Installing new roofing is one of the most costly home improvement repairs a homeowner would ever face, apart from major remodeling projects such as renovating a kitchen or bathroom.

There is a clear relationship between quality and cost in most home improvement decisions, and in the case of roofing, quality typically leads to durability. When it comes to a roof, it's rarely a good idea to shop solely on price, particularly when a little extra money might get you a roof that lasts for as long as you own the house. A low-cost roof isn't a good deal if it has to be replaced every eight years.

When it comes to the durability of these common residential roofing materials, you might be surprised.