Pros and Cons of 6 Common Roof Types | Realtor Magazine
Are you familiar with the most common roof types? Century 21’s blog recently reviewed the pros and cons of these popular options:
1. Asphalt shingle—The most common roofing material
- Pros: Available in a wide assortment of colors; affordable; simple to install
- Cons: Shorter life spans; often have lower levels of insulation compared to other roof types
2. Wood shake
- Pros: Natural, rustic look
- Cons: Flammable; more prone to mold or rot; limited life span (similar to asphalt shingles)
3. Metal—Various types available (aluminum, steel, copper, and copper-asphalt are the most popular)
- Pros: Strong and durable; high solar reflectance for efficient home cooling/heating
- Cons: Often the most expensive choice
4. Ceramic and cement tile
- Pros: Durable; energy efficient
- Cons: Expensive; heavy (may require extra framing for support)
5. Slate roofing
- Pros: Extremely durable; sustainable; many variations in thickness/color
- Cons: Expensive; heavy (may require extra framing for support)
6. Synthetic roofing
- Pros: Durable; affordable
- Cons: May absorb moisture