Homeowners have access to numerous types of roof coverings in the construction industry. However, this also presents numerous advantages and disadvantages of each. Here are a few important things to consider when selecting a material, an explanation of what the purpose of a roof covering is and a comparison of some of the most popular types of roofing currently available.
Key Factors in Roofing Material Selection (Climate, Cost, Durability, Aesthetics)
For different roof types materials, the choice should be guided by several key considerations. The following are four of the most important factors to weigh when comparing roofing options:
Climate
The environment in which the roof will be placed will greatly determine which type of material would be best suited for it. Some materials will perform well in many climates, while others perform much better in certain climates.
Cost
Every roofing system will have fluctuating product and labour pricing associated with it. A standard asphalt shingle roofing system can cost between $7,000 – $10,000 for an average-sized home.
Durability
When you’re making a long-term roofing investment, think about how long the material will last and how durable it will be when deciding on your choice of materials. For example, basic asphalt shingles can typically last 20 to 30 years if installed properly in an ideal climate.
Aesthetics
Most materials for roofs are available in an extensive selection of colors, textures and profiles to match any architecture you have in mind! For example, there are a variety of asphalt shingles with varying colors and textures, which look like either wood or slate, while wood shakes provide a rustic and homey look.
Purpose of Roofing Materials
All the different roofing materials act as a barrier that protects against the elements, where it becomes the main barrier to rain, snow, wind, and sunshine by preventing water from entering and damaging the structure, walls, foundation, and contents of a home.
To summarize, these are the main purposes of any type of roof:
- Weather Protection – Shields against rain, snow, wind, and sunlight.
- Structural Integrity – Prevents water damage to walls, foundation, and interiors.
- Thermal Regulation – Helps maintain indoor temperature (some materials offer better insulation).
- Safety & Security – Provides fire resistance and protection from falling debris.
- Aesthetic Enhancement – Contributes to curb appeal and home value.
Roof Material Types: Pros and Cons of Popular Options
The most popular types of roofing materials used for American homes today are asphalt shingles, metal roofing, wooden shingles/shakes, clay tile, natural slate, and synthetic composite shingles. In the following sections, we will detail what these types of roof materials are, their characteristics, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used residential material for roofs in the United States. Approximately 80% of homes in the U.S. have a shingle roof, and are most typical in colder climates.
Pros
These shingles are budget-friendly and inexpensive to install. They are available nearly everywhere, and roofers can usually install them very quickly, which reduces labor costs, and they provide reasonable durability and protection for most climates.
Cons
Asphalt roofing typically does not last as long as premium roof materials, with a median lifespan that is less than half that of metal, tile, and slate roofs. Shingles made from this material typically last up to 20 years before they need replacing. Additionally, they can be especially vulnerable to damage due to severe weather conditions.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has been growing in popularity due to the durability, as well as their longevity. In the US, metal roofing makes up 15-20% of the new residential market, often chosen for extreme weather areas.
Pros
A properly installed roof of this material can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, with some sources stating that a properly installed roof can last up to 80 years under ideal conditions. The panels are highly resistant to rain, snow, wind, and fire.
Cons
The primary drawback to this type of roofing is the higher upfront cost. The shingles are considerably more expensive than asphalt shingles, and installation is specialized, often costing several times the price of an asphalt roof. However, this cost can be offset over time by longevity and lower maintenance.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay tiles have been used for centuries on roofs, especially in hot, sunny climates. Today, both traditional clay terra-cotta tiles and modern concrete tiles are popular in many regions, made from natural materials.
Pros
These tiles provide great durability, as a well-made tile roof can last 50 to 100 years with proper care. They are completely fireproof, which can be a big advantage in wildfire-prone areas. The tiles are also resistant to sunshine and heat, and don’t degrade under UV exposure and require low maintenance.
Cons
Tile roofing is one of the costliest options available, both for material and for installation. Tiles are expensive, as is the labor, as it takes more labor to install tile roofing and to receive any specialized workmanship. They are also extremely heavy compared to asphalt shingles, needing a strong roof structure.
Slate
Natural slate is one of the best kinds of roofing materials for durability and beauty. Shingles from this material are created from stone quarried in places such as Vermont and Pennsylvania in the USA. They provide an atypical and elegant roof style that has a distinctly three-dimensional appearance.
Pros
Slate roofs are extremely durable, often lasting between 75 and 100 years. These roofs offer exceptional protection, as they’re extremely fire-resistant, resistant to rotting and insect damage, and will perform very well under moderate storm conditions.
Cons
These roofs are considerably more costly than asphalt roofing due to the high cost of materials roofing companies use, while also considering the specialised labour required, making them time-consuming to install, as each shingle must be set individually by hand. Consequently, the roof can be many times more expensive than an asphalt roof. Furthermore, due to the large weight, they require an extra-strong roof structure.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood has been used as a material for hundreds of years. The shingles are cut by machine into uniform shapes, while the shakes are split by hand and therefore have a more rustic look.
Pros
These shingles and shakes offer beauty and curb appeal that is hard to replicate. If properly installed and maintained, a shingle roof can provide protection from the weather for 20 to 40 years. The material is also a good insulator, as a roof of this type can provide a bit more insulating value to the attic than asphalt shingles. The material is lightweight, so it doesn’t require special structural support.
Cons
The disadvantage of these roofs is the amount of upkeep and deterioration levels versus other modern options available today for materials, as the material has a tendency to deteriorate when it is not properly maintained or treated. Even when the roofs are maintained correctly, they will deteriorate more quickly than other roofs due to UV rays and repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
Synthetic Composite Shingles
Synthetic products for roofs mimic premium and or natural materials, while providing solutions to some of the drawbacks associated with these materials. These materials are usually manufactured with plastic polymer or rubber.
Pros
These shingles are designed for durability, as many are engineered to resist impact, extreme weather, and UV radiation without cracking or warping. They are typically lighter and much less expensive than alternatives, but offer exceptional durability with minimal maintenance. A well-constructed synthetic shingle roof should last between 30 and 50+ years.
Cons
When considering this type of roofing, it is important to consider their long-term track records compared to the products they are designed to replace. They are newer in the marketplace than most natural roofing products, so we do not yet know their longevity.
To summarize, the different types of roofs all have varying lifespans and costs associated with them, and are therefore suited for different budgets, environments and more.
| Material | Avg. Lifespan | Cost | Best For |
| Asphalt Shingles | 20–30 years | $–$$ | Budget-friendly, versatile climates |
| Metal Roofing | 40–70 years | $$–$$$ | Extreme weather, energy efficiency |
| Clay/Concrete Tile | 50–100 years | $$$–$$$$ | Hot climates, classic aesthetics |
| Slate | 75–100+ years | $$$$ | Luxury, durability, historic homes |
| Wood Shingles | 20–40 years | $$–$$$ | Rustic look, moderate climates |
| Synthetic Composite | 30–50 years | $$–$$$ | Lightweight, mimicking premium materials |
Choosing the Right Roof and Ecobuild Roofing Services
When choosing roofing for your home, it’s important to consider climate, budget, material strength, and appearance. The right type of roofing materials should protect against weather damage and deliver long-term value, but even the best materials won’t perform well without proper installation.
At Ecobuild Roofing, we evaluate your budget and climate needs to recommend the best options for your home. Our skilled team delivers durable, attractive roofs backed by quality workmanship, attention to detail, and strict safety standards.
