There are many types of roofing materials—some of which are brand new—with a range of plusses and negatives. You can re-roof with the same type of roofing material that you currently have or investigate alternatives. Some materials are environmentally friendly and some are long lasting or low maintenance. And who doesn’t love low maintenance?

Before making your choice, consider the life-cycle cost of your roofing material. Some materials, though much more expensive, require less maintenance and have a longer life expectancy than others. An asphalt composition roof might last just 20 years whereas a metal roof might last more than 50. Consider both the current and potential value of your home, and its age when calculating whether a roofing material is actually "too expensive." It might just be more cost-effective in the long run.

The following table describes some of the roofing choices available:

Roof Type	House Style	Advantages	Disadvantages
Composition (asphalt shingles)	Can be used on any house from contemporary to historic. False thatched roof with the wrapped roof edge on 1920s Tudor style.	inexpensive ranges from low-cost 3-tab shingle to architectural shingles with extra durability and style many colors, types, and manufacturers suitable for most residential applications easy to repair fire resistant	relatively short life-span (15–30 years) scars easily when hot subject to mildew and moss environmentally unfriendly
Wood shingles or shakes	Bungalows, ranch, contemporary, cottage, historic	natural look weathering to a soft grey offers some insulation value blends in with the environment easy to repair or replace long lasting if maintained (30–50 years)	expensive usually requires professional installation high maintenance tends to rot, split, mold, and mildew poor fire rating unless presure treated
Metal (steel, aluminum, tin, copper)	Bungalows, ranch, contemporary, cottage, historic (virtually all)	available in different looks including cedar shingles, slate, or standing seam many colors light weight durable long life span (at least 50 years) low maintenance can be installed over existing roofs excellent performance in high wind, hail and rain environmentally friendly	may be difficult to install can be expensive may need periodic painting
Tile (concrete, clay)	Mediterranean, Italian, French Eclectic, Spanish Eclectic, Beaux Arts, Mission, and Prairie. May also be attractive on some contemporary or ranch style homes.	non-combustible many colors and styles attractive fireproof easy to maintain extremely durable when maintained	expensive heavy used primarily in new buildings because of weight and structural requirements installation and repairs can be tricky fragile; walking on roof may break tiles
Slate	Colonial, French, Italianate, Exotic Revivals, Chateauesque, Beaux Arts	beautiful, distinctive appearance fireproof long life span low maintenance	very expensive requires specialized installation heavy fragile high maintenance
Concrete (fiber reinforced)	Virtually any style of home	many colors and styles including shakes, tile, and stone relatively lightweight fire and insect resistant; meet many of the more restrictive fire codes low maintenance extremely durable resource efficient	can be expensive uneven quality among products
Hot mopped asphalt with decorative stone	Flat roofed California-style modern	inexpensive easy to repair	stinks health risk to installers fumes promote smog
Engineered rubber/plastic	Virtually any style of home	about 1/3 the weight of slate long lasting (30–50 years) cost effective attractive available in a large range of styles and colors with more appearing constantly made of reclaimed materials	new to market
Eco-roofs	Flat to moderately sloped roofs.	Environmentally friendly; filters rainwater through a roof system of vegetation and soil Low maintenance; can extend the life of the roof membrane substantially Provides insulation to even out climate variations; in particular, keeps houses cooler in summer Attractive	initially expensive unconventional in US, though used more than 30 years in Europe

• Do they have a current business license?
• Do they provide an official lien waiver WHEN THEY FINISH THE JOB?
  If your roofing contractor doesn’t pay their supplier, the supplier could put a lien on your home until the debt is paid! Make absolutely sure your contractor signs a lien release form clearing you of any liability.
• Do they provide you with a letter from the roofing material manufacturer stating that they are certified to be installing their product on your home? Some roof manufacturers require that the contractor go through training and be certified to install their product. If your contractor hasn’t done this, chances are that your warranty will be worthless.
• Are they insured with both Worker’s Compensation for their employees, as well as Liability Insurance for your home?
  This is critical. If they are not insured, then YOU take the risk if someone gets hurt or something gets damaged. You are entitled to have a copy of these certificates.
• Do they take the time to inspect your attic and educate you on the necessity of proper attic ventilation?
  The manufacturer will void the shingle warranty if the attic isn’t property ventilated.
• Do they provide you with the most extensive warranty available on labor and material?
  Do they provide you with a 5-year reference list with at least 1,000 customers?
  Any good roofer that has been in business for at least 5 years can give you the names and addresses of at least 1,000 customers.