There are diverse types of roofing materials to pick from, and it is seldom included on the list of enjoyable and thrilling home improvement tasks.

If you do a little research, you could find that you should explore a different roofing material rather than just replacing the one you now have. When selecting a suitable roofing material, you must consider aesthetics, lifespan, cost, and structural integrity.

When it comes to roofing materials, wouldn't it be nice to have all the information you need at your fingertips? In such a case, welcome to the right place. When it's time to substitute your roof, look at these seven different types of roofing materials.

The 7 Different Types of Roofing Materials

1. Membrane Roofing

Membrane roofing is an option if your roof is flat or low pitch. EPDM is one of the best membranes of choice available. EPDM, or "rubber roofing," is the common name for a synthetic roofing material made of EPDM rubber. It is like rolled asphalt roofing when put in huge sheets since there are fewer places for water to enter the structure. A membrane roof may last 20 to 35 years when properly cared for and maintained.

2. Metal Shingles/Shakes

Steel shingles and shakes are now available for homeowners who prefer the benefits of metal. Using a high-quality baked-on coating or mineral granules, metal shingles may be made to seem like regular asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or even slate or clay tiles. In situations when appearance is crucial, they are a good option. If properly maintained, metal shingles may endure 30 to 50 years.

3. Clay Tile

Clay tiles are formed of earthy clays that have been shaped into rolling or interlocking forms and then burned to make them rigid. Reddish-orange unglazed tiles are the standard, but they may also be glazed and fired to create ceramic roofing tiles. As a result, clay tile is a common roofing material found in desert and coastal areas with high humidity and salt air levels.

Clay tile is a pricey roofing material, but it is a long-lasting roofing material that may endure more than a century.

4. Eco-Friendly Green Roof

When correctly designed, moss and other live plant materials may be used as an excellent roofing material that gives back to the land and is environmentally friendly. In addition to absorbing pollutants from the air, it may also grow plants and offer thermal insulation. It is crucial to install a waterproof membrane and allow appropriate drainage first before installing a green roof. "Intensive" green roofs may sustain huge plants and humans, whereas "extensive" green roofs are thin and only support lightweight growth like moss.

An eco-friendly green roof might cost thousands of dollars, but it's worth every penny. This roof will also need frequent maintenance.

5. Standing Seam Metal Roofing

The aluminum or steel roofing panels are interlocked in elevated seams called standing seams to keep moisture out. Due to their fireproof properties, metal roofs of various types are becoming more popular in areas with significant snowfall or wildfire hazards. In their last years, metal roofs have been totally recyclable. But installing a standing seam metal roof takes unique abilities, and not all roofing companies are ready.

Metal roofs generally last 30 to 50 years, but some have lasted 75 years.

6. Asphalt Composite Shingles

Asphalt composite shingles are the most accustomed roofing material in North America. These three-tab shingles have a fiberglass base with asphalt and mineral granules and are suitable for most roofing applications. They have a 20- to 30-year warranty for repairing broken shingles. Almost every roofing business knows how to install them. Composite shingles are great at bending and adjusting to roof expansion and contraction.

The roof's lifetime varies from 12 to 30 years, depending on the shingles' quality and circumstances.

7. Concrete Tile

Concrete tile is a practicable alternative to clay tile in terms of both installation and benefits. Custom-colored sand-mix concrete is used to make the tiles, then molded and painted. It is possible to choose from various profiles, including rolled clay tiles and low-profile-like wood shakes. In rare cases, decorative coatings are applied to concrete tiles. It is such substantial roofing material, ideal for areas with frequent high-speed winds.

Concrete tile roofs have a 50-year lifespan or more.

Choosing the Right Roofing Material

You should now be able to choose which of the seven different types of roofing materials is the most appropriate for your needs. Nevertheless of the kind of roof you choose, there is always the possibility that it may be damaged somehow. Roofing is a costly investment, so you want to be prepared if anything unexpected occurs.