Small damaged areas may be repaired with patches and roof cement. The materials used may include copper, tin, steel, aluminum, lead or more likely an alloy combination of one or more of these metals. Tile, Slate and Composites Roofs made of slate or tiles composed of either clay or concrete are perhaps the longest lasting available. They frequently last more than 50 years, and normally require little or no maintenance. In addition these materials are extremely fire resistant.
Tiles offer comparable benefits to slate but have more variety.
Tiles may be glazed or unglazed and come in a wide variety of colors and texture. Slate, on the other hand, typically comes in only black, grey or dark red. When one of these roofs does need replacement the cost is very high. Ask colleagues, friends, and neighbors for recommendations. Get the name of several roofing contractors and check them out with your local Better Business Bureau.