In the early days of America, Great Britain and Ireland, the homes, of the poor were thatch or adobe, while those of the wealthy were shingled largely with slate.

It remains the chosen material of those who have historical homes or who have their homes in historical areas, and is most popular in eastern US, where the stone is made.

Slate is remarkably expensive and very heavy. It can be broken easily and must be completely replaced as it does not repair well. It isn’t considered a good choice any more for any but the historical district because there are so many faux slate materials that are easier to work with and far less heavy and expensive.

Wood Shakes, or Shaker roofing, has been around since the early 1800’s and is very easy to work with and hardy to use.

The best wood to use for roofing is cedar, because it is far hardier and is repellent to many insects.

It too is used in the main on historical homes and has been making resurgence recently because of the vast array of homes that are being built in the older styles to mimic early architecture.

Wood will offer a rustic early day’s look, is as was mentioned, insect repellent and will offer natural insulation properties against heat, cold and noise.

Clay roofing is the last type of specialty roofing. This was always particularly popular in the southwestern USA where the style was old mission, with adobe homes being the more popular style.

Clay roofing is also popular in Italy and in Italian style homes as well as Spanish hacienda style houses.

They can sometimes leak and so are used primarily where the rainfall is minimal.
Clay tile roofs are especially popular in the southwest, where mission style adobe houses are all the rage. Clay tile roofs are also featured in Spanish and Italian designs. They can leak rather easily; therefore they are often reserved for regions where little rain falls.

Estimation

When you are in the process of finding someone to redo your roof always get more than one estimate and if you can get more than two.

Be certain that your contractor is licensed, and that he has insurance to cover costs should your existing roof or the structure be damaged during the work process.

When you receive your estimate make certain that it is offered to you in writing to assure that you are both on the same page. Your contractor has worked in the area before now, chances are. If his customers are happy with his work, he won’t mind telling you their names.