Choosing a roof type may seem complicated and overwhelming, as there are many types of roof options to choose from.  The best type of roof depends on what suits you, as priorities may vary between different individuals.  We will highlight the different roof types and the pros and cons to each one, so you can make the best decision based on your needs.

Asphalt Roofs

The most popular, asphalt roof are often chosen because of their cost, wide variety of style choices, durability, and minimal upkeep.  Asphalt (aka composite) shingles are designed to endure decades of weathering and are among the most affordable options on today's market.  Asphalt technology has improved considerably over the years - such as increased resistance to hail damage, algae growth, and various colors that reflect the sunlight to keep homes cooler.

There are three major categories of asphalt roof shingles:



• Strip Shingles (3-tab shingles)
• Original and most basic asphalt shingles
• Single layer of asphalt and have very flat appearance
• Cost the least compared to other asphalt shingles (in general)

• Dimensional Shingles (laminate or architectural shingles)
• Most common
• 2 or more layers of asphalt that are fused together, creating a thicker multi-dimensional look
• Have better warranty protection than strip shingles
  
  
• Luxury Shingles
• Highest quality of laminated asphalt shingles
• Most premium protection for weathering
• Have most diverse coloration and dimensionality

Tile Roofs

Clay tile shingles are very popular in Texas and California.  Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, they are great at keeping homes cool through the hot summers.  In addition to being great at reducing heat build up, they are also very effective tiles for fire resistance.  Historically, clay tiles were mostly made from terracotta, which is less common today.  Due to their heavy weight, fragility, and high cost of installation and repair, most modern clay tile shingles are made from various materials that are designed to last longer. 

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs may be appealing, as they have high longevity, minimal maintenance, and are energy efficient.  Material of metal roofs range from tin, zinc, steel, aluminum, and copper.  Metal roofs also are very durable and can sustain intense winds, and also impact-resistant.  While metal roofs are coated with water-resistant paint, there is still a potential for rust and corrosion if the coating deteriorates over time.  The biggest downside of metal roofs may be the cost, as they can be more than twice the cost of other roofs. 

Slate Roofs

Very similar to clay tiles, but not as common.  Typically found in areas with abundant slate resources.  These are generally more expensive for numerous reasons.  First, accessibility to slate material is shrinking nowadays, as its becoming less and less popular of a choice.  It's also very fragile and difficult to install, so there are many alternatives that have been created to replace slate tiles.  There are several slate-style shingles on the market that resemble the look of slate roof tiles with improved performance, increased durability, reduced weight and cost when compared to traditional slate tiles. 

Flat Roofs

As you would expect, flat roofs are generally quite flat, but there's actually a very low slope to help with drainage. Although the drainage function is still there, the rate at which it drains is much slower than traditional sloped roofs. Especially in areas with snow or hail, moisture will accumulate more with flat roofs so they must be very waterproof. As opposed to traditional shingles on sloped roofs that are overlapped so that water slides over them, a flat roof is a continuous surface that needs to be able to withstand water that may puddle up. 

There are 3 types of flat roof systems:

1. Built-up Roof (BUR)
   
   This was the industry-standard flat roof before modified bitumen and membrane roofing were introduced into the market. BUR's have several layers, starting with a layer or two of insulation board, then covered with multiple intermediate layers of tar and/or asphalt and/or roofing felt, before finally being topped off with gravel. BUR's are very thick and durable and are able to withstand damage. Nowadays, BUR's are mostly used on commercial properties, as residential properties are not ideal for BUR's due to their heaviness, strong odors, and mess. While these are very low-maintenance once installed, the installation is quite labor-intensive and time consuming given the multiple layers and material required. Also, because of the weight of BUR's, it is not uncommon to require roof joists and additional support for extra strength in holding the roof up. Trying to find the source of a leak is also much harder with BUR's. 
   
   
2. Modified Bitumen Roof (MBR)
   
   MBR's are lighter in weight and were developed to be an alternative to BUR's. The installation is much easier, as it doesn't have the same mess, heat, and odor that comes with installing BUR's. MBR material is a flexible asphalt material, similar to asphalt shingles, but comes in sheets. They are applied by heating, melting, or adhering the backside over a base membrane sheet. MBR's are also considered low-maintenance and even more durable than BUR's. Installation must be done properly to avoid any leaks, as any seams or overlaps are also prone to be the source of leaks. 
   
   
3. Membrane (single-ply)
   
   Most common type of residential flat roofing is Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which is a synthetic rubber-like material. A typical membrane roof has an insulation board layer, which is then covered by sheets of EPDM. 
   
   What's great about this is that repairs are generally inexpensive, leaks are quite rare if installed properly and stay undamaged. EPDM is also quite effective at retaining heat, so this can lower heating bills in colder areas. There are also other types of membrane roofing that can reflect heat to keep the property cooler. The down side of membrane roofing is that seam areas are prone to leaks. With obstructions on the roof, such as chimneys, HVAC systems, pipes, membrane roofs need to be flashed properly in those areas to prevent water from penetrating through. Membrane roofs are also susceptible to storm damage (i.e. hail), falling branches, and debris with strong winds, which can also be a cause of leaks.