Composition roofing, usually called asphalt shingles, laminated composition or dimensional is the most common roof used on houses. It's lowest in cost and easiest to install. Characteristics:

 

-- fiberglass mats coated with asphalt and shingles

-- Many colors available; lighter colors reduce cooling costs

-- high profile dimensional shingles

-- The heavier the shingle, the longer it will last

-- fungus-resistant shingles available

 

Laminated composition's dimensional appearance makes a real statement, improving the visual appeal to any home. The raised profile and random shingle patterns create a rich dimensional appearance, giving your roof an expensive look.

Wood shakes offer a natural look with a lot of character. Because of variations like color, width, thickness, or cut of the wood, no two shake roofs will ever be the same.

Wood offers some energy benefits, too: it helps to insulate the attic, and it allows the house to breathe, circulating air through the small openings under the felt rows on which wooden shingles are laid.

Torchdown roofing is sometimes also referred to as rubberized asphalt and is the most common type of roofing to be used on flat roofs. The asphalt is melted onto the roof using a torch creating an impermeable roof that has an average life of between 15 and 20 years.

One of the big advantages of torchdown roofing is its ability to protect the roofing from rainwater. This means it is particularly beneficial for flat roofing, where rainwater could otherwise collect on the surface and cause damage.