If you are having your house built from the ground up, or if you need to have your roof replaced, deciding on what materials to use for your roof is not easy. There are a variety of options available to you and you don’t want to make a choice based solely on price. We understand where you’re coming from, so we made this blog to help you identify some pros and cons for each roofing material type.

Asphalt Shingles

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Fire-resistant
• Least expensive roofing
• Variety of colors
• Installation is possible over an existing roof

Cons:

• Colors can fade quickly, meaning brighter colors will fade faster
• Can harden from cold, becoming brittle and prone to break
• Attracts mold and mildew
• Can blow off in high winds
• 15-25 year lifespan

Tile

Pros:

• Highly versatile stylization
• Burn resistant
• Will not rot or attract insects
• Best insulation for attics
• Lasts a lifetime

Cons:

• More expensive
• Can crack when walked on
• Adds weight to structural supports

Wood Shakes

Pros:

• Timeless and classic look
• Insulates the while house when installed properly

Cons:

• Expensive
• No defense against fire
• Can warp over time
• Susceptible to rot
• Cost more for insurance
• 15-20 year lifespan

Slate

Pros:

• Impervious to fire, rot, and insects
• Low maintenance
• Impact resistant
• Easier to repair than tile
• Can last a lifetime

Cons:

• Expensive to purchase and install
• Adds to insurance costs
• May require extra home support

Metal

Pros:

• Light and durable
• Untouchable by fire, rot, and insects
• Keep attics cool by reflecting the sun
• Cheaper than some materials
• Last a lifetime

Cons:

• Middle range price
• Noisy in rain or hail
• May show dents

As you can see, when it comes to a roof, there a wide variety of options available. When it comes to roofing, these pros and cons mean little compared to getting the look that you want. Therefore, take these characteristics into consideration, but make sure you pick the choice that fits your needs!