There are many popular kinds of roofing materials. Your choice will come down to your preference of appearance, price and what is best for the climate you live in. Here are some examples:
- Asphalt Shingles: Made of a layer of asphalt with either felt or fiberglass underneath. These are inexpensive, uniform, easy to install and replace and are weather & water proof.
- Metal: Metal is very durable and usually installed in large panels, although corrugated steel is sometimes used as well. They are weather & water proof and fantastic at deflecting heat. These are very popular in warm/hot climates but are gaining in popularity everywhere.
- Clay tiles: clay tiles have been around for centuries and have a very pleasant appearance. They are weather & water proof and do a great job of deflecting wind. Clay tiles can be made of concrete and come in a variety of colors.
Slate: slate is extremely durable and long-lasting. Dark and black are the only varieties in color, as this is a material hewn from shale, a kind of hard, volcanic rock. Slate is a more expensive option and also weighs more than other materials, so it is important to know that the framing of a roof can withstand the extra weight.