All roofs are not created equal. Today’s building industry offers an array of products for beautiful roof installations and renovations that marry functionality, creativity, and thoughtful application.

Asphalt shingles are most commonly used in North America with fiberglass and composition shingles falling into this category. Architectural or 3-tab styles come in a range of colors – not just gray or black – with architectural shingles recognized for their random patterns and shadings. The traditional shingle is installed with an organic mat and durability is directly related to the thickness of the shingle.

Fiberglass shingles are lighter weight, thinner and have a better fire rating than asphalt. However, the fiberglass option does not perform as well in cold climates due to lack of flexibility in poor weather and they are prone to blow off in high winds. According to Ron Comeau, of Ron Comeau & Son Roofing in Lewiston, there are new fiberglass-based shingles on the market that have improved longevity and even look like pricier wood shingles.

Interestingly, the color of the shingle influences the lifespan of the shingle as does shingle thickness and roof slope. Darker colors absorb heat and consequently have a shorter life span. Light colored shingles absorb less heat and stay cooler, which keeps the attic cooler, and in turn, lowers cooling costs and extends the life of the shingles. Warranties are directly related to the lifespan.

Unfortunately, asphalt shingles are polluting, sending off gas into the atmosphere. If you are chemically sensitive, you may want to leave your home if an asphalt roof replacement is underway.

Metal roofs, seen more often in the country as it is a good option for old farmhouses, can withstand tough weather conditions if installed properly. They come in a variety of colors and, Comeau confirmed, are particularly good for camps and residences that experience tough winters where owners cannot conveniently access the roof. The lifespan of a metal roof can be two to three times longer than that of its non-metal counterparts and in many cases, can be the last roof a homeowner ever needs to install.

For a more “back to nature” feel, wood shingles, smooth sawed and the more popular split-style (shakes) are good choices. Beautiful as they weather to a silvery gray, wood shingles are made from several species of trees including Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow, and Eastern White cedars. Shingles tend to be smoother while shakes are thicker and rough due to being split rather than sawed from the log.

Installation is key to a long life for a wood shingled roof. If installed incorrectly, the more expensive wooden roof will need replacing sooner than a cheap composition roof. Properly installed, a wood shingled roof can last 30 to 50 years. Here’s a hint: Use high quality stainless steel nails.

Homeowners will want to consider the drawbacks of wood, however. Some subdivisions prohibit wooden shingles. Comeau said wood shingles are not seen as much any more due to the increased risk of fire. Some home insurance companies will increase insurance costs due to the increased fire threat. And chemically sensitive individuals may not be able to tolerate the strong emissions from the chemicals used to treat the wood. Wood shingles are also problematic due to algae, insect damage, and extreme humidity.

Slate is another natural resource that can be used for roofing. It is non-toxic, recyclable, long-lasting and beautiful. Like wood roofs, slate tends to be expensive not to mention heavy. Consult a contractor if you are considering this type of roof as much will depend on the strength of the foundation as well as the roof structure itself and whether or not there are professionals who can install the product.

Since a leaky slate roof can be very expensive to repair, preparations will want to be made to ensure the roof will be waterproof. New to the market, non-toxic synthetic slate shingles, some composed of wood and cement fibers, are a good alternative to slate as they can be more cost-effective, but create the same effect.

Clay and concrete, believe it or not, are two of the most popular roofing materials, especially in warmer climates. While both allow for variety in color, shades, and styles, whether the material would be appropriate for the colder climates of the Northeast is a question for contractors or manufacturers. Look for a wide price range, shop smart, and be sure to check out local vendors for these products.

And what is the talk about a “green roof”? Did you know that large corporations including Ford Motor Company and Apple Computer have gardens on their roofs?

Like slate, “green” roofs may be heavier, so contractors will want to confirm a foundation can support such a roof. With many designs available, roofs going green cut down on heating and cooling expenses, provide insulation, filter pollutants, require minimal maintenance, reduce temperatures around the home, and can even extend the life of a roof.

Comeau weighed in on how to select a roofing material and a contractor to work with you on your project. “When you get estimates from a roofing professional, ask what kind of shingle or product is being quoted, ask about the manufacturer and whether the manufacturer stands behind the product.” Comeau continued, “It’s important to know if the manufacturer provides education for the installers on how to use their product. And nail placement is critical to the life of the roof. You must use four to six nails per shingle. Remember a roof installation protects the house investment.”

Comeau encourages homeowners to educate themselves using information available on the Internet and input from reputable professionals before moving forward on a roof installation. “It’s a huge investment and homeowners should avoid the ‘just get it done’ mentality and focusing only on price. Research your project. A poorly installed roof invites mold, insects, and weather damage.”

Understanding the product options and making educated choices can help protect your roofing investment while allowing you the freedom to “color outside the lines” and lose the idea that all roofs are the same.

Information for this article came from these sources:

http://www.building-your-green-home.com/green-roof.html/wood-shingles.html

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,19804,00.html

http://www.roofhelp.com/choices/meta/metalroofingpage2.htm