Types of Residential Roof Materials

Asphalt – The most popular type of residential roofing material is asphalt.  Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive and easy to repair.  They have a relatively short lifespan from 15 to 30 years though there are 50 year shingles available.  Asphalt shingles come in a large variety of style and color and are fire resistant.  Asphalt shingles are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.  A lot of homeowners will take on the task to roof their house themselves though professional installation is recommended.

Wood Shake – Wood shake roofs can last from 30 to 50 years with proper maintenance.  Cost is more than asphalt but less expensive than most other residential roof covering options.  They also need to be professionally installed.  Colors are obviously very limited.  Wood shakes are also, of course, not fire resistant like all the other types of roofing material discussed here.  Another downfall of wood shake is they are vulnerable to pests such as termites.

Metal – Metal roofs can last for 50 years or longer.  Metal roofs include copper, tin and aluminum.  They are very low maintenance and are durable.  The cost, however, can be quite expensive and metal roofs need to be professionally installed.

Clay – This type of roof covering can last 40 to 50 years or better.  Clay tile come in a variety of textures and earth tones.  This type of roof is heavy so the roof framing must be able to handle the load.  Also, the clay tiles are fragile especially when walked on.  They also need to be professionally installed.

Slate – Slate is the costliest of all roofing material and can last for 30 years or more.  This type of roof is also heavy so the roof framing must be able to handle the load.  Like the metal roof, slat is very low maintenance and is extremely durable.  Colors are limited.  Slate roofs are more popular in colder climate areas because they shed ice and snow better than the other types of roof covering.

Regardless of what type of roofing material you choose, if you do not maintain your roof properly the life expectancy can be significantly reduced.  A failing roof can cause many problems and become costly if interior water penetration occurs.