For most homeowners, the roof is usually an afterthought—at least until you see a brown spot on your ceiling. Then you realize how critical that part of your home is. In addition to protecting your home from natural elements, the roof contributes greatly to the curb appeal and resale value of your house. So, when building a new home, a house addition or re-roofing, it is best to consider roofing options available and then determine what is suitable for your home. You should also look at the climate in your area as well as the architectural style of your home.

There are more types of roofing materials in the marketplace than ever before. Each has its advantages and shortcomings, so choosing one can be tough. Our real estate agents provide a list of the most common types of roofing materials along with their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

1. Asphalt Shingles
   These are the most common roofing materials, covering a great majority of houses in America. The standard-three-tab asphalt shingles often incorporate granulated zinc or copper to prevent the growth of algae. Asphalt shingles are machine-sawed and available in a wide range of different colors both solid and blended. They are highly durable and made to last around 25 years or more. Most asphalt roofing products are affordable and easy to install. However, this roofing material degrades over time due to exposure to the environment. They are also prone to impact damage than harder, thicker roofing.
   
   
2. Wood Shingles
   When it comes to looks, a wood shingle roof is hard to beat. Wood shingles offer a nice visual texture particularly on steeply-pitched roofs and often made for a more rustic appearance. They are typically made from western red cedar, eastern white cedar, Alaskan yellow cedar, pine, redwood, and cypress. A wood roof is more expensive than asphalt but can last for around 25 years.
   
   One of the biggest consideration when reviewing this type of roofing material is its susceptibility to fire and whether its use will be allowed by your building code. The roofing material can be treated to be fire-resistant but won't be a good option in fire-prone areas. In addition, a wood roof weathers out to a dull gray or soft silver appearance over time.
   
   
3. Metal
   Metal roofing is available in several materials, including aluminum, copper, and steel. It comes in two different forms: panels and shingles. If you don't like the smooth look, you can buy metal shingles, which are intended to simulate traditional roof coverings, like shingles, tile, and wood shakes. This type of roof is cheap, lightweight, durable, rugged, and easy to install. It's also resistant to fire and adverse weather. When choosing a metal roof, you should give careful consideration to the design and architectural style of your home.
   
   
4. Tile
   Tile roofs are typically made from clay or concrete. They are available in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes. The roofing material is usually used to create English, French, and Spanish-inspired looks. Tile roofs are enduring and long-lasting, but they are heavy and your underlying structure needs to be engineered to support the load. Tile roofs are also more expensive than traditional wood or asphalt roof installations, and clay-based tiles are more expensive than concrete tiles.
   
   
5. Slate
   Slate is a natural stone that is considered to be the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials. It can last for at least 100 years, which is a lifespan that will outlive your mortgage. Its enduring quality, however, comes with a fairly high price tag as slate is the most expensive roof you can choose. And much like tile shingles, installing a slate tiled roof will require the reinforcement of the underlying roof structure so it can be able to withstand the heavier weight of slate.

Choosing the right roofing materials doesn't have to be a daunting process. The real estate experts at Josey Young & Brady Realty can guide you through the process of finding the best materials to meet your needs and those of your house. Contact us if you're looking for Atlanta homes for sale.