by A. Smith

Created on: September 16, 2010   Last Updated: September 17, 2010

There are five main types of roofing materials: asphalt shingles, metal shingles, cedar shingles, slate, and tile. The kind of roof you choose will be affected by the climate where you live.

ASPHALT SHINGLES

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material because they work in all climates. They can be light or dark and are available in most colors. Some asphalt shingle packages cause a mottled effect.

Properly installed shingles should last at least ten years. Many types of shingles have long or lifetime warranties, but the warranty covers only the depreciated value of the roof and does not cover labor. Shingles will need to be replaced more often in cold and windy places. Ice damming along eavetroughs damages shingle roofs and can cause leaks.

METAL SHINGLES

Modern metal shingles come in a wide variety of styles and colors. Many of them look similar to asphalt shingles from a distance.

Metal shingles are much more durable than asphalt shingles, and have the warranty to prove it. A properly installed metal shingle roof should last you at least fifteen to twenty years, maybe longer. You might never need to replace your roof again.

CEDAR SHINGLES

Cedar shingles bring the beauty of natural wood to your roof. Cedar shakes can be used on more vertical roof surfaces which also double as exterior walls, such as Mansard roofs, which cover the whole exterior of a building's top floor.

Proper care makes more difference in a cedar shingle roof than in any other type of roof. A well-maintained cedar shingle roof can last as long as asphalt shingles. Both cedar shingles and shakes come already stained or painted to protect the wood. However, they are still subject to mildew and mold, especially in damp climates. Avoid cedar shingles on roofs with a low pitch.

SLATE

A gray slate roof is beautiful, sophisticated, and durable. It lets water run right off, so it is ideal for low pitched roofs. Slate is difficult to install on steeper roofs, and should be avoided on steep pitches.

Slate is also the most expensive roofing material. On the other hand, you will probably never need to replace your slate roof.

CLAY TILES

Clay tile roofs are nearly as durable as slate. They are often paired with a white stucco wall finish. This is a popular combination in sunny desert areas, because the white stucco reflects away sunlight. At the same time, the clay tiles are an excellent heat sink which naturally moderates the temperature of the building by absorbing heat during the day and slowly releasing it at night.

Clay roof tiles are commonly terracotta red, but can also be green or brown. Other colors are very difficult to find and will be expensive.

GREEN ROOFS

One modern roof option is the green roof. These roofs are designed to include rooftop gardens or self-tending plants. Green roofs absorb less heat, help clean the air, and improve air circulation in the immediate area.

Roofs need to have some flat areas to be made green. Depending on the climate of the area, this may also require special flat-pitch roof construction to ensure rainfall does not soak through the roof surface material and damage the underlying structure.

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