Your roof provides protection from the elements and plays a major role in maintaining your home’s structural integrity. Before redoing your roof, take some time to research options. Choosing the right roofing materials will enhance your home’s curb appeal and save you money in the long run.

Different materials work better in different climates, and each has its own pros and cons in terms of price, appearance, and performance. Our guide covers the most common types of roofing materials to help you make an informed decision for your home.

---

Common repairs include replacing individual shingles, fixing damaged shingles, and replacing flashing. A roof may need complete replacement if structural damage has occurred, the material is beyond its useful life, or there is extensive surface damage.

---

Factors To Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials

Many factors go into choosing a new roofing material. Start by determining your home’s structural integrity and current roof subsurface. An ASHI-certified home inspector can help with this step. 

Consider each of the following to choose an appropriate material for your home and budget:

• Appearance: A new roof is a significant investment, and the materials you choose should enhance your home’s overall appearance. Consider color, texture, and profile to select a material that complements your home’s architectural style.
• Building codes: Check if there are any restrictions or requirements on roofing materials in your area. Local building codes often dictate wind resistance and energy efficiency requirements for materials. Ask your roofing contractor which options meet local codes.
• Budget: The cost of installing a new roof varies by material, so determine your budget before shopping and then stick with it. Be sure to balance the upfront material cost with its lifespan, potential maintenance requirements, and long-term energy savings.
• Climate: Your local climate can make one type of roofing more suitable than another. For example, steel roofs may suffer from the salty air in coastal regions but are sturdy enough to withstand high winds.
• Energy efficiency: Certain roofs improve your home’s energy efficiency. For example, features such as reflective coatings can help lower heating and cooling costs. Visit Energy Star’s website to learn more about improving your home’s energy efficiency.
• Installation: We always recommend hiring a professional to do roof work. It’s a dangerous job that requires extensive knowledge and experience to get right, and attempting to install a roof yourself may void the warranty. Factor labor costs into your budget and take time to research reputable companies.
• Maintenance requirements: Factor in how much maintenance the material requires over its life span and associated costs. For instance, wood shingles may need regular treatments to prevent rot, mold, and insect infestation, while metal roofs require minimal upkeep.
• Roof pitch: Roofs with multiple angles, dormers, valleys, or complex designs might limit your options. Some materials are more difficult to install on intricate roofs, while others have specific slope requirements.
• Sustainability: If sustainability is a concern, consider materials like metal that are recyclable or have long life spans. Many metal roofs and composite shingles incorporate recycled materials and last longer than traditional asphalt shingles.
• Warranties: Some roof shingle manufacturers provide longer warranties than others. Ask about warranty duration when shopping for roofing materials and getting estimates from contractors. Compare the material warranty and the workmanship warranty offered by the installer.
• Weight: Certain materials such as tile and slate are heavy. Ensure your roof structure can support the added weight before upgrading to a heavier material.

For a brief overview of the four most popular roofing materials and how they compare on key metrics, check out the video below with general contractor Tom Silva:

---

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S. They consist of a fiberglass base coated with asphalt and granules.

An asphalt shingle roof is cost-effective and can provide a good return on investment if you plan to sell your home in the near future. Asphalt shingles require minimal maintenance, but you may need to inspect them for lifting or tears and clean them to remove moss buildup if conditions warrant it.

Three-tab shingles are typically the least expensive type of shingle. They provide a uniform look and typically last for about 15–20 years. Architectural shingles are thicker, with a textured appearance that mimics more expensive materials. Their increased thickness helps them last longer, with some top-rated roof shingles lasting 30 years or longer.

---

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are durable, attractive, and low maintenance. They’re fire-resistant, making them popular for homes in areas prone to wildfires. Metal roofs can also handle heavy snow when properly installed.

The cost of metal roofing is higher than asphalt shingles, but its durability provides good value for the price. Most metal roofs last for 50 years or longer, though that figure can vary slightly depending on the metal roof type you choose. 

Homeowners have a variety of metal roof styles to choose from, such as shingles and corrugated and standing seam panels. Metal is ideal for low-slope and flat roofs since water infiltration could pose a problem with other materials.

Steel is the most popular and affordable type of metal roofing. Some manufacturers use an energy-efficient reflective coating to help reduce heat gain from the sun. Steel panels typically cover 2 feet of roof width and can be custom-cut to your desired length. 

---

Wood Shakes or Shingles

Wood shakes and shingles offer a natural and rustic aesthetic that appeals to many homeowners. They are typically made from cedar, redwood, pine, or cypress. Shakes are hand-split, resulting in a thicker, more textured appearance, while shingles are machine-sawn for a smoother, more uniform look.

Wood roofs offer decent insulation, and some wood species have a natural resistance to decay and insects. However, wood roofing requires regular maintenance, such as treatments to prevent rot, mold, and fire. Wood is also susceptible to damage from hail and high winds in certain climates. Due to their high maintenance, wood shakes and shingles are less common than other options.

Despite the downsides, a cedar shake roof provides an undeniably beautiful and distinctive look. If you value a natural aesthetic, are committed to proper maintenance, and live in a climate where wood roofs are suitable, they may be a worthwhile investment for your home.

---

Clay Tiles

Clay and terracotta tiles provide an attractive Old World appearance that fits well with Spanish- and Mediterranean-style homes. You can buy natural and sealed versions, with the latter offering better water resistance. 

Clay tile roofs are fire-resistant and have an incredibly long life span. However, the tiles are very heavy, so you’ll need to have your roof inspected to make sure it can bear the weight. That extra weight makes them harder to install and pushes That extra weight makes them harder to install and ensure that tile roof costs are near the high end of the price spectrum. means that toward the high end of the price spectrum.

---

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are attractive, durable, and fire-resistant. They’re incredibly energy efficient and cost less than slate or clay tile roofs. You can have formed concrete tiles tinted to your desired color and finished with an appropriate sealer.  are attractive, durable, and fire-resistant. They’re incredibly energy efficient and cost less than slate or clay tile roofs. You can have formed concrete tiles tinted to your desired color and finished with an appropriate sealer. 

---

Slate Roofing

Slate roofing shingles offer a classic look that boosts your home’s curb appeal. Slate roofs are energy-efficient and durable, with some lasting for 100 years or more. Industry testing shows slate is impact- and fire-resistant, too. 

Slate installation requires an experienced specialty roofing contractor familiar with the special requirements of slate tiles. A slate roof costs more than most other roof materials, though you can save money by opting for synthetic slate. You may also need to add structural support to your home due to the extra weight of natural stone roofing.

---

Composite or Synthetic Roofing

Roof shingles and tiles come in several synthetic and composite variations designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. These products typically have a base made from recycled materials like plastic or rubber, sometimes blended with fiberglass for added strength, and a resin or polymer-based coating.

Though their composition varies, these manmade tiles closely mimic the look of premium materials—such as metal, slate, clay, or cedar—at a fraction of the cost. For example, while a natural slate roof can cost as much as $30* per square foot, a synthetic version might cost between $5 and $10 per square foot.  

These tiles are typically durable, with some lasting as long as 50 years. They often qualify as impact-resistant roofing, which means they are less likely to be damaged by severe weather and hail strikes. Additionally, their lightweight structure means you can install them over existing roofing materials.

* Cost data sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.

---

Our Conclusion

You can choose from many types of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal, natural slate, or clay tiles. Selecting the right roofing system requires carefully considering your budget, your home’s style, and your climate. We recommend professional installation for all roofs, so be sure to factor labor into your total cost.

---

FAQ About Types of Roofing Materials

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.