Metal

An increasingly popular option among homeowners is the metal roof.  Metal is a sustainable option.  They are durable, virtually maintenance free, fully recyclable, and can be very energy efficient.  Metal roofs can often lower homeowners insurance premiums.  Metal roofs come in many options including standing seam, screw down and metal shingles available in steel or aluminum.  Metal roofs are very resistant to storm damage and have a life span around 30 or more years.  Costs can vary greatly based on a variety of options but are typically much higher than typical asphalt shingles.    

Wood Shakes, Slate and tile.

Slate roofing offers extraordinary life span and an elegant look for your home.  Slate is an expensive option but if you are looking for very low maintenance and the look that only real slate can provide, slate roofing is for you. 

Wood Shakes, more specifically, red cedar shakes offer a distinctive appearance to your home.  Shakes are durable to wind and hail damage but require a certain level of maintenance to extend their effective life span.  The key to longevity of shakes is to keep the roof free of moss, fungus and debris.  Chemical preservatives can also be applied to greatly extend the life of the shakes.  Shakes typically cost more than 2 times that of a shingle roof.

Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular and affordable roofing option for your home.  Shingles are easily installed and easily repaired.  They come in many different styles, colors and price ranges and can even resemble natural materials such as slate and cedar shakes.  Asphalt shingles are a good choice if you are seeking a standard roof with low maintenance costs at a good price with an average service life of 15 years or more.