There are so many different roofing options for residential properties that it can be hard to figure out what is best for your home. Of course, your decision will ultimately be influenced by whether you are building a new home or remodeling your existing roof. Also, your budget, climate and home style can have an impact on your decision. There's really no right or wrong solution for most homes, so it usually comes down to homeowners' choosing their favorite style. Asphalt shingles are far and away the most popular option for residential roofing, but wood shingles and clay tiles are two of the best alternatives. This article compares wood shingles and clay tiles.

Clay Tiles

There is a wide variety of clay styles to choose from. Spanish, French, Mission are just some of the most popular. There are many, many more, but these names really only have to do with the actual tile shape. The chemistry of the tile is more or less the same. That being said, clay tiles have become far more advanced and durable over the years. Clays are mixed with powerful composites to make the tiles strong, more resistant to cracking, and waterproof. A modern clay tile roof can last up to 100 years before it needs to be replaced.

Clay is a material that provides great insulation, but also doesn't absorb too much heat. This makes it a prime option in hot climates. Think about all the Mediterranean style homes, old and new, that have clay roofs. Modern clay tiles can also be finished with a protective top layer that can be colored. So you can enjoy the natural clay color, or just about any color roof you can imagine.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles don't last as long as clay tiles, but they still have an impressive 40 year lifespan. This is pretty great when you consider that wood is a natural material. That being said, most modern wooden shingles are tempered and reinforced so that they aren't particularly well suited to roofing. They are water and termite resistant. It is hard to beat the natural style of a real wooden roof. As with clay tiles, wooden shingles have advance to tremendously over the recent years, making them more stylish and durable than ever. Usually, wood shingles are cheaper to install because they weigh less than tiles.

In the end, both of these materials are great for residential roofing, it is really just a matter of personal opinion. Talk to a professional roofer for more help and information.