What are the first roofing materials that come to mind for you? Most people immediately think of shingles. Give them a minute longer, and they'll probably name metal and tile roofing. These are very common roofing materials, and they are all good roof materials for their own reasons. However, they are not the only good roofing materials that exist. Here are some other good-quality roof materials that don't always get the attention they deserve.

Cedar Shakes

Wood shakes were a very common roof material years ago, which causes some people to think of them as outdated. But the reason they aren't as popular today has little to do with quality. Cedar shakes are a durable, sound roofing material. Cedar does not rot or appeal to termites like a lot of woods. Cedar shakes just cost significantly more than shingles because they are hand-chiseled from cedar logs. Nevertheless, if you want a natural aesthetic and a sustainable roofing option, cedar shakes can be a really good choice, though not a very budget-friendly one.

Rubber Roofing

Rubber roofing is pretty popular on commercial buildings, but it is not seen as often on residential homes. Nevertheless, it can be a good material to use in certain scenarios. If your home's structure can't support a heavy roof, rubber is a good option. People use it quite often on patio and porch roofs for this reason. Rubber roofing is also less prone to snow and ice damage because it's one sheet; there are fewer edges for ice to get under. As such, people in snowy areas sometimes roof their homes in rubber. (Snow often slides right off of it, too!)

Copper Roofs

You see a lot of metal and aluminum roofs, but not as many made from copper. Again, the reason copper isn't so common is likely its cost. Roofing a home with copper costs several times as much as roofing it in steel. However, copper has a distinct look that pairs well with some architectural designs. It also lasts longer than almost any other roofing material. Replace your roof with a copper one, and that will be the last roof replacement your home ever needs.

Shingles, steel roofing, and tile roofing are popular for good reasons. But if you are looking for a more unique roofing option, there are choices to consider. Copper roofs and rubber roofs work well in certain scenarios, as do roofs made from cedar shakes.

Talk to a roofing contractor for more information.