There are a wide variety of roofing materials to choose from. You can find one that suits your climate and accentuates the style of your home.

Regardless of the type you select, accurate roof measurements are essential. Anderson Roofing and Exteriors will help you determine how many shingle bundles you need. You can also use this information to estimate costs and budget for your roofing project.

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle on homes. They are available in various colors and styles, allowing homeowners to create a roof that complements their home’s design and architecture. These shingles are also durable and can withstand high winds and heavy snowfall. They also provide excellent insulation, which helps to lower energy bills.

There are two basic types of asphalt shingles: fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles have a base mat made of paper, waste material, cellulose, or wood fibers saturated with asphalt and covered with granules. Organic shingle base mats are usually made of recycled materials and contain up to 40% more asphalt than fiberglass shingles. This makes them more pliable and resistant to fire damage, and they offer a better class B FM fire rating than fiberglass shingles.

Both kinds of shingles have a lifespan specified by their manufacturer. 3-tab shingles live the shortest, while architectural and luxury shingles can last up to 30 years or more under the right conditions.

While there are some advantages to using asphalt shingles, these shingles do require some maintenance and upkeep. They need to be checked regularly for moss and algae growth and replaced as required after severe weather. Additionally, asphalt shingles are less environmentally friendly than other roofing materials since they are manufactured from petroleum and fiberglass.

The good news is that more manufacturers are producing energy-efficient versions of these shingles, so getting the benefits of an asphalt roof with less environmental impact is possible. Many of these shingles are made with reflective materials that help to reduce the amount of heat the shingles absorb from the sun.

Regardless of which type of shingle you choose, it is important to have the right number and quality to protect your home. The best way to ensure you have enough shingles is to ask your roofing contractor for advice on how much shingle area you need. They can also advise you on the best shingle types for your area and climate.

Wood shingles provide a rustic, cottage-esque aesthetic to a home. Though they’re not as well suited for rainy climates as other roofing materials, well-cared-for wooden roofs can last for decades. Some homeowners enjoy how they fade over time, giving their home a weathered look that adds charm.

Depending on the region, different types of wood are used for roofing and siding. The most popular type of wood shingle is cedar, with wallaba and teak being common choices. Cedar and wallaba shingles offer a timeless appeal, while teak adds a more exotic flavor to homes with a contemporary style.

A wood shingle can be sawn or split, offering a more rugged, natural appearance. Shake shingles can be hand split or sawn, and the finished product can be left rough on one side (handshake) or sawn on both sides for a more tailored look (taper sawn). A high-quality shingle should be cut perpendicular to the tree’s growth rings.

Its color and grain pattern can further distinguish the quality of a wooden shingle. Colored shingles are often stained or treated to enhance their durability. However, the appearance of a shingle will be more affected by the climate, installation quality, and maintenance schedule.

While they’re a beautiful choice for many regions, wood shingles require more upkeep than roofing materials. They must be treated annually to maintain their water and fire resistance and should be cleaned at least once a year. They’re also heavier than other shingles, making them unsuitable for some structures.

Slate is an alternative to wood shingles, offering the same elegant, old-fashioned look that many homeowners desire. Slate is extremely durable and weather-resistant, and it’s not uncommon for a well-maintained slate roof to last for a century or more. While it’s more expensive than a wooden shingle, it can save money in the long run by lowering energy costs. Slate is not as easy to install as other shingles and must be carefully cut by a skilled tradesperson. It is also a heavy material to ship and transport.

Clay roof tiles are an old-fashioned roofing material that can add a rustic charm to any home. They are usually associated with Spanish architecture but can be used on other styles of homes. They are highly durable and energy-efficient. They help keep heat in the house during warm and out during cold weather, lowering your heating and cooling bills. They also protect against rain, frost, wind, and the sun’s UV rays. Unlike asphalt shingles, they do not lose color and can last decades.

A clay tile roof is more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof, but it is worth the investment in terms of increased home value. This type of roofing is a good choice for homeowners who want to build a new home or are redoing their current roof. Finding a roofing contractor with experience installing clay tile is important. It is best to hire a pro who has worked on several different types of houses or historical buildings.

Concrete roof tiles are another good alternative to asphalt shingles. They are available in various colors and patterns to match any architectural style. They are also easy to maintain and add a unique look to any home. They are a great choice for people in hot or humid climates, as they can resist mold and mildew better than asphalt shingles.

While it is possible to install a concrete roof on a home with an existing structure, it is better to rebuild the entire roof with this type of roofing to achieve its maximum potential. This is because the existing roof may not be able to support the weight of the tiles. Replacing wood shingles with cement is also recommended, as they are more fire-resistant than wooden ones.

While clay tiles are more durable than other roofing materials, they can still deteriorate with age. This can lead to structural damage, so it is crucial to have your roof regularly inspected and repaired.

Slate is one of the most beautiful roofing materials available, and it has a natural, timeless appeal that complements classic homes from the 19th century and modernist houses built in recent years. Its beauty is only surpassed by its durability and longevity, however. It can last a century or more when it is properly maintained, and it can also add tremendous value to a home.

While it can be expensive, slate is an excellent investment, providing significant savings over the roof’s life. However, it is important to select the right roofer for the job. Slate is heavier than asphalt shingles, requiring a special skill set not all roofers possess. If a roofer is not experienced with working with slate, mistakes can be made that will be costly to correct.

In addition, slate is sensitive to temperature changes and must be installed correctly to prevent damage. Roofers unfamiliar with these issues can cause problems requiring a roof replacement or repair much sooner than necessary.

Most slates are cut into standardized shingle sizes, but they can also be cut into different shapes to form geometric patterns and create other designs. These patterns can add texture to a house and even serve as a way to hide an unsightly chimney or vent.

While slate is a good choice for homeowners interested in a more traditional look, it is also possible to use synthetic slate on modernist buildings and homes. Synthetic slate is manufactured from petroleum-based materials and cast from authentic slate, and it can be recycled as a roofing shingle at the end of its useful life. Most synthetic slates are produced with non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials and contain advanced ultraviolet inhibitors to reduce wear.