Aren’t sure which roofing system to go with for your home? You’re not alone. Settling on the right roof for you is the result of a tireless process of researching the options in your region and comparing them against price, durability, availability, and versatility. While cost is a major factor in many people’s decision to choose a certain type of roof, this isn’t the only option. You should also consider what looks best with your style of home, what material is most abundant in your area, and what kind of climate you have.

Steep Slope and Low Slope Classifications

All of the roofing options we’ll discuss below are classified into steep slope roofing; however, there’s another whole class of low-slope roofing membranes –  meant for weatherproofing and enforcement – such as built-up roof membranes (BUR), polyurethane foam (SPF), metal panel, bitumen sheet, spray-on roofs, and single-ply membranes. For the most part, though, the following roofing types are the most common for residential applications.

Asphalt

If you’re like most homeowners in the United States, you have shingle roofing. In fact, Bob Vila points out that asphalt shingles make up a whopping 75 percent of American roofs, thanks to their ease of installation, resiliency in all types of weather, recyclable nature, and affordability. However, don’t expect to get more than about 20 to 25 years out of them.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Wood shakes and shingles come in a variety of types, such as cedar, southern pine, or redwood, and often last between 20 and 30 years. Wood shakes refer to the rustic and rough-cut appearance of the wood while shingles are the smoother, machine-cut version. Got a cottage, bungalow, or ranch? This is a perfect type of roofing for you thanks to the quaint, natural look they provide. On the negative side, wood rots and splits as the years wear on.

Metal

If you’re looking for a long life span in terms of your roof, metal is the way to go. Metal roofs are not only durable but they’re versatile and lightweight as well. Naturally weather resistant, metal can keep the effects of anything from snow and rain to wind and hail at bay. Outperforming traditional shingles by three to one, metal has many benefits, including the ability to last 100 years or more. But they also have a couple of drawbacks: higher cost and lower aesthetic appeal.

Tiles

Whether you go with concrete or clay, tiles are perfect for the environment, as they keep you cool in the summer. The light colors indicative of tile do well to reflect the sun, providing unparalleled energy efficiency. They tend to outlast asphalt shingles by about 30 years, giving you an overall life span of 50 years. You will enjoy this type because of the spectrum of styles, colors, and textures available, allowing tile to resemble the look of any material you want but with a more affordable price tag.

The first step in your roofing selection process is to do research so you can avoid problems down the road. Killeen Roofing is one of the best options for homeowners when it comes to roofing, so be sure to start there. You’ll have access to professionals who have been in this business for many years and can advise you on the next steps.