Once upon a time, the vast majority of residential roofs was covered in asphalt shingles. However, times have changed, and now homeowners looking to replace their roofs have a lot of options to change the look or increase the durability of their homes’ roofs. Here is a quick guide to some common roofing materials and how to choose the best one for your home.

 

Asphalt Shingles

Most homes in the United States use asphalt shingles for good reason. They look good; they’re cost effective; and they’re available in a multitude of colors. Asphalt shingles typically are the least expensive roofing material available, and most will last for 20 years or more. A three-tab, or more dimensional asphalt shingle can create a lovely architectural look without a lot of additional expense.

Shake Shingles

These wooden shingles create a unique look on a home. Available in a variety of species like Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, and Eastern White Cedar, shake shingles vary in color and look great. After a few years, their color softens to a gray or silver. These shingles are more expensive than asphalt and require extra care when installing.

They need to breathe. Properly installed and maintained, shake shingles can last up to 50 years.

 

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are becoming a more common site in various parts of the country. The roofs are made of corrugated, galvanized metal and come in every color under the sun. They’re inexpensive, and used more commonly on barns or industrial buildings than on residential homes.

 

Ceramic

This gorgeous rooftop material is quite common in the Mediterranean, which means it’s also regularly found in places like Florida and California, which both boast a Mediterranean-influenced architecture. These roofs are heavy, so the home upon which one sits must be sturdily constructed. Installing ceramic tiles is labor-intensive. Between the expensive tiles and the additional labor, these roofs can cost three times more than an asphalt shingle roof. Though this roofing material is expensive, these tiles can last between 60 and 80 years.

 

For homeowners looking to replace a roof, analyzing the benefits of roofing staples is just smart. Look for companies that specialize in roofing supply in Atlanta to learn more about these roofing materials.