Asphalt shingles are inexpensive and they’re very easy to install and maintain. Also, asphalt shingles are extremely durable and they can be used in almost any type of climate and location. Newer asphalt shingles are more resistant to inclement weather.

Due to advanced technology, newer brands of asphalt shingles have better resistance to moisture, algae, and have better resistance to fire. Additionally, asphalt shingles can be installed in residential roofs with complicated designs.

You can choose from a wide variety of asphalt shingles with different cool colors. It helps reflect heat and sunlight to improve the insulation properties of your home. Asphalt shingles are energy-efficient and it can help reduce your energy bills.

There are three types of asphalt shingles and this includes three-tab shingles, architectural or dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles. Also, asphalt shingles can last for 20 up to 30 years with proper maintenance.

The lifespan of asphalt shingles is also affected by extreme weather and algae growth. Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan when installed on flat roofs and low-quality asphalt shingles also have a shorter lifespan.

Also, asphalt shingles are excellent in reducing outside noise, especially noise coming from massive rain. However, the drawback of using asphalt shingles include cracking, buckling, and curling when exposed to extreme weather.

Asphalt shingles can be damaged easily when exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures. Despite the disadvantages, asphalt shingles are still one of the most commonly used roofing materials for many homeowners. They’re still an excellent choice roofing material for your home.

Strip shingles or three-tab shingles are made of a single layer and they’re one of the most affordable types of asphalt shingles. Three-tab shingles are lightweight and thinner as compared to architectural shingles.

Three-tab shingles are composed of a single shingle tab and a single shingle tab consists of three separate tabs. Most three-tab shingles are coated with asphalt to provide waterproofing features. They’re inexpensive and very easy to install.

Dimensional shingles or architectural shingles are more durable when compared to three-tab shingles. Architectural shingles are resistant to hail, strong winds, and algae growth. They also have better resistance to fire and they can be installed on any type of roof.

Architectural shingles are more expensive as compared to three-tab shingles since they have more advanced features. They’re easy to cut and install on any type of residential roof. You can choose between a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

Premium or luxury shingles are tougher and more durable when compared to three-tab and architectural shingles. They’re heavier since they are built on a heavier base material. They’re also manufactured using multiple layers of asphalt. This makes luxury shingles extremely durable and excellent residential roofing material. Even when exposed to extreme weather, they’re able to keep their shape and color. The multi-directional texture can imitate the traditional style of cedar shake and slate.

You can also choose different colors, designs, and styles of luxury shingles. However, luxury shingles are the most expensive type of asphalt shingles. This is an excellent roofing material despite its heaviness and price.

Clay tiles can enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. Not only are they resistant to extreme weather, but they’re also resistant to fire. Clay tiles come in different colors, styles, and designs. They’re also resistant to frost and salt.

They’re extremely durable and with proper maintenance, they can last for up to 50 years or more. However, you’ll need to make sure that your roof reinforcements are strong enough to hold the weight of clay tiles. They’re also an expensive type of roofing material.

Slate roofing is also a popular residential roofing material. Slate is a type of sedimentary rock and they’re composed of clay or volcanic ash. You can choose between different types of colors, patterns, and styles.

Slate can enhance the curb appeal of your home. Slate is also resistant to mold or fungal growth since it does not absorb water or retain moisture. However, slate is heavy and you’ll need additional roof reinforcements.

Cedar shake is also an excellent roofing material and they feature a natural appearance. They’re also fire-resistant and weather-resistant. Cedar has natural preservatives that resist moisture absorption and insect infestation.

When cedar is exposed to extreme weather, its color and appearance do not change. It can retain its original form even when exposed to prolonged heat. Cedar provides excellent insulation to your home.

It retains heat during the winter and keeps you cool during the summer. Cedar is also eco-friendly and they’re fully recyclable. Cedar is difficult to install and they’re extremely heavy. You’ll need additional roof reinforcements to hold the weight of cedar shakes.

Metal is another popular roofing material. They’re extremely durable and tougher as compared to other residential roofing materials. They’re easy to install and they’re lightweight. High-quality metal roofs can last for 50 years or more with proper maintenance.

Not only are they energy-efficient, but they’re environmentally-friendly and fully recyclable. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles. However, the drawbacks of using metal roofs include slow installation and they’re more expensive as compared to other roofing materials.