A roof type is the main material used to create the roof of a house or apartment building. We can often find the type of roof written down in real estate listings, as it can be a very important aspect to consider when you are looking to move.

There are many different roof types out there and each looks best when paired with different types of gutter accessories. If you want to bring the most out of the exterior of your home, you should be familiar with the materials that the roof is made from.

These are the most common types of roofs used on residential homes.

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for homeowners today. They are relatively cost-efficient when compared to the other types, are widely available, and come in many styles and colors.

Asphalt shingles have been shown to create a solid and durable roof, for a much lower cost than making one from other materials. This material also looks nice with copper rain gutters and can keep your home very dry when installed properly.

There are two types of asphalt shingles out there. These are:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass asphalt shingles are made from a fiberglass base that is coated with asphalt. The asphalt keeps out water and protects your home from water damage. Asphalt also is normally mixed with ceramic pieces that can reflect UV rays- keeping the roofing from becoming sun-bleached.

Organic

Organic asphalt shingles are made from recycled materials, often recycled paper. The shingle is built from the recycled material as a base, then the asphalt is layered over top of it. The asphalt creates a waterproof barrier that keeps the elements out of your home.

This type of shingle is a bit more expensive, although many people consider the price worth it. Organic shingles are an eco-friendly and environmentally conscious option.

2.  Metal Roofing

This type of roof is becoming more and more common. They are pretty low maintenance, only needing to be repainted if they start to become dull. While it does cost less to repaint metal roofing than replacing it, you will want to be sure that you still have a professional handle it. Any project that requires you to be on the roof of your home can be dangerous.

This type of roof can be very difficult to install, however. You will want to be certain that you are hiring a contractor that has already had experience installing a metal roof, or you might experience a lot of issues.

Another reason that more people are choosing this option, is that they are an environmentally friendly choice and can be customized to any color that you wish. If you paired this feature with our custom rain gutters, you can be certain that you will have a house designed like no one else’s!

3. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic roof tiles last a very long time- about 70 years when taken care of properly. They can add a lot of uniqueness to your home and are very durable, so you may want to consider using them. They also look excellent when paired with copper rain gutters.

The tiles are installed so that they overlap, which keeps water from getting inside your home. However, they do not work well in areas that experience a lot of changes in the weather. This is why you will see them often in Spanish architecture, where there is a more consistent climate.

4. Slate Shingles

Slate is a sophisticated and elegant appearing roof type. They can not rot, which makes them perfect for keeping your home free from water. Plus, they are easy to maintain and can last up to 100 years- meaning you will not need to be the one who replaces them someday.

Slate roofing also comes in a wide range of styles and colors, so if you have it already, be sure to check out our custom gutter options. We know that we have a color available that will match the appearance of your home well.

While it looks nice and does an amazing job as a roofing material, slate is not super popular due to the cost. They are heavy and need to be installed by professionals who specialize in using it, otherwise, you will run into a ton of problems.

If you have slate roofing, be sure to contact us for gutter cleaning. Slate shingles can be easily broken when walked on, which makes it very hard for most people to clean their gutters. We know how to handle this material and can work around it easier to maintain your gutters.

5. Wood/Cedar Shake Shingles

Wooden shake roofs can resist harsh climates, making them perfect for most areas. They are seen as an environmentally friendly roofing choice and can be built from recycled materials. They also barely affect the water that runs off your home, making it safer when it reenters the environment.

They are durable and can last at least 30 years before needing to be replaced, often they can go longer. Cedar is also great at cutting down heating and/or bills, as it is a natural insulator. If you want to improve the insulation on your home, be sure to check out your roof. This is one of the biggest places for your heat to leak out, along with your windows.

Wooden shake shingles can be hard to install. You will want to be sure that the company you decide to go with is trustworthy and willing to do the project correctly.

Conclusion

Those were the 5 most common types of roofs used on residential homes. Each material comes in different styles and colors, so you will want to consider that when picking out gutters. We offer customizable seamless gutters, so you can be sure to find a perfect match if you decide to go with us.

Reach out to us if you are looking for gutter repair or installation– we have a lot of experience and know just how to help you.

Related Article

Beginners Guide to Roofs – Parts of a Roof