Get to know all the roofing materials available and which is the perfect type of material for your home.
Roofs dramatically affect how your home looks. But more than aesthetics, roofs provide shelter, and choosing the right kind of material for your roof could potentially save you money in the long term.

There are a number of roofing options available today and there is a lot to consider when deciding which type of roofing is best suited for your home. Who doesn’t want to make their house look its best? But the truth is, the appeal that a roof adds to your home should only be secondary to its primary purpose of providing shelter.
Choosing the proper roof for your home is determined by a number of factors:
- Square footage – The size of your roof which contractors usually measure in square footage of 10×10 foot square.
- The pitch – The inclination or lack of angles on your roof
- The shape or design – Simply designed roofs are easier to work with. If there are chimneys, walls, or skylights then the job is more complicated, thus more expensive.
- The support structure – This will greatly dictate the type of material you can use
Considerations in Choosing Roofing Materials
Different roofs, different needs. Although there are a lot of options available, different types of roofing are best suited for a particular home. It differs from home to home and each structure has different needs and limitations.
Have your roof inspected by a professional first, gather all the information you’d need to make an educated decision. Then use this as your checklist for determining the best-suited type of roofing for you:
Your Budget
Always make this your baseline guideline for any big home project such as home remodeling, roof repair, or replacement. Assess what you can really afford and make your decision based on the best options within your capacity. Get someone to inspect your roof and give you an estimate and then consider the overall quotation and make sure it’s inside your budget.
The Weight of the Materials
Make sure that your home’s structure can support the weight of the type of material you choose. Some materials are heavier than others, choosing heavier materials that your house can’t support could lead to damaging the entire structure.
Local Weather Conditions
There are materials specially suited for harsher conditions. If you live in an area that experiences snow, heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme heat – it is best that you consider using materials best-suited for the type of weather in your area.
Color or Paint
Roofs play a big part in your home’s curb appeal, its color is really a statement. Most materials come in different styles and colors, you should choose a variant that goes best with the rest of the house. Some materials need painting to protect them and lengthen their lifespan.
There is a wide array of variations you can choose from in each type of roofing material, it is best you discuss at length the style and color options you have with your roofer or supplier.
Maintenance
Research the maintenance requirements of each roofing material. This is important as this is really a question of how much resources and time you are willing to surrender to keep your roof in check. If you have less time to spare, then it could be best for you to opt for more robust materials to lessen the upkeep. If you do not mind spending time repairing your home then you can opt for lighter materials.
Different Roofing Materials
Asphalt
Asphalt is the most common roofing partly because it is inexpensive and reasonably easy to install. It is made from fiberglass mixed with asphalt, and sand as surface texture. Formed into shingles, it is available in different thicknesses and strengths. Typically the thicker ones are the strongest and could last up to 25 years or even more depending on maintenance and care.
Wood
Wood or wood shingles have been utilized for roofs for centuries and continue to serve homes well up to this day. Their limitation is only from areas that have strict fire codes that do not allow wooden roofs. Wood has a long lifespan of service which typically lasts up to 25 years or even more if painted or well-maintained.
Metal
Very durable but also expensive. Metal roofs could be lead, copper, steel, copper-and-asphalt, and aluminum. They are available as shingles which are typically made from lead, copper, and asphalt. They are commonly sold as vertical metal sheets that are installed by soldering and with roof nails.
Tile and Cement
Common in Spanish homes, tile, and cement shingles are very durable but also very expensive and heavy.
Slate
Slate is very durable and can last for a long time. Brackets and fasteners often give out first before the slate even shows any sign of wear or tear. Slate is also a heavy material and is very expensive.
Hire Roofing Experts
Whatever material you have your eye on, it is best you discuss your options with your designer, architect, or contractor. Work with people you can trust to have your best interest. Do not try to take on projects of this magnitude on your own, at the very least, get an expert to inspect and advise you on the best way to go about it.
Talk to a roof contractor and schedule a free evaluation now.
Quality Discount Roofing & Construction provides exterior services to homes & businesses including roofing, siding, gutters & insulation – Utilizing only the very best quality materials on the market today and provides each customer with a choice that fits their style and budget.
We have a team with over 209 years of combined experience in the leading residential & commercial exterior services and our goal is to always have each customer aware of each and every step of the roofing process to provide nothing less than a 5-star-experience.
At Quality Discount Roofing & Construction, you will be professionally catered to from start to finish while we offer you the best quality at the most discounted prices!
To get a free estimates roofing now, please visit our website.