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Types of Roofing

Wondering which type of roofing will be best for your home? It can be a tricky task to select from a variety of good options. However, with our detailed guide, you will be able to confidently select the most suitable roofing for your home or office.

Things that would interest you as a homeowner include the roof material, its cost, how much it can last, and of course, the aesthetics it will offer.

Installing a roof is a one-time thing, and demands good investment, so you would need to look at various factors before pulling the trigger. Let’s have a look at types of roofings.

Top Roofing Materials | RR RoofRider Ltd
Roof Rider Operating Range on Lower Vancouver Island

Top Roofing Materials

Let’s have a look at the top roofing materials that you can rely on.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material because of their high-durability and inexpensiveness.

They are fire-retardant and can last as long as 20 years. Plus, you can further extend their life to up to 40 years by performing routine roof maintenance tasks regularly.

These are commonly made up of fiberglass or some other material wrapped in asphalt. In addition, you can get them in a wide range of colors. Resisting harsh weather is also a desirable quality that asphalt shingles possess.

The only apparent drawback of asphalt shingles is that they don’t hold up perfectly in highly windy conditions.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has been around for many years now. It has proven to be an effective option for homeowners as they can install it in various shapes and colors. Metal roofing is pretty durable and requires low maintenance.

It also resists harsh weather, provides longer peace of mind, resists wear and tear, and increases the aesthetics and value of your property.

However, metal roofing is a bit tricky to install and is pricier than other roofing options.

Slate Shingles

If you are looking for a classy touch, slate shingles are for you. Originally slate material was pretty expensive, and only a few could afford to make a roof out of it. However, as advanced technologies emerged, slate shingle roofing is considered as an economical roofing choice for the homeowners

Some of the impressive qualities of slate shingles are their durability, fire resistance, and a very long lifespan (up to 100 years). Also, slate shingles are very pretty in appearance, so much so that it has been the favorite choice of architects for centuries.

But, more importantly, you won’t have to worry about harsh weather conditions ruining your roof. These shingles are pretty weather-resistant, so they will hold up against strong winds and hailstorms. Plus, you can get them in a variety of colors.

However, slate shingles are a bit heavy and won’t bear foot traffic. In addition, slate roofs can be a bit too pricey and require installation by an expert.

But, if you have the budget, and can get them installed professionally, you will not only get long term peace of mind, but you will also add to the beauty and value of your home.

Tiles Roofing

Tiles are not very recent; ceramic roofing tiles are being used for thousands of years. The positives of this type of roofing are its fire-retardance, weather-resistance, high durability, and a lifespan of over 50 years.

These tiles are commonly used in areas with extreme temperatures due to the ability of tiles to withstand very hot or very cold weather. The most prominent advantage of tiles material is that it is not affected by rot or insects, which makes its maintenance pretty easy.

However, ceramic tiles may not be very good at enduring impact. So, strong hail or debris can damage this type of roofing.

Ceramic tiles are pretty costly too; around 2 to 3 times more than an asphalt roofing system. Plus, due to their high weight, you may need to add additional support, which adds to the installation cost.

Wood Shake Roofing

Wood shake roofing is ideal for an environmentalist homeowner as it is eco-friendly. This roofing material is environmentally friendly if you use recyclable wood.

If you use the wood shake roofing, you are essentially reducing the carbon footprint; wood has a minimal impact on the rainwater runoff. This means harmful substances won’t likely get into the groundwater and pollute it.

Wood shake has an approximate lifespan of 50 years, so no need to worry about longevity, but, effective maintenance is a must.

However, it is a bit costly. But, if you want your roof to leave a minimal carbon footprint, want it to last half a century, and like the appealing woody finish, installing it would be a good investment for your home.

Green roofs

Imagine a roof covered in plants and grass. That’s what a green roof is. These roofs significantly improve your air quality, insulate your home from the heat, and minimize water run-off. And, they can last as long as 40 years.

However, green roofs will need extra structural support, waterproofing, drainage, vapor barrier, and thermal insulation. But a green roof is an amazing long-term investment if you can provide regular maintenance and have the budget.

Types of Roofing Styles and Designs

Types Roofing Styles

In addition to a number of different roof materials, you can classify roof types based on their style/design. Here is a list of some prominent roof types based on their designs:

  • Saltbox roof
  • Butterfly roof
  • Curved roof
  • Flat roof
  • Bonnet roof
  • Sawtooth roof
  • Domed roof
  • Hip roof
  • Pyramid roof
  • Mansard roof

Roofing Price

Roofing price largely depends on the type of roofing you are going with. If you want to calculate the cost, you can easily do that with our roofing price calculator.



The roofing price calculator is a device that tells you the cost of your roofing based on the dimensions of your home and the type of roofing you want.

So, no matter what type of roofing you want, you can calculate them all and get to the one that suits your budget.

Final Thoughts

You can choose from the top roofing materials based on some factors, which may include your budget, your region’s climate, the style you like, or your capacity to maintain.



Importantly, whatever type of roof you choose, you will have to take care of it. Getting in touch with a roof repair or maintenance company is the way to go if you are serious in keeping your roof pretty and effective in the long run.