates that go without repair could ultimately damage your roof.

Wood roofing comes in two main forms- shingles and shakes. Shingles are thin pieces of wood cut from a machine. Shakes are cut by hand to give a more rugged and rustic appearance. They are cut thicker than traditional shingles which makes them naturally more durable. Wood roofing is the cheapest option with the lowest lifespan averaging about 20 years. Note that regular maintenance is required with this roofing material due to its vulnerability to fire and rotting.