Your roof is one of the most important structures of your home, as it protects you from the elements and helps keep your home insulated. The quality of your roof and its maintenance impact the value of your home, and a new roof is a quick way to add curb appeal. There are many different types of roofing materials to choose from. Here’s a comparison of some of the most popular choices.
Asphalt Shingles
In the United States, asphalt shingles are one of the most popular materials for roofing. There are a few reasons for this; they are affordable and durable. There is also more of a color variety with asphalt shingles than with other roofing materials. Installation of asphalt shingles is also quicker than other shingle types, as they typically just have to be rolled out and nailed down.
Asphalt shingles are durable, with a typical lifespan of 25 to 50 years, depending on the manufacturer. However, they are still less durable than other roofing materials. This is because they are more susceptible to weather damage from severe temperature changes or storms. If you currently have asphalt shingles, you can tell it needs to be replaced when it loses all of its granules.
Culbertson Construction has our trusted brands listed on our roof replacement page. One of the brands we trust is Atlas. Take a look at their catalog if you want to see some of the color varieties offered.

Metal Roofing
Metal roofing used to be used only on farm structures and commercial buildings, but it has become more popular for residential use in recent years. They are one of the best materials for UV protection and blocking out moisture. Metal roofs can last 50+ years as long as they’re well maintained, because when they take damage, it typically doesn’t impact the structural integrity of your roof.
Metal roof materials withstand elements like fire, water, and hail better than most other roofing materials. However, due to the lack of texture on metal roofing, the damage is much more obvious and can be noticed from a further distance than with other roofing types. All of these benefits lead to metal roofing being a bit more expensive than some of your other options.
Slate
Slate is a natural roofing material that is low maintenance, durable, and has one of the longest lifespans of roofing materials. Because slate roofing is stone, it is heavy. This means that it’s not suitable for all homes, as the structure may not be strong enough to support the weight.
Repairs tend to be more difficult on this roof type, and they are more specialized, so not all contractors will be able to install them. Slate is shaped after being harvested from natural quarries, so this means it will be one of the more expensive roofing materials to choose.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Both of these roofing materials are also heavy, meaning that they aren’t suitable for all homes. They are more fragile and particular than other materials, which means there is a lot of maintenance required. They are both susceptible to water absorption, which means they would need to be resealed every few years.
Clay and concrete tiles are not recommended for Wisconsin homes, as the extreme cold temperatures in the winter make them more brittle and likely to become damaged. They are better utilized in regions where temperatures are hot year-round.
Contact Culbertson Construction
We offer our services in Northeast Wisconsin: Oconto, Kewaunee, Door, Outagamie, Shawano, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Brown counties.
If you have any questions or would like to request a quote, contact Culbertson Construction today!