Finding the right roof for your home depends on multiple factors. From your climate to the pitch of your roof, and of course, your budget, you get a new roof for multiple reasons. Consider the different roofing types and which options might work the best for your budget. From traditional asphalt shingles to metal roofs, there are plenty of choices when it comes to replacing your roof.

Roofing Types

To understand the differences between your roofing options, it’s important to know why various composite materials are better for different roof types. And you should know how they might impact your bottom line. Even if you’re replacing a roof that’s a certain style, you may find that it’s better to consider a different option this time around.

Asphalt Roofs

Asphalt shingle roofs are standard for most new home builds in the United States. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install. As a result, these roofs are ideal for most contractors and homeowners.

And asphalt roofs come in many colors and styles to coordinate with a broad taste in decor, as well as construction style. Additionally, you can find asphalt shingles that are reinforced with fiberglass or cellulose. This doesn’t change shingle appearance but does provide extra strength for withstanding the elements.

However, asphalt doesn’t last as long as some of the other roof types that we’re going to look at. So while it’s cheaper at the outset, it could end up costing you more in replacement costs over the long run.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are a very attractive roofing option. These roofs are aesthetically pleasing and available in different designs to appeal to your decorating and house style. And they’re also very durable.

Metal roofs come in tin, copper and other composite metals to coordinate with your home’s color scheme. As you might expect, metal roofing varies in expense from metal type to type however, it is typically considered to be one of the most expensive roofing types. And with prices at up to several hundred dollars per square, you may agree.

The benefits of metal roofs cannot be overstated. For the price, you’re getting an incredibly durable roof. In fact, metal roofs often last at least half a century, if not much longer. Furthermore, metal roofing is one of the most environmentally-friendly option as squares are recyclable once you finish with them.

Slate Roofs

Slate is incredibly beautiful and a much less common roofing type than asphalt or metal. With its distinctive coloring and compatibility with Colonial and chateau style homes, you may not be able to live without slate if you’re going for a certain aesthetic.

For its rarity and complex installation, the slate is prohibitively expensive for many homeowners. The slate itself easily costs over a few hundred dollars a square. Also, you have to consider the extra framing and professional installation costs associated with this roofing type.

For all that effort, slate roofs do reward with very long life. Some roofs stay intact for up to a century. Slate roofs are incredibly durable and eco-friendly. And these factor important considerations for long-term thinking.

Tile Roofs

Tile roofs, made from clay or concrete tiles, are another popular roofing option in certain parts of the world. Tile roofs coordinate particularly well with Mediterranean and Southwestern style homes. But they can be used in many contexts.

Tile roofs are ideal for warm environments because they’re long lasting and durable. And concrete tiles even provide the added benefit of energy efficiency. They are more involved than some other roofing types and require additional framing to install, in most cases.

Tile roofs are of a middling price. And you can expect a tile roof to last roughly 40 to 50 years, if well cared for.

Wood Roofs

Wood roofs are an attractive option that works well for old-style homes like bungalows, cottages and Tudor homes. Wood roofs come in shingles and shakes, which can be coordinated to your home style accordingly.

Wood roofing is a fairly inexpensive roofing option, making it desirable for homeowners on a budget. You can expect your wood roof to last about 25 years.

But if you live in an area that is prone to fires, building codes may prohibit the use of wood roofing. Look for roofing that is Class A fire-rated. This rating means the shingles have been treated with fire-resistant material for safety.

If you’re looking to replace your roof, consider your budget and what materials it allows for. On the cheaper end of the spectrum are asphalt and wood roofs, which only last for a few decades. At the other end, you have metal and slate roofs, which can last nearly a lifetime. Consult with a roofing expert to make an educated decision. Plus, a roofing service can properly install your roof so you get the most from it.

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