There are plenty of options when it comes to getting a new roof, but roofing shingles are still the most popular choice among homeowners. And while this sounds easy enough, there are even more choices that have to be made when it comes to deciding on the type of shingles. You have a budget, so you have to stay within a certain cost. You also want your new roof to last a long time. Of course you want it to look good. And if you plan on doing the job yourself, you need them to be easy to install as well.

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.

So what are the drawbacks? Well they can be damaged by high winds. So if you live in an area where hurricanes or tornadoes are common, this could be a problem. And unless specially treated, asphalt shingles can also be vulnerable to mold. And although they will last up to 30 years, that’s not very long compared to other types of shingles.

And while asphalt is still the most popular, slate shingles are gaining in popularity. If you want your home to have a more natural feel, this could be the option for you. Again you’ll find a wide range of styles and colors to match your home, and you can get a look different from anyone else in the neighborhood. When it comes to durability, slate (or stone) shingles are tough to beat. They can last more than 100 years, so you’ll probably never need another roof.

But slate also has some disadvantages. It is extremely heavy, which means not all homes can accommodate it. In many cases the rafters need to be reinforced just to prevent the roof from caving in. And putting on a slate roof is not a job for the do it yourselfer. It breaks easily and will need to be installed by a professional. And that’s not to mention the cost. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $850 per 100 square feet.

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 there are problems with shake roofs as well. The biggest one is that they are not fireproof. Not only is this dangerous, it can be expensive. In many places having a wood roof will cause your insurance costs to skyrocket. And while shake is not as expensive as slate, it’s still more expensive than asphalt. Chances are you’ll be paying about $250 per 100 square feet. Shake roofs also need more maintenance. If not maintained properly, the wood will rot, splinter, or mold.

Obviously there are pros and cons with all your roofing choices. Again asphalt remains the most popular because it can look great, last a long time, and is comparatively inexpensive. If money is no object, slate is a great choice. But no matter what you decide, if you don’t know much about roofing it’s best to have it professionally installed. You may end up saving money by not having to hire someone to come in later and fix any problems.