It’s time to replace your roof, which means it’s time to choose new roofing materials. Gone are the days when you had the same limited, basic options. There are dozens of materials to choose from these days. Here’s a guide to three of the most common.

What Are the Common Types of Roofing Materials? 

1. Asphalt

Asphalt shingles are one of the oldest and most common materials used in roof replacements. Made of a fiberglass base with an asphalt and mineral layer on top, shingles made from asphalt are suitable for most climates, and up-front costs are usually affordable. Roofing repairs for broken shingles are also straightforward. Asphalt roofs can last anywhere from 12–30 years. However, they aren’t typically designed to withstand high winds and have the possibility to crack in extremely cold temperatures.

2. Slate

Made from thin sheets of real metal, shingles made from slate are long-lasting and very visually appealing. Slate roofs are also naturally fire- and water-resistant, so they’re a very safe option for your home. The best part about slate roofs is their longevity; they can last 100 years, so they’re likely the only roof you’ll ever need to install. While you’ll probably never need to replace a slate roof, the upfront costs can be high, so take that into consideration.

3. Wood

Another very common roofing material is wood shingles. Typically made from pine, cypress, cedar, or redwood, wood shingles can be treated to resist fire and insects. This helps them last anywhere from 25–40 years with proper maintenance. If you install a wood roof, make sure to keep tree branches from hanging over your home, clean your roof and gutters regularly, and ensure proper ventilation in your attic spaces to get the most longevity from this material.

Trust your new roof to Risk Free Roofing Inspections in Acworth, Georgia. This experienced roofing contractor specializes in roof evaluations, hail damage inspections, roofing repairs, and roof replacements. They’re committed to 100% customer satisfaction and use only top-of-the-line products. Call them at (678) 508-3116 for a free estimate today.