When it comes to a new roof, homeowners can pick from a variety of materials, styles, and colors. This allows people to select the one that suits their home’s needs as well as their own personal tastes.

But how do you know which roofing material is right for you?  Here are some of the pros and cons of each.

Pros: Asphalt shingles, also referred to as composition shingles, rank high among the most popular types of roofing materials and are primarily used in residential settings. Asphalt is relatively inexpensive to install and is available in a wide range of colors, thicknesses, and shapes.

Cons: Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt has a short lifespan of about 20-30 years.

Pros: Wood shingles are admired for their rustic beauty. Wood is also renewable building material, making it a great choice for homeowners who are mindful of their impact on the environment.

Cons: To prolong the life and maintain the look of your roof, wood requires more attention than other roofing materials. If not properly maintained, wood will splinter and become weathered in appearance.

Pros: Slate is attractive, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly. It is also impervious to rot and insects.

Cons: Slate can break when stepped on and is only suitable for the certain homes and structures due to its heavy weight. Although slate’s longevity will eventually outweigh the initial cost, slate comes at a high price tag.

Pros: Metal roofing can be made from steel, aluminum, or copper and can be used to mimic other roofing materials such as Spanish tile, slate, or cedar shakes. Metal roofing has a 50-year life span and can stand up to the forces of Mother Nature.

Cons: Metal will need to be repainted every so often and the difficulty of installation places metal on the more expensive side.

Pros: Tile roofing goes hand in hand with colonial Spanish architecture, and is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials available.

Cons: If you are looking to install tile, it is critically important that the structure of your home can support its weight.

Pros: Comprised of mainly rubber and plastic, composite tiles can take on the look of more expensive stones, such as slate or concrete.

Cons: Composite roofing is not currently recyclable.

Pros: Thermoplastic Membranes will allow a flat roofing system to stand up to the sun’s heat, UV rays, and severe weather.

Cons:  Questionable longevity

Allied Contractors Group Inc. experts are available to inspect your existing roof and answer any questions to assist you in finding the right roof for your particular needs.

Give us a call at (954) 534 4756 for EAST, (239) 351 6416 for NAPLES and (239) 351 0148 for FORT MYERS-TAMPA for free estimates.