Roofs are made to last for a long time but they don’t last forever and whenever the time comes to replace your roof it is important that you do so swiftly. A roof which is past its sell by date will become damaged very easily and it will not offer the pro-action to your home that is required. This can result in leaks and poor insulation, which is why there is an urgency to get the roof replaced at your earliest convenience. Now though roof replacement services are no doubt the best way to improve your roof’s quality, it is still important to have a good understanding of the wide range of roofing materials you can choose from in the offset that you do decide to fix it yourself. Below are some of the most popular, which you should be considering.

Asphalt Shingles

These shingles are incredibly popular at the moment and you can expect a lifespan of between 15-30 years. The reason as to why asphalt shingles are so popular is because of their cost effectiveness. If you are trying to save money then this is a good option but you should avoid going for super cheap shingles as they will cause you more problems than they solve. This is not a sustainable material as asphalt is a petroleum-based material, they are however recyclable which does slightly improve their sustainability.

Slate

Slate is one of the oldest and best loved roofing materials and a slate roof looks absolutely beautiful. With a roof like this you can expect a lifespan of between 75-100 years which is why it is such an expensive option. Slate is the most durable of all roofing materials and can deal with any weather that is thrown at it. Beyond the cost of the slate itself you shod consider that installation will be pricey as it needs to be done to a high standard, and there are less roofers who will install it than with other materials.

Wooden Shingles and Shakes

Generally these shingles and shakes are made from fire-resistant wood such as redwood, although cedar is also sometimes used. Expect a lifespan from this roofing material of between 30-50 years. This shingles are not highly durable and they can crack and splinter with changing temperatures. Naturally this is a highly sustainable roofing material and in terms of energy efficiency they will provide the best value given that wood is a natural insulator. Sustainable, relatively low cost and highly energy efficient.

Metal Roofs

A metal roof will give you the same lifespan as a wooden roof and they are generally made of aluminum, steel or copper. Metal materials are more expensive that both asphalt and wood and they are incredible durable against impact or weather conditions. This is a roof material which really doesn’t need much maintenance such as tile replacements and they are incredibly energy efficient, keeping the cold out and the warmth in. Sustainability isn’t an issue here given that almost all metal roofs are made from 100% recycled materials.

The choice will come down to how much you are looking to spend, what aesthetic you are looking for and how important energy efficiency and sustainability are to you.