Determining the best roofing material for your home and climate can feel a bit daunting, but when reviewing a variety of options, the top long-term choice will be evident. From popular asphalt shingles to durable metal roofing, your selection will directly impact your new roof’s cost, lifespan, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.
While your area’s weather, your budget, and your desired curb appeal all factor into this decision, knowing the basics about popular roofing options will provide the foundation needed to spot the ideal solution for you. Read on to gain insight into popular roofing material options.
Facts to Help You Select Your New Roof’s Material
Choosing the finest roofing material for your home requires you to balance aesthetics, durability, cost, and more. Here are some exceptional choices to consider:
Asphalt Roofing
This popular roofing material option comes in three distinct price points. As the features and aesthetics increase, the cost does too.
3-Tab Shingles
- Durability – These basic shingles last up to 20 years.
- Benefits – The low price point make this roofing option feasible for more homeowners.
- Warranty – 3-tab shingles come with a 25-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Dimensional Shingles/Architectural Shingles
- Durability – These durable shingles last up to 25 years when properly installed and maintained over their lifespan.
- Benefits – As the most popular asphalt roofing option, dimensional shingles have a pattern on them which adds texture to your home’s curb appeal. They can simulate the look of a wood-shake roof, while offering a comfortable price point.
Dimensional shingles come in a wide variety of colors and materials, so you can customize your home with ease. They cost more than 3-tab shingles and less than luxury shingles, making them a practical long-term option for many homeowners. - Warranty – Dimensional shingles often come with a 30-year warranty from their manufacturer. Companies may also give you the option of upgrading to a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty if you install a complete roofing system.
Luxury Asphalt Shingles
- Durability – These resilient shingles last 30-plus years.
- Benefits – Premium luxury shingles are designer grade and can mimic the look of natural slate. They deliver stunning curb appeal that sets your home apart. They are the most expensive option of the three asphalt shingle types but last the longest, offer superior weather resistance, and stand up well to storm damage.
- Warranty – Luxury shingles often come with a 30-year warranty. This can typically be upgraded to a 50-year one if you have a complete roofing system installed.
Composite/Synthetic Roofing
- Durability – Popular composite roofing lasts up to 50 years when it is installed by an experienced team and maintained well over the years.
- Benefits – This eco-friendly roofing material is made of a synthetic polymer or recycled materials. Composite roofing mimics the look of slate (without its high cost) or cedar shake roofing (minus its high maintenance).
Its Class 4 impact rating, which is the highest level of impact resistance available, means hail is not a threat to this roofing material like it is to other roofing types. Composite roofing lasts longer than dimensional asphalt shingles, making it a wise long-term investment. - Warranty – The warranty offered with composite shingles largely depends on the manufacturer and can vary.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
- Durability – Made of a series of panels locked together at their seams, this long-lasting roofing option stands up to the elements with ease.
- Benefits – This super durable roofing material withstands harsh weather, lowers cooling costs, and delivers modern, impressive curb appeal. Available in a variety of styles and colors, metal roofing makes customizing your home easy.
This popular roofing option requires almost no maintenance, giving you more time to do the things you love most. The initial investment of this roofing type is significant, but homeowners love it for its durability, low maintenance, and beauty. - Warranty – Standing Seam Metal Roofing typically comes with a 30-year paint warranty on its finish.
Concrete Tile Roofing
- Durability – This heavy, durable roofing material option makes it a great choice for regions with high winds. It lasts 50-plus years when installed correctly and with regular upkeep over its lifetime.
- Benefits – Molded from sand-mix concrete, this concrete tile roofing can take on a variety of hues, making it highly customizable. It comes in a wide choice of profiles, can mimic cedar shake roofing, and more. It can be finished with a decorative coating to create a gorgeous aesthetic.
- Warranty – The length of the warranty depends on the manufacturer but is typically quite substantial based on the durability of this roofing option.
Slate Shingles
- Durability – This is one of the longest lasting roofing material choices, enduring up to 100–150 years when installed correctly and maintained well.
- Benefits – This elegant roofing material is commonly seen on luxury homes. Its authentic, thin sheets of real stone create a unique appearance that makes your property stand out. Its installation requires highly specialized craftsmen, making it a more significant investment than other roofing materials. If you choose to have a slate roof installed, it will probably be the last roof replacement you’ll ever need.
- Warranty – Slate is a natural, mined material, so there is no warranty on the slate itself. But you can inquire about a workmanship warranty if you choose this roofing material type.
Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal and Protection with a Durable New Roof
Missing, cracked, and worn-out shingles leave your home vulnerable to costly moisture intrusion and the need for multiple repairs. At Keeter Roofing & Remodeling, we install attractive, premium roofing materials including asphalt, composite, and metal roofing.
As an Owens Corning Preferred contractor, and ShingleMaster Applicator with CertainTeed, you can count on our detailed workmanship to deliver a gorgeous, long-lasting, low-maintenance roof replacement. We meticulously follow the specifications outlined by manufacturers, ensuring that every aspect of your roof installation complies with industry standards and best practices. Learn more about how our roofing services can enhance your home’s style and protect it from the elements.
