Some home repairs can be put off indefinitely. However, repairing a leaky roof is not something you can afford to procrastinate. Similarly, curled, cracked, and missing shingles require immediate attention. If you neglect important repairs like this, they could lead to severe water damage that could drain your savings account.

As a side note, it’s important to recognize that roofing experts say a new roof’s lifespan can be cut by 20% if it’s installed over an old one. For this reason, when you have a new roof installed, you should probably have the old one torn off first.

In this article, we’ll briefly discuss the different options you have when it comes to the kinds of roofing available. Here’s how you can choose the best type of roofing for you and your family.

Asphalt Shingles

Still the most popular option among consumers, asphalt shingles blend looks, longevity, and price almost equally. They’re typically the easiest type of roofing to install, which means they save you money on labor costs. Alternative roofing materials like slate, metal, and tile can cost far more — as much as 10 times more in some cases. However, they do look beautiful, and they can last longer than shingles.

Asphalt shingles are made out of fiberglass, which is sandwiched between ceramic granules in asphalt. The fiberglass core provides strength to the shingles, while the asphalt is waterproof.

Since they are relatively light, low-cost, and easy to install, asphalt shingles are the best roofing choice for most homes. They come in manufactured sheets that you layer across a roof, thus giving the illusion of more expensive single-shingle roofing.

There are three main types of shingle roofing: standard three-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and multilayered architectural shingles. Three-tab shingles are the cheapest of the three, and they can be installed over an existing layer of shingles (just make sure it won’t void the warranty if you do). Architectural shingles are a step up in terms of quality, manufactured to look more like wood shakes, and more durable. Finally, multilayered shingles are the most expensive option, and they are more attractive and durable as a result.

Faux Slate Roofing

Faux slate shingles look like real slate, even up close. This is because of their composite material. However, they cost a lot less than authentic slate roofing since they’re built to last. It’s also considerably lighter than real slate: typically no heavier than a shingle roof would be, which means you don’t need to reinforce the roof before installation.

This fake slate is more slippery than the real thing, so if you live in a cold climate, you may want to install snow guards to keep sheets of ice from sliding down and hurting anyone.

Since it’s a manufactured product with a nailing strip, most roofing contractors are able to install it, whereas only a talented mason can properly install real slate. Manufacturer warranties are typically comparable to those of shingles, and they can be expected to last between 20 and 50 years. It may fade in the sun or crack under impact, so it should be handled carefully, even after installation.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing comes in multiple shapes and textures, and in the form of steel, copper, aluminum, or alloy strips. Copper is the most expensive option, but it can turn slightly green over time. In some cases, people find this transition appealing. Just like slate, metal roofing can be very slippery during the winter, so snow guards are a good idea here as well.

Steel roofing is prone to dents, but if the material is textured, it’s hard to notice. Metal roofs are also very loud during a rainstorm, which could be obnoxious if lack good attic insulation or you spend a lot of time upstairs.

One upside for metal roofs is their ability to easily reflect the sun’s rays, which results in a cooler home during the summer. Between this and its slippery nature, it may be the ideal choice for the warmest climates. Finally, you can expect a lifespan of between 50 and 100 years from a metal roof.

From conventional asphalt to modern faux slate and metal, these are the best and most popular roofing options available for most people right now.

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