Roofs today are more than just a functional way to protect your home; for many homeowners, they're also a statement piece. With the variety of textures and styles that are on the market today, most roofers can match the aesthetics of a customer's roofing selection seamlessly into the design of the home.
That being said, which type of material is right for your house? Whether you've got a contemporary or traditional look for your home, choosing the right type of material to go with your house is about more than just making sure that it's protected the right way, it's also about ensuring that your home maintains a consistent look for years to come.
Check out the materials that are listed below and contact your local roofing company with any questions you may have concerning your next roofing installation.
Asphalt
By far, one of the most popular choices for roofing materials today is asphalt. This composite form is used in over 80% of homes in America, precisely because it's very inexpensive to install and easy to maintain for the average homeowner. It also provides an incredibly long and stress-free life; most asphalt roofs can last about 20 years. The major downside to it is that individual shingles will need to be replaced over time, and aside from most of the items on this list, it generally comes with only a few standard colors and textures.
Metal
Normally reserved for commercial buildings, metal roofing installations are passing over into the residential market because are extremely durable and because manufacturers have found a way to change the appearance of them to the individual homeowner. Today, you can have a metal roof that almost looks like natural wood (if you desire) but one that can also be extremely energy efficient as well. These tend to last longer than asphalt roofs as well, which means what you choose metal for your roof, you most likely won't have to pick another one for a while.
Slate
If you truly want a roofing installation that can stand the test of time, look no further than slate. This type of material is extracted straight from the ground and placed almost directly onto your roof, and if it's lasted in the earth for hundreds of years, you know little last for a few hundred more on your roof as well. There are two types of slate: soft and hard. Soft slate usually lasts around 75 years but pales in comparison to hard slate, which is rumored to last up to 200 years.
If you need a second opinion about which material to get, contact a roofing installation company.