It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new home or building and overlook important details like the roof. Sure, it may look oversized and overpriced on paper, but when you’re sitting in your new place wondering why your ceiling is leaking, you’ll be wishing that someone had given this more thought before cementing it into stone. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions—such as snowstorms or hurricanes—it’s even more important to think about what kind of roofing material will work best for your specific needs. 

Here are four common options to consider.

Metal Roofing

If you live in an area with lots of rainfall, this is the best roofing material available. It’s easy to see why metal roofs are extremely durable and water-resistant. They’re also cheaper than other materials on this list when it comes to cost per square foot. A metal roof can have a lifespan of up to 50 years or more, and it requires very little maintenance. Just think about how much longer your roof will last if you don’t have to replace or repair it for decades!

One of the most significant downsides is that metal roofs are extremely loud when they’re struck by rain, hail, snow, sun, wind—basically anything Mother Nature can throw at them. If you’re looking to avoid noise pollution in your area, this isn’t the best option.

Finally, while metal roofs are fireproof, they can heat up quickly during a wildfire or other natural disaster, so be careful when choosing where it will go if there’s an increased risk of fires near your home!

Slate Roofing

Slate roofs are very similar to metal roofs in that they’re extremely durable and require little maintenance. However, unlike metal, slate is naturally fireproof—which can be especially helpful if you live near an increased risk of wildfires. As highlighted by this Helena roofing contractor, slate roofing is also lighter than most other roofing materials, making it ideal for steep slopes where the weight of a heavy roof could lead to structural damage or erosion. Additionally, slate roofs are extremely energy-efficient—which is excellent for your wallet in addition to preserving the environment!

One downside? Slate roofs can be costly compared to other materials due to their superior quality and decreased wear rate. If you want a durable roof that will last, you can’t go wrong with slate—but expect to pay more for it in the long run. Since it’s a natural product, the color fades over time—which means you’ll need to replace your whole roof sooner rather than later.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in America—and for a good reason. They’re durable, affordable, and very easy to maintain. Most metal or slate roofs require special cleaning products to remove rust or moss buildup. With asphalt shingles, you can easily wipe them down with a hose after it rains. This roofing material also requires very little maintenance, making it one of the most inexpensive options on this list.

They’re affordable and durable. However, you’ll want to ensure that your roofing contractor is experienced with asphalt shingles. The wrong installation can lead to leaks or even cracked tiles! If properly installed by a trained professional who knows what they’re doing. However, asphalt shingles can easily last 20 years or more—which is about as long as any roof should reasonably be expected to survive.

Finally, if you want a material that’s eco-friendly and helps reduce your carbon footprint without costing too much money upfront, asphalt shingles are the way to go. It’s important to note that asphalt shingles are not fireproof. If you live in an area where wildfires are common, it might be worth checking out other options before making a final decision on your roofing material.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are trendy in warm climates where harsh weather is rare. They’re incredibly durable, like metal and slate roofs. But, unlike these options, they don’t make much noise when struck by wind or hail. This can be very important if you live near an airport, for example. Clay tiling is also naturally resistant to fire damage due to its clay and sand composition.

Finally, clay tiles are environmentally friendly—they’re made from the same natural materials as your house! This is an excellent option to consider. Especially if you want an eco-friendly roof without breaking the bank upfront (much like asphalt shingles). Like other durable roofs on this list, however, clay tiles cost more than other roofing materials.

Roofs made from metal, slate, asphalt shingles, and clay tiles are ideal for homes in harsh climates. They’re durable, long-lasting materials that will save you money over time. But the initial cost of replacing your roof can be daunting. Is your budget tight, but do you still want to get an environmentally friendly roof installed? Asphalt shingles are probably the best option for you.