Did you know that over 80% of U.S. homes have roofs comprising asphalt shingles? These affordable and durable roofs have a lifespan of up to 15 years and work well if you want to blend in with your neighbors.

They’ve fallen foul of environmental enthusiasts of late, though. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd, or avoid replacing your roof for a lot longer, there are many other options to explore.

Keep reading for more information on the types of roofing available for your new construction or residential roof replacement.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles have a natural look and sustainable appeal. They’re crafted from earthen clay, molded, and then fired for durability.

They’re ideally suited to warm climates and absorb very little moisture, making them a popular choice along the southern coastline and the desert.  

Clay tiles are a low-maintenance option, and one of the most durable types of roofing materials. Grade 1 tiles can last for up to 100 years. 

They’re colorfast and can withstand inclement weather well, although they can crack when struck by heavy objects, like tree branches.

Their fragile nature means they can break during installation, so you’ll need a specialized and experienced roofing contractor to install them. Since clay tiles are a particularly heavy choice roofing-wise, you might need to reinforce your roof structure to cope with the extra weight. 

These aspects all add up to high upfront costs for homeowners who opt for these types of roofs. 

Concrete Tiles

Concrete is a supremely durable and resilient material that is widely used in construction. The construction industry uses twice as much concrete as all other materials combined.

You can get concrete tiles in a variety of designs and colors to suit your home. It’s an excellent choice if you want to imitate the look of more expensive roof materials like slate. 

Concrete is cheaper than clay, but it can still last up to 50 years. Unfortunately, it’s another heavy option and readily absorbs water, leading to higher maintenance costs. 

Slate Roofing

Slate is a wonderful roofing material that has been a favorite among homeowners for hundreds of years. It’s attractive, durable, and natural and can last for up to 200 years.

Unfortunately, it’s not a practical solution for most modern-day residences and is best suited to classically styled homes. Few buildings can support the extreme weight of this type of roof.

It’s expensive and requires a specialized installation to avoid breakages, too. Since slate roofs are so rare nowadays, it’s difficult to find qualified contractors to repair a slate tile or shingle roof. 

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is another supremely attractive type of roofing material. It’s available in an assortment of colors and forms, like:

• Shakes and shingles
• Standing seam metal roofing
• Stone-coated steel roofing

All these designs are tough, impervious to impacts, and highly water and fire-resistant. They also provide exceptional UV protection.

Over time, even the toughest metal roofs will begin to show wear and tear, and untreated steel will rust in humid conditions.

You can choose from four types of metal roofing materials, namely:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Zinc

Of these, aluminum and steel are the most widely used, and aluminum is the cheapest and lightest of these two options.

Depending on the materials you choose, your roof could last 70 years, although they do require annual maintenance checks to ensure they stay at their best.

All types of metal roofs make a lot of noise during rain and hailstorms. 

Wood Roofing

This classic roofing option has been around for a long time. It’s an attractive option, particularly for homes with a rustic design, but it requires ongoing maintenance to remain at its best.

Wood roofing is also energy efficient, and durable, but all these benefits come with high upfront costs. If you maintain your wood shingles correctly, they can last up to 30 years.

Synthetic Composite Shingles

If you’d like to enjoy the good looks of wood without the hassle, this modern-day type of roofing is ideal for you.

This is an affordable, lightweight, and durable alternative to wood and offers the highest impact and fire ratings of all roofing types.

It’s easy to source this type of roofing material, and you can choose from a vast range of styles, including imitation slate and cedar shakes.

One of the biggest arguments in favor of composite shingles is that they’re maintenance-free and can last up to 50 years. 

Solar Tiles

Solar tiles offer all the benefits of solar panels, with the added benefit of an attractive, sleek appearance. They’re a durable and useful roof replacement option, too.

These miniature solar panels last as long as their larger counterparts do, i.e. around 20 years, and require almost no maintenance. 

This is by far the most expensive modern roofing option, but you’ll get your money back due to years of savings on electricity bills. You can also claim back 26% of your costs via the Federal ITC for 2022.

Types of Roofing for Flat Roofs

If your home has a low slope, you’ll find an excellent selection of commercial flat roofing systems available. These include:

Rolled Roofing 

Rolled roofing is affordable and quick to install. It doesn’t offer a great variety of color options and isn’t the most attractive residential roofing choice. 

This type of roofing usually lasts around ten years. 

Built-up Roofing

BUR offers good protection against UV rays, weather, and leaks. It’s an inexpensive and widely-available choice. 

Installing a built-up roof is a time and labor-intensive process, which can add to the cost of your roof installation. 

Membrane Roofing

Membrane roofing is affordable, lightweight, reliable, and easy to repair. It comprises EPDM, which is a type of rubber sheeting.

This kind of roofing isn’t suited to roofs with many roof penetrations like HVAC systems and chimneys, as this makes installation difficult, time-consuming, and expensive.

We’ve Got You Covered

Whichever of the above roofing options you prefer, including asphalt shingles, we can help ensure you get your money’s worth out of your roof installation or repair.

So, don’t puzzle about the best types of roofing for your home any longer. Get in touch for a professional consultation and a free quote for your roof repair or replacement.