Roofing

Choosing the right roofing material is critical. Roofing must be durable to keep out the elements. Roofing - as it's expensive to purchase and install - must be long lasting. And let's not forget, roofing must be beautiful.

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials in North America, but there are many other roofing options. In the west coast, cedar shingles are very common. Other popular roofing materials are ceramic tiles, sheet metal, slate and cement tiles. Each type of roofing has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Roofing: Deciding by Cost

Roofing materials vary greatly in cost. At the low end of the roofing spectrum is asphalt tiles, which run roughly $1 per square foot. No wonder it's the most popular roofing material. At the extreme high end of the roofing cost spectrum is slate, which costs about $10 per square foot. In between these two roofing extremes, you'll find that metal, concrete and ceramic roofing.

Roofing: Buy it to Last

Of course the initial cost of your roofing is important. But don't fall into the trap of shortsighted thinking when it comes to roofing. Skimp on roofing materials or install it carelessly, and you'll need new roofing within a few short years. But if you pick the right roofing materials for your climate and have those roofing materials professionally installed, and your roofing will last 20 years (for asphalt or wood shakes) to 50 years or more for concrete, metal or slate roofing.