The roof and the foundations are perhaps the most important components of a house. Without them, living conditions would be awful and survival difficult. But for a homeowner, the range of roof choices can be confusing. We're seeking to make the choice easier by briefly describing what each offers.

Asphalt shingles

They're the most widely used roofing materials and among the best-looking. Depending on where you live, you can go for fiberglass-based shingles that resist moisture and fire better or opt for paper fiber mat which provides better resistance to wind. There are also algae-resistant shingles for humid climates.

Unlike clay, asphalt shingles are very affordable. Choose them if you want a traditional roofline and can't afford to splurge on more exotic materials. Avoid them if the low eco-friendly factor (they're petroleum-based) turns you off.

Wood shingles

Wood shingles lean toward traditional architecture when wood was the primary building material. Despite being prone to rot, the wood used in shingles is rot-resistant so you can have that beautiful roof you've always wanted.

The wood is typically cedar but other species with similar resistance may be used. Since wood is natural it's eco-friendly and for many, this factor alone is enough to make them go for it. What you should know, however, is that wood does have a few downsides, one of them being that it has a short life. Regular maintenance is, therefore, necessary. Fire-resistance is poor too although a fire retardant can be used.

Choose wood if appearance matters and you like the idea of sporting an eco-friendly roof. Don't choose it if you can't afford the maintenance costs.

Clay tiles

Timeless in its beauty and a favorite for centuries, clay tiles turn homes into Italian-inspired abodes. The tiles are fired in a kiln and being subjected to such high temperatures means they have excellent fire-resistance.

Clay is low maintenance but its brittleness means you're likely to see some repair costs. Installation too is a little pricey because it's heavy so roof framing is needed.

Choose clay tiles if you can afford to and if aesthetics are important.

Metal

Metal roofs are becoming quite common mainly because of the durability factor. Cost is somewhere in between with steel being moderately priced and copper being expensive. What's great is that no matter what metal you choose, there's the option of using shingles or sheets.

The production of metal isn't very eco-friendly but the metal roofs available are largely made up of recycled materials. They can be recycled even further. Durability can range from fairly long-lasting to decades depending on what metal is used and how well you take care of it.

Choose metal if you need a lightweight yet strong roof but go for something else if you don't like the look.

Plastic polymer

Plastic polymer roofing hasn't achieved the popularity enjoyed by other materials but there's a lot to be said of this recycled and recyclable plastic. In order to make good use of existing plastic that's never going anywhere, manufacturers began recycling it to produce plastic polymers, strong, lightweight materials that are easy to install and don't need much maintenance. The trend soon caught on among consumers seeking durable and unique roofs.

Go for plastic polymer roofing if you love the idea of using recycled materials. Don't if you want to go fully traditional.