Just a couple of years back, there were only a few different roofing alternatives, like shingles, concrete, clay, and slate. Today, you can find a huge variety of roofing options to choose from, so there is a great many different roofing possibilities.

The global roofing materials market is growing to an astonishing $119.7 billion, with a yearly increase of 3.0%. When choosing a roofing material, your goal ought to be to have one that protects and waterproofs your home. Nevertheless, you can’t underestimate the impact that a roof can have on the appearance of your house.

In this post, we’ll offer you a thorough run-down of the most widely used roofing materials available in the construction industry so you can make a smart choice. All your existing roofing materials as well as new re-roofing jobs offer protection from water damage and wind impacts. We’ll talk to you about prioritizing factors such as your budget, the style of your property, and your own preferences so you can make an informed (informed) choice.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common types of roofing material, but statistics show that we overstate their significance. Over 75 % of American houses are covered in asphalt shingles, and the sector is predicted to continue growing to 136.9 million square feet by 2021.

Asphalt is one of the various types of roofing materials that’s quite affordable, accessible, simple to install, virtually indestructible, comes in a large number of colors, and comes with a warranty that lasts up to 40 years.

Asphalt shingles are available in two types, organic-based and fiberglass-based. Organic asphalt shingles are readily available from most sawmills at an affordable price and generally cost more than fiberglass shingles, which are heavier, sturdier, and more fireproof. Fiberglass-reinforced shingles are more durable, lighter, and more resistant to fire, but they tend to cost more.

Unlike many types of roofing materials, both asphalt shingles are constructed of numerous qualities. Beyond this, there are 2 categories: architectural shingles and three-tab shingles. Three-tab shingles are the most fundamental and popular model.

Architectural shingles are composed of two strips of shingles that are laid on each other and are an advanced improvement of the three-tab shingles. They come in a variety of colors, and you can choose muted tones reminiscent of conventional roofing tiles. For example, the blue-black laminate shingles will look like slate, and the tan laminate shingles will look like cedar shakes.

Cedar Roofing

Not many roofing materials share cedar’s high cost and hard installation. The abundance of opportunities to customize the texture and piney scent of cedar roofs make them an extremely popular choice for residential roofing. After all, it is wooden, which doesn’t offer much fire resistance, although some fire retardant can be added.

Cedar roofing materials have two major types, shakes and shingles. Cedar shakes are thick and rough, while shingles are thin, smooth, and give a more consistent look. Cedar shingle roofs achieve a graceful, low profile, and look clean.

Cedar shake roofs are more durable and traditional in appearance, which gives them deep dark lines. Cedar shingles come in different types of quality while cedar shakes come in four different quality options to select. The optimal roofing material will depend on the specific preference and budget that you have.

Slate Roofing Material

Slate is one of the very best roofing materials on the market. Although there are other roofing materials that seem like it, they are nothing like the real thing. Natural slate is one of the few roofing materials that’s been proven to be an excellent product since the seventeenth century.

Slate is extremely durable, mildew resistant, fire-resistant, and when installed correctly, lasts up to 100 years. However, slate is one of the most expensive types of roof surface materials, both in terms of the purchase price and installation. It’s heavy due to its own weight, so it’s usually best to work with a specialist contractor to evaluate the framework of your house to decide if it is safe to support that weight.

Metal Roofing Material

Metal is one of the most ancient forms of roofing materials and one of the easiest to maintain. Metal roofing has been making a comeback and is now increasing in popularity. Apart from its high durability, it is very easy to install, recyclable, and comes in a wide variety of colors, along with offering excellent assistance when snow and ice slide off the roof.

Many panels and metallic segments overlap long in a metal awning. They can be copper, zinc, steel, or aluminum, and the most common are corrugated panels and standing seams. The homeowners favor standing seam shades since nearby panels cover the fasteners.

There are several distinct types of metal roofing that emulate the old tiles of China has rooves. The International Building Code has established new types of panels in areas such as satellite imagery and walkways that look like rock, wood, or clay.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Clay and concrete tiles are most commonly used in Mediterranean-style homes. Sometimes, such tiles are called “flor” in Spanish. Because they are fire-resistant, wind-resistant, and energy-efficient, they are considered the best roofing materials for the building.

These tiles have various shades and textures and create various roof appearances. They come in a variety of different hues, such as rustic, graduated brown, smoky gray, and yellow cobblestone. Some tiles are available in smooth concrete, while other tiles have decorative and textured elements.

Clay, slate, and concrete tiles are good choices for roofing materials if you live in a hot climate. Brick is expensive and heavy, but it is installed seamlessly and lasts up to 80 years.

Synthetic-Composite Shingles

Synthetic composite shingles are a relatively new type of roofing substrate. They consist of plastic composite and have grown in popularity since they are fireproof, rot-proof, and fire-resistant.

This type of roof resembles shingles made from cedar and slate. When it is installed, the area beneath it is covered with asphalt or another substance to withstand the rain. These roofs are commonly called “imitation slates.”

Make Your Choice From These Types of Roofing Materials

Commercial and residential roofs typically contain unique materials, but these materials are constantly being improved. Selecting your roof depends on a variety of factors, such as the conditions where you live and your budget.

We may tell you what your choices for roofing are if you are interested in learning more about them. Also, see our list of articles to learn more about how we can assist you.