Shingle material has the biggest impact on your roof's performance, durability, and cost. Asphalt shingle roofs are the most affordable, while clay tile, natural slate, and solar shingles are the bigger investments.

An asphalt shingle roof tops the list of popular roofing material choices and comes in a variety of options, including: Three-tab shingles (tight budget as they have a lower cost per square foot) Architectural shingles (stylish and affordable)

The most durable types of roofing are slate and clay tiles but they're more expensive than materials like metal or wood. Functional roofing alternatives like green roofs and solar shingles are among the most expensive types.

Hip Roofs; Strength Meets Simplicity This hip roof design diagram shows why the roof style is the strongest out there. All four sides comes together at the peak and can easily deflect heavy winds, debris, and snow.