Most homeowners in Clearwater, Florida choose asphalt shingles as their first line of defense against severe weather. The versatility of asphalt shingles makes them the best roofing material for complicated residential roof designs. Not only are they lightweight, but they’re effortless to install.

Asphalt shingles come in three different types, and this includes three-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and luxury shingles. Three-tab shingles are durable and economical. They’re made up of a single layer, and they’re fragile when compared to architectural shingles.

Also, architectural shingles are made from high-quality materials, and they’re also known as dimensional shingles. They’re covered with ceramic mineral granules and water-resistant asphalt that makes them durable.

However, architectural shingles are heavier and thicker as compared to three-tab shingles, but they’re more resistant to severe weather. On the other hand, luxury shingles are more aesthetically-appealing when compared to three-tab and architectural shingles.

They can mimic traditional roofing materials such as classic cedar and slate material. Luxury shingles are also resistant to severe weather. Asphalt shingles can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance.

Slate has been around for many centuries and is another excellent type of residential roofing material. It’s a sedimentary rock that is made from clay or volcanic ash. Slate offers a natural color with different patterns, designs, and styles.

Since it’s made from a rock, it gives a natural, classy, and elegant appeal. However, they’re extremely heavy, and you would need additional reinforcements on your roof to make sure they hold the weight of slate.

There are many advantages to using slate material. They’re resistant to molds, freezing, and frost. Since it’s made from a natural material, it doesn’t absorb water as well as moisture. The downside to using slate is that they’re pricey.

Wood shake is also an excellent choice for your home’s roof. If you’re considering a more natural look for your home, then wood shake is a perfect choice. Wood shake is also weather-resistant and impact-resistant.

Cedar is the most common type of wood that is used in wood shakes. Wood shake has excellent insulation properties, and since they’re made from natural materials, they look better as they age. On the other hand, they’re environment-friendly and fully recyclable.

On the other hand, cedar contains natural preservatives that help prevent moisture from penetrating the wood and prevent pests from degrading the wood. Cedar does not shrink and maintains its natural form even when exposed to severe weather.

Not only is wood shake classic and elegant, but they’re also energy-efficient. Wood shake provides excellent insulation, and they’ll keep you warm during the winter and cool during the summer.

Clay features a natural earth color and has been used as a roofing material for thousands of centuries. Clay is also one of the most popular traditional roofing materials used for residential properties in Clearwater, Florida.

They can improve the curb appeal of your home, especially if you have a roof with a steep slope design. Similar to concrete tiles, they’re incredibly durable and have a long lifespan. If properly maintained, they can reach for up to 50 years or more.

When compared to asphalt shingles, clay does not rot or shrink. Clay tiles are resistant to fire, heat, and insects. They’re also energy-efficient, and they have excellent insulation properties. On the other hand, clay tiles provide superior air circulation, and they also help regulate the temperature of your home.

When compared to metal roofs and asphalt shingles, they don’t expand due to extreme heat. They’re also resistant to frost and salt, and they’re able to maintain their natural form and color. Since clay is natural-looking, they can blend with any siding material.

Concrete tile is a durable material similar to clay. The lifespan of high-quality concrete can reach up to 100 years or more if properly maintained. Since clay is more expensive, concrete can be used as a substitute for clay.

Concrete comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and you can choose the best design that will perfectly blend with your home’s siding. Similar to clay, they’re also fire-resistant. However, they’re difficult to install and extremely heavy.

You’ll need to make sure that the structural integrity of your roof will not be affected by the weight of concrete. There are also certain drawbacks to using concrete, and they’re prone to stains and discoloration over time.

Algae and moss can also grow on concrete, and they’re less resistant to freezing and frost can cause concrete to crack. However, concrete is still an excellent residential roofing material.

A popular roofing material that is used in the state of Florida is metal roofing. The lifespan of metal can reach 50 years or more, but it depends on the type of material used. Metal is durable, impact-resistant and can withstand harsh weather.

Metal does not crack when compared to clay and concrete tile. They’re also fire-resistant and energy-efficient. Not only is clay environment-friendly, but they’re fully recyclable.

Although metal is a durable type of material, they would still require regular inspections to make sure they’re in excellent condition. Metal is easy to maintain unlike other types of roofing materials, and they’re one of the best residential and commercial roofing materials available.