When it's time to replace your home's roof, you have several material options to consider. Getting recommendations from local roofers in your area can help identify the qualities of different roofing types for your specific home and climate. Below are four of the most popular residential roofing materials that you can have professionally installed.

1. Traditional Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles, also called composite shingles, are the most common roofing material for residential homes. They're made from a fiberglass mat, covered in asphalt, and topped with ceramic granules. In our roofers' experience, traditional three-tab asphalt shingles have a straightforward construction with one layer of shingles underlying two other tabs. According to our experts, they have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

2. Architectural Asphalt Shingles

Also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, architectural shingles have an extra layer providing more texture and thickness. Their long-lasting qualities make them more durable in extreme weather. This material also provides an enhanced aesthetic design that brings visual appeal to rooflines, making them look more like wood shakes or slate tiles. Local roofers recommend architectural shingles for most homes since their reasonable price combines durability and attractive styling.

3. Standing Seam Metal Roofing

For a durable, long-lasting residential roof, standing seam metal is a top choice. These roofs have raised seams where metal panels interconnect, allowing metal roofs to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, resulting in fewer cracks or leaks. When installed properly by local roofers, metal roofs have an impressive lifespan of 50 to 70 years, according to State Farm. They offer excellent protection from wind, fire, and heavy snow. Their sleek appearance also appeals to modern home designs.

4. Traditional Metal Roofing

Materials like galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, or tin are formed into shingles with fastener holes instead of seams. The overlapping shingle design typically mimics the look of other materials like slate, wood shake, clay tile, or even asbestos. Traditional metal roofing lifespan is on par with standing seam roofs. Their unique historic or Old World appearance makes them a favorite roofing style for restoration projects. Professional roofers can recreate the handsome charm of early American metal roofing on your newer home, too.

When getting estimates on your roof replacement, be sure to ask local roofers about the best types for your home's architecture and location. Their experience installing various residential roofing provides practical insights beyond basic material characteristics. According to Roofer's Guild, most roofs last between 25 and 50 years, with the age varying heavily based on roof and property type. Reach out to Roofing by Thowe Construction today to learn about our excellent roofing services.