Knowing when to replace your roof can be a tough call, but once you’ve made the decision to invest in roof repair, you have more decisions to make. The most important of these decisions may just be what material your new roof will be made of. In a world of possibilities, some roofing materials are more popular than others. So if you’re struggling to decide, here are the top five most popular residential roofing materials.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are without a doubt, the most common material used in roofing. Their popularity stems from the fact that they’re affordable, durable, and relatively easy to install. However, they do tend to have a shorter life span than most materials, which may prompt the need for more frequent repairs.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Clay and concrete tiles can add style and elegance to any roof, and maybe even make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Italian countryside. Genuine flat, ribbed or scalloped clay tiles are extremely durable but also very heavy, and must be installed by professional roofing contractors. Concrete tiles are versatile and are less expensive than genuine clay, but also have a lot of weight to them.

Metal

Metal may just be the most economical and environmentally friendly form of roofing on the market today. They’re extremely resilient in harsh weather conditions, and are often made from recycled materials. Not only that, they can help save money on your energy bill as well, deflecting up to 90% of heat from direct sunlight.

Slate

Slate can add a distinctive appearance to your roof, and is a very durable, fire-resistant roof that can even by recycled after use. However, the installation process is often an expensive one that requires extra framing and professional help.

Wood Shingles and Shake

For hundreds of years, the go-to roofing material for every home was wood shingles. Many homeowners love the way it enhances the overall appearance of their home, especially when the shingles weather to a subtle shade of gray. Unfortunately, their use is prohibited in some areas because they lack a decent amount of fire resistance.

No matter what kind of roofing material you choose, your home is going to reap all the benefits of a new roof. With any of these materials and professional installation, you won’t have to worry about replacement or repair for a long time to come.