There are plenty of options when it comes to getting a new roof, but roofing shingles are still the most popular choice among homeowners. And while this sounds easy enough, there are even more choices that have to be made when it comes to deciding on the type of shingles. You have a budget, so you have to stay within a certain cost. You also want your new roof to last a long time. Of course you want it to look good. And if you plan on doing the job yourself, you need them to be easy to install as well.

There are primarily three types of shingles to choose from. And each of them has pluses and minuses. All have different costs, lifespans and looks. The good news is that all are durable, and will probably last as long as you live in your home.

The most popular choice for homeowners remains asphalt shingles, and it’s easy to see why. Consider that these are the least expensive ($15 to $25 per square), they are fire resistant, and come in many different styles and colors, and you’ll quickly understand why if you drive down any neighborhood street, you’ll find the majority of the homes are roofed in asphalt. As an added bonus, because they are lightweight and flexible, asphalt shingles are also the easiest to install. And durability is not a problem either, as these will last up to 30 years with proper care.

However asphalt shingles also have some drawbacks, especially if you live in a high wind area. You’ll find that they can be easily damaged in very windy conditions. If hurricanes or tornadoes are common in your area, it might be a good idea to look at other options. Asphalt shingles are also vulnerable to mold unless they are specially treated. And while they are durable, lasting up to 30 years, they are not nearly as durable as some of your other options.

Those are just a few of the reasons slate shingles are becoming more popular. Slate and stone are impossible to beat when it comes to durability. Chances are you’ll never need another roof as these will last a century or more. Slate will also give your home a more natural look, and of course there is a huge variety of styles and colors to choose from. Use slate, and you can have a home that looks different from every other house in your neighborhood.

So why choose anything else? Well for starters, slate shingles are extremely heavy. That means not every home can handle them. Many houses will need to have the rafters reinforced just to keep the roof from caving in. That weight also means that very few people will be able to install this roof by themselves. They will also break easily, so it’s best to have a professional do the job for you. And when you look at the cost, slate is out of range for most people. You’ll find these shingles will cost around $850 for 100 square feet.

Many people think the third option on our list looks the best. Wood or shake shingles can be absolutely beautiful. Treated cedar is the most popular, but you can also get these shingles in pine or spruce. In addition to looking good, shake roofs are not too difficult to install. And they will last about 50 years if treated properly.

But there are problems with shake roofs as well. The biggest one is that they are not fireproof. Not only is this dangerous, it can be expensive. In many places having a wood roof will cause your insurance costs to skyrocket. And while shake is not as expensive as slate, it’s still more expensive than asphalt. Chances are you’ll be paying about $250 per 100 square feet. Shake roofs also need more maintenance. If not maintained properly, the wood will rot, splinter, or mold.

Obviously there are pros and cons with all your roofing choices. Again asphalt remains the most popular because it can look great, last a long time, and is comparatively inexpensive. If money is no object, slate is a great choice. But no matter what you decide, if you don’t know much about roofing it’s best to have it professionally installed. You may end up saving money by not having to hire someone to come in later and fix any problems.

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