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.

There are primarily three types of shingles to choose from. And each of them has pluses and minuses. All have different costs, lifespans and looks. The good news is that all are durable, and will probably last as long as you live in your home.

Asphalt shingles are the ones you’ll see on most roofs. And at $15 to $25 dollars a square, they are also the least expensive option. Installation is not too difficult as long as you know the proper procedure. The fact that they are fairly lightweight makes the installation even easier. And matching your home is no problem since asphalt comes in a number of different colors and styles. Also on the plus side is that these are fire resistant and with proper care, they will last up to 30 years.

But that doesn’t mean these are the perfect shingles for everyone. Do you live in a high wind area where tornadoes and hurricanes are commonplace? If so you might want to look at other alternatives, since these shingles will be damaged by high winds. And make sure they are specially treated since they can also be vulnerable to mold as well. And even though they can last up to 30 years, other shingle types will last much longer.

Those are just a few of the reasons slate shingles are becoming more popular. Slate and stone are impossible to beat when it comes to durability. Chances are you’ll never need another roof as these will last a century or more. Slate will also give your home a more natural look, and of course there is a huge variety of styles and colors to choose from. Use slate, and you can have a home that looks different from every other house in your neighborhood.

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.

Many people think the third option on our list looks the best. Wood or shake shingles can be absolutely beautiful. Treated cedar is the most popular, but you can also get these shingles in pine or spruce. In addition to looking good, shake roofs are not too difficult to install. And they will 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.