| Other than the foundation, the roof is arguably the | | | | copper. While new finishes eliminate rusting and |
| most important physical element of your home, | | | | fading, metal roofs can dent in hailstorms. Copper |
| sheltering you and your belongings from rain and | | | | roofing can last for one hundred years, but are |
| inclement weather. When choosing roofing materials | | | | typically higher in price than other metals. |
| for your home, you should take into consideration | | | | Wood |
| the local climate; some materials perform much | | | | Cedar is the most common type of wood shingle, |
| better in hot, dry climates, while others are designed | | | | though pine and spruce are also sometimes used. |
| specifically to weather cold and rain. Some materials | | | | Less durable than other roofing types, cedar lasts the |
| work better on roofs with a steeper pitch, or slope, | | | | longest at around thirty years. Wood shingles fade |
| since they are designed to allow water to run in one | | | | over time to a soft gray color. While the initial price |
| direction; tiled roofs benefit from a more pronounced | | | | for wood shingles may be lower than other types, |
| angle, for instance. Generally, there are five basic | | | | installation costs make up the difference and then |
| roofing material types: asphalt, metal, wood, slate, | | | | some. Wood shingles are one of the most expensive |
| and tile. Each of these has advantages and | | | | type of shingles to install, due to the finesse required |
| drawbacks, so careful selection is necessary. | | | | to do it properly. |
| Asphalt | | | | Slate |
| The most common type of roof, asphalt shingles | | | | Usually the longest-lived type of roof, slate shingles |
| combine durability with low cost. Easy to install, they | | | | can last up to one hundred years. The variety of |
| are suitable for a variety of roof pitches, though | | | | colors and designs make slate shingles a beautiful |
| they are not the best choice for flat roof surfaces. | | | | choice, but you’ll pay for the curb appeal. Slate |
| Asphalt shingles are available in two types, fiberglass | | | | shingles can cost as much as four times as other |
| and organic. Fiberglass shingles are supported by a | | | | roofing materials. |
| reinforcing fiberglass structure and coated with hard | | | | Tile |
| asphalt. Lighter than organic shingles, the fiberglass | | | | Available in concrete, rubber, and clay, tile roofing |
| shingles are more resistant to fire and provide better | | | | varies in cost depending on the materials used. |
| results in warm climates. Organic shingles are based | | | | Weight concerns may rule out this type of roofing |
| around a mat made of cellulose fiber, and require two | | | | for your home, as it is one of the heaviest materials. |
| coats of asphalt, the first a softer base for a second | | | | Tile offers durability, lasting around fifty years in |
| hard asphalt finish. Organic shingles stand up well to | | | | some cases. |
| weather and remain more flexible even under | | | | Whichever type of roof you select, find a contractor |
| freezing conditions, making them more suitable for | | | | who understands the climate and will work with you |
| Northern climes. For flat or nearly-flat roofs, asphalt | | | | to ensure that your roof is durable and practical. |
| roll roofing is a better choice than shingles, since it is | | | | Weigh the initial costs against the expected life of |
| designed to work on roofs with little or no pitch. | | | | the roof, and consider intangible benefits such as eye |
| Metal shingles | | | | appeal, which can make a significant difference if you |
| Attractive and durable, metal shingles are a | | | | choose to sell your home in the future. It’s |
| moderately priced alternative to asphalt. Metal is one | | | | worth a little more time and money to get a roof |
| of the lightest roofing options, and is available in a | | | | that protects your belongings and adds to the value |
| variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and | | | | and appeal of your home. |