5 Most Common Roof Materials

One of the first questions that can come up when getting a new roof is what type of roof materials you should invest in for your new roof. Here are the most common roof materials currently being used on homes.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt or composite shingles are probably the most common roofing material for many homes. Asphalt shingles are an affordable and durable choice with many options where you can choose from a wide variety of styles and colors to find that perfect look for your home. The only drawback of installing these shingles is that the roof typically will last about 20 to 2 years based on the quality, installation, upkeep, and local weather events. However, an advantage is that asphalt shingles can often be easily repaired or replaced if a small area is damaged rather than replacing the whole roof.

Slate Roofing

Driving through any area with older homes, you’ll often notice that some still have their original slate roofs. Slate is an excellent material that holds up well over time and can eliminate the need for replacements in the near future. Still, it can be an expensive option for the initial installation. For example, in buildings where a slate roof is added later, additional framing is often needed to help support the heavy material, which can add to the cost. The cost of the material can also be more expensive per square foot than some of the other roofing materials available. However, slate can be a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s a long-term solution, fire resistant, eco-friendly, comes in various colors, and is a beautiful addition to your home’s exterior. Slate can last at least 60 years and has the potential to last 100 years. 

Clay and Concrete Tiles

When it comes to longevity, you can’t beat clay tiles in that they can potentially last for 100 years. Like slate roofs, clay and concrete tiles can be a heavy option and may not be suitable for all homes. Often, they can require the same additional framing to ensure that the roof isn’t too heavy for the home. These tiles add a nice flair and are typically popular in warmer and drier climates. They are resistant to growing mold and mildew. In addition, they don’t go through the same expansion and contraction that other roofing materials do because of the temperature. 

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is becoming more popular thanks to the variety of looks that can be achieved with metal roofs and the fact that these roofing systems can last between 40 to 80 years. In addition, thanks to design innovations, metal roofing can resemble other popular roofing styles, such as cedar shakes, while not requiring the same maintenance and upkeep. These roofs are easy maintenance but can be more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles and other options.

Not sure which type of roof materials you should use for your home? Contact us at Cheyenne Mountain today to discuss which roof materials would be best for you to install for your new roof. We can help you to go over your options to choose the best materials for your home and budget.