If your home needs a new roof, you may be overwhelmed by the variety of roofing materials available today. Roofing contractors offer a wide range of materials to suit homes of all styles in all climates. When you work with a local roofing contractor or building contractor, they'll help you find the right materials for your home. Before you get started, learn about the most common roofing supplies contractors use.

1. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are among the most common roofing materials in America today. Ubiquitous, and coming in a variety of colors, asphalt roofing shingles can match any house design scheme. They last around 15 to 30 years, according to Bob Vila, making them one of the shorter-lived roofing options. To make up for this, roofers may offer re-roofing services where they skip the tear-off phase of roof installation. This reduces roof replacement costs.

2. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the new superstars of the roofing supplies world. In fact, metal building construction increased by 12.9% in 2021, according to Metal Construction News. The reflective nature of metal creates a uniquely attractive look and helps to keep homes cooler in the summer. This makes it an ideal material for building in the hotter parts of the United States, where every degree of heating rejected can mean thousands of dollars saved over a summer in energy bills. Overall, metal roofing is popular across the country since it's an economical, long-lasting, and energy-efficient material.

3. Roofing Fasteners

Whether you choose an asphalt or metal roof, your new roofing materials will need to be fastened to your existing roof deck. Asphalt shingles are typically installed using specialized roofing nails. The shingles are laid from the bottom of the roof to the top, with each new layer covering up the nails that hold the previous layer in place. Metal roofing is installed in flat sheets, so it requires weather-resistant screws. These advanced fasteners keep the sheets of metal in place without allowing water to seep beneath them.

4. Flashing

Since your roof is designed to protect your home from water infiltration, it is typically made with multiple layers of moisture protection. Shingles and metal roofing can't cover the areas around vent pipes, chimneys, and roof valleys. To protect these areas from water infiltration, roofers install metal flashing that directs the water toward the gutters.

Installing a new roof is a lasting decision that will keep your house beautiful and secure for years to come. If you're interested in learning more about common roofing supplies or need assistance choosing the right materials for your home, give K&G Metals Inc a call today!