So your home needs a new roof and now you have to decide what roofing shingles will work best. If it’s been a while since you put on a new roof, you may be surprised at the number of options now available. You want something that’s durable, not too expensive, will last a long time, and if you’re a do it yourselfer, something that’s not too difficult to install. That’s why even though there are now a number of choices, shingles remain the most popular option.

Most shingles will generally last at least 15 years. When you think about it, most people don’t even live in the same home 15 years, so durability is not a problem. There are typically three types of shingles to choose from. Each has it’s own price range, lifespan and look.

The most popular choice for homeowners remains asphalt shingles, and it’s easy to see why. Consider that these are the least expensive ($15 to $25 per square), they are fire resistant, and come in many different styles and colors, and you’ll quickly understand why if you drive down any neighborhood street, you’ll find the majority of the homes are roofed in asphalt. As an added bonus, because they are lightweight and flexible, asphalt shingles are also the easiest to install. And durability is not a problem either, as these will last up to 30 years with proper care.

However asphalt shingles also have some drawbacks, especially if you live in a high wind area. You’ll find that they can be easily damaged in very windy conditions. If hurricanes or tornadoes are common in your area, it might be a good idea to look at other options. Asphalt shingles are also vulnerable to mold unless they are specially treated. And while they are durable, lasting up to 30 years, they are not nearly as durable as some of your other options.

Those few drawbacks obviously haven’t kept asphalt from remaining the most popular, but slate shingles are slowly closing the gap. There are several reasons for this. First of all, slate or stone will give your home a more natural look. And with so many choices available, you’ll easily be able to match the existing look of your home and still have it look different from every other home in the neighborhood. But most people who choose slate do so because of its durability. These roofs can last over 100 years. Choose slate now, and chances are you’ll never have to worry about putting on a new roof again.

But like all our choices here, there are some drawbacks to using slate. You can start with the cost. These are easily the most expensive shingles, costing in the area of $850 for 100 square feet. They are also so heavy that most home simply aren’t equipped to handle them. Chances are the rafters will need to be reinforced unless you want the roof to cave in. That weight plus the fact that they break easily also makes them difficult to install. It’s not a job you’ll want to do by yourself. You’ll almost definitely need to hire a professional.

Your third shingle option is wood or shake. These are made from different types of treated wood. Cedar is the most popular choice for wood shakes, but you can also find them in spruce and pine. Installation is relative easy and shake roofs look great. They will also last about 50 years if treated properly.

But shake roofs are not fireproof, and in addition to the inherant danger, it can also quickly inflate your insurance costs. You should probably check with your insurance company before installing a shake roof because you may be shocked at the difference in price. The upfront cost is also greater than asphalt, although not as high as slate. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $250 per 100 square feet. And be ready to do some maintenance or the wood can mold, splinter or rot.

Before you make a decision on your roofing shingles, carefully weigh the pros and cons of each of your choices. Don’t be afraid to ask neighbors, family members and friends for recommendations as well. And unless you are experienced, we always recommend hiring a professional to install your roof for you. It may end up being cheaper in the long run, since you won’t have to call someone in to make costly repairs.