When you think of the roof above your home, you might always envision shingle tiles. Whether made organically from recycled materials or fiberglass coated with asphalt, shingles are the most common form of roof material for most residents. That makes sense given their styles, colors, and affordability. However, there are other types of roofs and good reasons why you might want them.
Slate
Slate materials have two huge advantages but also come with a pair of downsides. For starters, they don’t rot. The first upside to this is they just don’t let water into a home. The second thing is they can last up to a century when cared for. On the other hand, they are very expensive. Also, they break easily if walked on, so you might need professionals to install them and clean out your gutters.
Ceramic Tiles
This kind of roofing is perhaps one of the most aesthetically pleasing options to look at, especially if paired up with copper rain gutters. They get installed in a woven pattern that isn’t just pretty but also effective at keeping rainwater from getting through your roof. They don’t always deal well with lots of changes in weather, however. That’s why you might be more used to seeing them in Spanish architecture in more consistent climates.
Metal Roof
A metal roof is incredibly eco-conscious and very durable. So long as the metal doesn’t wear down, then this kind of roof will last you a very long time. Occasional repaintings are necessary, and installation is best left to professionals. However, this can create a very unique look for your home using a material highly unlikely to let water into your home.
Wood/Cedar Shakes
These might be a bit hard to install on some homes, but their natural composition is appealing to many homeowners. They look fantastic when done right. Also, their wooden nature means they are often an ecologically sound option in terms of manufacturing and use of the world’s resources. They even are thought to leave runoff water purer than asphalt or other artificial materials.
These are just some of the many options you have when it comes to putting a roof over your home. Asphalt shingles are still the top choice throughout the industry given their amazing balance of durability and cost-effectiveness. Still, if you want something different, they’re not the only way to go.