Holland adds that it is especially important for homeowners to look at the wind rating before looking at the lifespan on any shingle product. “Wind zones in Anchorage have changed, and many of the 25-year shingles being sold are not rated for the wind.”

Brent Eaton, owner of E/P Roofing, recommends IKO’s Cambridge architectural shingles, which are fiberglass-based asphalt shingles. These affordable shingles provide a classic, wood shake look but with extreme protection against all kinds of weather and high winds. For those interested in green building, IKO’s Cambridge 30 shingles are the first in the asphalt roofing industry to receive independent verification of recycled content from the prestigious Scientific Certification Systems organization.

Heavy metal has its following

There are many shingle options you won’t find in Alaska – concrete, tile and slate, for example – because they aren’t designed to hold the weight of Alaska’s snow and ice.

In Alaska, your best choices are metal and the fiberglass-based variety, says Eaton. All metal roofing materials and most fiberglass shingles have a Class A fire rating, signifying the highest protection should fire threaten. In terms of longevity, Eaton says, a metal roof can’t be beat. Metal won’t deteriorate or be affected by extreme weather the way organic roofing materials will, and can decrease the chances of roof collapse, during earthquake or fire damage.

But if you’re concerned that a metal roof would be better suited atop an agricultural outbuilding than your home, consider this: Today’s metal roofing, made from steel or aluminum, comes in a wide array of styles or colors to complement your home perfectly. Metal shingles can be shaped to mimic the look of clay tiles or wood shakes, but are far less expensive and much lighter in weight.

But the single biggest advantage is probably a metal roof’s ability to drive down your home energy costs. Because metal reflects heat, it creates a barrier that blocks the sun’s summer heat. In the winter, those same reflective properties help prevent heat from leaking out.

While many roofers believe metal is the next trend in roofing, so does the Obama administration. As a result of the Stimulus Package signed in February, homeowners who make energy efficient updates to their home, which include the installation of an Energy Star-compliant metal roof, between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010 may be eligible for a tax credit worth 30 percent of the materials cost up to $1,500.

For pros focused on sustainable design, metal roofing's recycled content and ability to be recycled also can be attractive.

Because your home is your single most primary investment, it just doesn't pay to cut corners. “Do your homework,” says Brent Fortuny, owner of Lockard & Fortuny Roofing. “There are a lot of products out there, and a lot of things to look for to make sure you’re getting the b