Composition Shingles

• Composition shingles made of fiberglass and asphalt are the most popular choice for most homeowners, due to the material's ease of application, durability and the wide variety of colors and styles available. In some cases, these shingles can even be nailed over existing shingles, and most composition shingles also offer Class A fire protection. Commonly used throughout most parts of North America, the biggest drawback to composition shingles is that they are vulnerable to wind and ice damage.
  
  

Clay Tiles

• Used most commonly in the American southwest (especially California), terracotta clay tiles have long been used on roofs due to their durability and resistance to insects, mold, decay and fire. The anticipated lifespan of clay tile, in fact, is often greater than that of the materials beneath it. The disadvantages of using clay tiles include that clay roofing is heavy, expensive and easily broken if walked on.
  
  

Natural Materials

• Slate shingles (slivers of actual rock used as shingles) are often seen on upscale homes, due to their beautiful look and extreme durability. It's not uncommon to see slate roofs that are more than 100 years old. Slate is generally expensive, but offers a long lifespan, excellent fire protection, low maintenance, and resistance to rot and insects. Another natural choice is wood shingles or shakes, which in North America are usually made from cedar. Wood shakes can provide a natural look and old-style character. Variations in color, thickness and cut of wood mean that no two shake roofs will look the same. Wood shakes, however, require regular maintenance and are not resistant to mold, rot and insects.
  
  

Metal

• Metal roofing has a long history. Commonly used in the late 1700s in structures such as Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, it can still be seen in the tin roofs in Key West, Florida. Metal roofs (now made of galvanized steel) have been making a comeback, due to their durability, fire resistance and energy efficiency, with some homeowners who switch to metal roofing reporting that the switch has resulted in energy savings of up to 20 percent.