Roofing: Which Type is Right for Your Home?

Remodeling and renovating your home is always a fun endeavor. It allows you to explore new and fascinating ideas. This is particularly true when it comes to the exterior of your house. Remodeling is commonly done on the interior of many people's homes, but it seems that the only time the exterior gets a makeover is when it becomes a necessity. Picking new looks for the outside of your house can be very exciting and interesting. Roofing is one of the few exterior building projects that allow a great level of creativity. There are many types of shingles available on the market today. The type you choose is dependent on the budget you have in mind, the existing style of the building, and your personal taste.

Three Tab
Three tabs are probably the most affordable. They come in a very wide variety of colors and are made of asphalt. This is the type of roofing that you have likely seen while driving through the suburbs at any point in time during the last few decades. They are often seen in black, but they also come in shades of gray, tan, green, red, and even blue.

Architectural
Architectural's are very similar to three tabs in that they are made of asphalt and offer a similar level of protection. Some of the newer varieties offer a longer warranty and better energy efficiency.

Lifetime
The lifetime line is considered designer roofing. This type comes in various configurations, often made to look like traditional wood, metal, ceramic, or even slate. These can be somewhat expensive, but they can also last the entire life expectancy of the homeowner. Additionally, they withstand high winds and have the best fire rating available.

Wood
A roof made of wood, often called a Shaker style, is still available though it is not as common as it once was. These might be found on Tudor style, Queen and, or even Gothic homes.

Slate
Slate has been used on the roofs of buildings for many, many years. The reason for this is because of its long lasting quality. This quality is also what makes it expensive. If one has the means to use slate for their roof, it is something they should certainly think about. Not only does this material offer outstanding performance, it also looks quite appealing.

While this list is not all-inclusive, it does point out numerous types of roofing used today. The style that you choose for your own house will be very much dependent on your budget and your personal taste. If you are unsure about changing from the current style of your roof, ask the contractor to bring samples so that you may compare them to the other materials used on your home.