When buying a new construction home or replacing the roof on an existing home, the homeowner has options for how they want their new roof to be. There are far more options out there than just the normal asphalt shingles, and these other options offer different advantages that can’t be gotten otherwise. Here are some of the different roof material options that can be found and what sets them apart from the rest.

1. Wooden Shingles

Wood shingles used to be common before the rise of the modern asphalt shingles, but they can still be found and used today. Homeowners like wooden shingles because they’re quite sturdy despite being made just from wood, and they can last up to 50 years if the home is located in a drier climate. A wetter climate can lead to moss an lichen growing on the shingles, which will need to be cleaned regularly. If homeowners are concerned about wooden shingles being a fire hazard, they can have them specially treated so they become fire resistant. However, even despite this, homeowners need to read their building code carefully because wooden shingles may not be allowed even if steps are taken to make them safer in case of fire.

2. Clay Tiles

Anyone who’s gone on vacation to one of America’s southern states has likely seen roofs with red clay tiles instead of black or gray asphalt shingles. However, what many people don’t know is that this is just one way that clay roof tiles can look. The clay can be molded and colored to mimic other materials like wood or slate, so homeowners can pick the style that fits their home best without having to worry about it sticking out in the neighborhood. While clay tiles can be used on homes in any climate, homeowners who live in a wetter climate will want to make sure that their roof uses glazed tiles, otherwise they’ll spend a lot of time fighting moss and algae growth.

3. Metal Panels

It’s most common to see metal tiles used on farms and commercial buildings, they have slowly been becoming more common in residential homes as well in recent years. This is because metal, like clay, can be molded and colored to mimic other roofing materials. This way homeowners who want the durability and 100-year lifespan of metal and the aesthetic of wood shingles can have the best of both worlds. However, because of their durability, homeowners can expect to spend quite a bit on buying and installing them, though it is best to seek the assistance of a metal roofing expert. Metal panels also need regular cleaning as they have a tendency to get fallen leaves caught in them.

4. Slate

Many homeowners are looking for new Franklin TN home materials that are eco-friendly so they can do their part to help the environment. Slate is a great choice when it comes to being green because it’s just rock, and because of that, it can be used over and over on multiple different roofs until it breaks. And once it can’t be used on roofs anymore, it can be used for other products or returned to the environment without harming it. However, slate is very heavy, so homeowners need to ensure that their roof is built to withstand it. 

There are many different roofing options available for homes, so homeowners shouldn't feel like they’re stuck with just one option. For more information about these and other materials, try consulting a roofing specialist at a local hardware store.