Your roofing system is one of the most important components of your home’s structure. Not only does it protect your home, personal belongings and family from all sorts of harsh elements and pests, it also plays an important role in your home’s aesthetic and your overall property value. There are many different types of roofing available for your home, each type offers a different set of strengths and weaknesses, aesthetics and durability. The type of roofing you choose to install on your home will ultimately depend on your personal preference, budget, material durability, amongst other factors. 

To help you select the right type of roofing for your home, we have outlined the 5 most common types of roofing below.

1. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is arguably the second most common roofing material used for residential purposes available on the market. Metal roofing is reliable, lightweight, and low maintenance. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly roofing options available. Your metal roofing system will provide 50+ years of protection as well as improve your home’s aesthetic appeal. To ensure your metal roofing is installed correctly, an experienced contractor should be hired to install your metal roofing system. A metal roof may be the last roof replacement you will ever need. 

2. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used today and they come in a variety of styles, with the most common being 3-tab and architectural shingles. Overall, they are durable, affordable, and fairly easy to install. Asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of shapes, dimensions and colours and are best suited for a wide range of temperatures. If you are looking for a roofing material that offers a high level of protection on a budget, asphalt shingles should be a consideration. Many homeowners and roofers are more familiar with asphalt shingles than any other type of roofing materials due to its popularity. Under intense sunlight and extreme temperatures, asphalt shingles roofs will last anywhere from 15 – 40 years depending on the materials used. 

3. Ceramic Roofing Tiles

Ceramic roofing tiles are another popular residential roofing material. They are highly durable and can last anywhere from 50 to 70 years. They have a high resistance to fading and fire. Ceramic roofing tiles are known to improve a home’s aesthetics. However, the downsides of tiles include unsuitability for fluctuating weather conditions like those we experience in Ontario. In our harsh northern climate ceramic roofing tiles will be vulnerable to erosion and due to their fragile state may be damaged by high winds, heavy snow and ice.

4. Slate Roof Shingles

Slate roof shingles are usually used for  higher-end residential projects and custom homes. They have a natural appeal and are resistant to fire and rot. They are low maintenance and have a 100-year life expectancy. Slate tiles come in diverse styles and colours, meeting your home’s architectural uniqueness and aesthetics. However, they are heavy and costly and must be installed by highly experienced roofers. It should be noted that slate tiles can break if walked on. 

5. Wood Shakes and Cedar Shingles

A wood shake provides your home with a classic look and feel, while still offering significant protection from the elements. They tend to weather and can change colour overtime, but many homeowners enjoy this change as it adds additional character to your home. Cedar shake roofs can be coated with fire-resistant chemicals to help reduce the risk of a fire starting on your roof. They also insulate well, helping improve a home’s energy efficiency and can last for 30 years. 

When it comes to selecting a new roofing material for your home, you have several options to consider and even though shingles have been the go to roofing material for a long time, it doesn’t mean you need to reroof your home with shingles. The price of metal roofing systems have come down over the past few years, and their longevity should be enough reason to look at a metal roofing system as a viable roofing solution for your home. 

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