As a homeowner, you’ll need to replace your roof once every 20-30 years or so. If you’re approaching that time, you have some big decisions to make.

Newer and better technologies mean there are more roof types for houses than ever before. Materials that may have been beyond your budget decades ago (or maybe didn’t even exist) could now be within your reach.

Whether you’re building a new home or it’s time for a roof replacement, it’s a good idea to get familiar with your options. Keep reading to learn about the most popular roof types for houses in 2021.

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt composite shingles are by far the most popular types of roofs in North America. They’re an affordable, all-around good choice for roofs of virtually any size, shape, or pitch.

The shingles are made with a fiberglass base topped with mineral and asphalt granules. They’re easy to repair and replace, and most come with upwards of a 30-year warranty.

Another bonus? If and when you need a new roof, you’ll pay a much lower roof replacement cost for asphalt shingles than other types of roofing materials.

2. Metal Roofing

Do you live in an area with substantial snowfall or a major risk of wildfires? If so, a standing seam metal roof could be a valuable asset to your home.

These types of roofs are made from either aluminum or steel panels that interlock to keep moisture out. They’re waterproof, fireproof, and they’re 100% recyclable when they do finally wear out.

That won’t happen for a while, though. Metal roofs routinely last between 30 and 50 years, with 75+ years not unheard of.

3. Clay or Concrete Tiles

For hotter climates (think deserts and coastal regions), clay tiles are a popular roofing choice. Unglazed, these tiles remain an attractive orange-red color. They can also be glazed and fired into ceramic tiles.

Concrete tiles are made in a similar way, molded from a mixture of sand and concrete. They can be fired to resemble rolled tiles, wooden shingles, or a variety of other styles. They’re among the heaviest roof types for houses, making them ideal for windy areas.

Tile roofs aren’t cheap, but they’ll last a long time — perhaps 100 years or more!

4. Slate Shingles

For homeowners who want the best of the best, it’s hard to beat the appearance of a slate shingle roof. True slate roofing is comprised of thin sheets of stone, although some shingles are a composite of slate and other materials.

Not every contractor is qualified to install slate, so you may need to ask around. Your efforts will be worth it though. There are some slate roofs still functioning that are hundreds of years old.

Roof Types for Houses: Which Will You Choose?

Shingles continue to be a popular and affordable option, but they’re not the only ones. Metal, clay, and concrete also have their own merits and are worth considering.

If you’re undecided, reach out to a professional contractor in your area. Whether you have a sloped roof or a flat roof, they can advise you of the best roofing materials for your home.

Now that you know more about different roof types for houses, what’s next? Keep browsing our blog for more informative reads!