13 Types of Roofing Materials and How to Choose the Right One

The type of roofing material that works best for your home depends on the local climate, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Although asphalt is the most popular material used in roofing (in the form of shingles), you have many materials to choose from—and the list is constantly expanding. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of 13 popular roofing materials so you can decide which choice makes sense for your home.

1. Asphalt

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material and are used by the majority of homeowners across the country. Asphalt is a composite material made from mineral aggregates and bitumen that comes in a thicker multi-layer version or a thinner three-tab version. Asphalt roofing is popular because it is an incredibly sturdy roofing material for all climates, and asphalt shingle costs are budget-friendly compared to other roofing types. 

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing option on the market due to the value you get for your money. Individual shingles are easily replaced as the roof ages or suffers storm damage. Keep in mind that homeowners can also choose between asphalt and fiberglass shingles, though fiberglass does not typically hold up as long in comparison.

Best for: 

• Budget-friendly roofing

• Homes in the northeast

• Roofs with complex shapes

2. Metal Shingles or Shakes

To achieve the look of clay tiles, cedar shakes, or slate tiles without the maintenance and difficult installation process of traditional materials, you can choose metal shingles and shakes, which are relatively new roofing materials that mimic the look of natural materials. Metal roofs require minimal maintenance, and shingles can be replaced in the event that they are damaged. This long-lasting roofing material does tend to be more expensive than other types of roof shingles, but you will likely save on the cost of maintenance over the life of the roof.

Best for:

• Alternative to clay tiles

• Fire-prone regions

• High-wind regions

3. Standing Seam Metal Roof

A standing seam metal roof offers a streamlined and minimal look. The metal roof panels have raised ridges that overlap one another at the seams and hide the fasteners. This can help reduce the likelihood of corrosion and wear at the fastener sites. Standing seam metal roof installation is more difficult than screw-down metal roof installation, so hiring a professional for this may be the way to go.

Best for:

• Low-maintenance design

• Modern home styles

4. Wood Shingles or Shakes

Thanks to modern technology, wood is now a feasible, long-lasting roofing material. Wood shingles or shakes offer a rustic, Craftsman-like style and often look better with age. Certain wood roofing products are made to be environmentally friendly from sustainable sources and are even biodegradable. You're more likely to find wood shingles and shakes on historic home designs such as mansard roofs or Victorian homes with multiple ridges. 

The downside is that wood shingles can be costly to install and repair. They can also be difficult to work with, making the installation costs higher. Wood shingles are not recommended if you live in an area with extreme weather. Additionally, the material is highly flammable and prone to insect damage and rot.

Best for:

• Cabins and Craftsman homes

• Homes not prone to wildfires

• Historical home styles

Pros

• Offers a classic look

• Environmentally friendly natural product

Cons

• Expensive to install

• Not as durable against the elements

5. Slate

Slate is a beautiful roofing material option, often available in shades of black, green, gray, and red. It is good for warm climates as it protects from the heat. This type of roofing is heavy duty and lasts for a long time. Since slate is made from stone, it is not as easily damaged by the elements, although the shingles can still crack.

If your home does not already have a slate roof, it might be difficult to replace your current roof with this material. Slate is extremely heavy, so the roofing structure must be strong enough to support it, which can add to the cost of a slate roof. Consult a local roofer to determine if your home can support it.

Best for:

• Classic-style homes

• Homes with strong roofs

• Fire-prone areas

6. Synthetic

Synthetic roofs, made from plastic, rubber, or polymers, are rising in popularity. The products are made to mimic the look of traditional roofing materials, like slate or wood shingles while offering superior durability due to the engineered makeup. Some synthetic roofing products are even fire-resistant. And while the cost of a rubber roof and similar synthetic materials is higher than other popular options, its high durability pays for itself in the long run.

Speak with a specialist about this category of roofing before proceeding with an installation. It is still relatively new to the market, so some installers are not as familiar and experienced with it. If you do choose a quality product with an experienced installer, synthetic roofs look like the real deal and last longer.

Try not to confuse synthetic roofs with the popular synthetic underlayment. An underlayment is the water-resistant layer between the roof rafters and roofing material. While there are some problems with synthetic underlayment overall, it is a popular choice in areas highly susceptible to moisture and extreme temperatures.

Best for:

• Budget-friendly roofs

• Storm-prone regions

7. Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are sometimes referred to as “barrel tiles” for their signature rounded shape or as “Spanish tiles” for their origins in Mediterranean architecture. Because they are made of dried clay, they are very heavy, so installing them on a roof may require adding structural support to hold their weight. They often last 50 years, but some have been known to last over 100 years with proper maintenance. 

In regards to maintenance, any cracked or broken clay tiles should be repaired or replaced. These repairs can be costly and should be done by a trained roofing professional who specializes in clay tiles. Because of these factors, tile roof costs can be higher than other materials.

Best for:

• Southwest-style homes

• High-wind regions

8. Concrete Tile 

Concrete tiles are highly durable and long-lasting, but they are also incredibly heavy. They can mimic the look of natural materials, like slate and wood, as well as asphalt shingles. While slate and wood roofing tiles can be very costly, concrete tiles offer a more affordable roofing material alternative. 

Because of their weight, they may require structural reinforcement before installation, but they are also so strong that you'll enjoy the perks of an impact-resistant roof. Concrete tiles should be sealed periodically to help prevent water absorption, which can lead to cracking.

Best for:

• Regions with fires and storms

• Strong roofs

• Budget-friendly clay alternative

9. Rolled Roofing

Often used on low-slope or flat roofs, rolled roofing is easy to install because it comes in rolls that can be unrolled on the roof and nailed into place. It can also be referred to as mineral-surfaced, or MSR, roofing. While this material is not typically used for homes, it can be a good option for outbuildings like a shed or garage. 

This type of roofing material is prone to damage because, as one large sheet, it does not expand and contract as well as individual shingles, which can lead to tears. It also tends to lose its grains and does not increase the resale value of the home.

Best for:

• Flat roofs

• Garage and shed roofs

10. Built-Up Roofing

Built-up roofing, or BUR, is among the roof material types that are ideal for use on flat or low-pitch roofs. It uses several layers of materials that are built up on each other to form the roof. Roofing felt is impregnated with asphalt and applied hot in overlapping layers. After two to four layers have been applied, it is covered with hot tar and finely crushed stone. 

As this type of roofing is used for flat roofs, you may not have noticed it, but the next time you are on an upper floor in a school or hospital, you may be able to look down at lower roof sections and catch a glimpse of it.

Best for:

• Flat roofs

• Commercial buildings

11. Roofing Membrane

Also for use on flat or low-pitch roofs, roofing membrane can last between 20 and 35 years. There are several types of roofing membrane to choose from: neoprene, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated polyethylene sheets, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), and polymer-modified bitumens. Choosing between EPDM, PVC, or TPO roofing often comes down to price and the level of durability needed in your area.

These terms may not mean much to the average homeowner, so if you choose roofing membrane for a garage or shed, be sure to talk with a roofer near you to discuss options. This material is often black, which can absorb heat and is one of the reasons why it is not recommended over living spaces, but it’s also available in white. It is not recommended for residential applications unless used on an outbuilding or garage.

Best for:

• Sheds and garages

• Uninhabited buildings with flat roofs

12. Green Roofing

Green roofing, also called “living roofs,” is a great way to remove pollutants from the air, absorb rainwater, provide a natural habitat, and create thermal insulation. Green roofs begin with a waterproof membrane on which dirt and plants are then added. One of the most unique roofing options, a green roof offers a way to care for the earth and add an unexpected touch to your home. This type of roof will require active maintenance to achieve your individual goals and keep plants in check.

Best for:

• Roofs with direct sunlight

• Eco-conscious homes

• Flat or low-slope roofs

13. Copper Roofing

You can achieve a classic look with the highly durable copper roofing. While you will pay more for the cost of a copper roof, it can last up to 100 years and requires minimal maintenance. Copper roofs are also fire-resistant, a great insulator, and easy to maintain. 

You should regularly clean a copper roof to protect it from possible acid rain corrosion, but it is otherwise quite durable. Over time, copper roofing even adapts to develop a new delicate patina, a perk highly appealing to its long-term curb appeal.

Best for:

• Modern-style homes

• Sheds and garages

• Fire-prone areas

What to Consider When Selecting a New Roofing Material

Selecting a new roof means taking many different factors into consideration. In addition to the different types of roofing materials, you will have to take into account the roof replacement cost, your local climate, energy efficiency, and installation methods.

Climate

Climate considerations include the local temperature range, average rainfall, average wind speeds, and potential for snow and ice. Whatever you choose for roofing in cold climates should be able to shed snow and water without forming ice dams or creating leaks. Hot-weather roofs should reflect rather than absorb light. If wind is a concern, the roofing material should be able to withstand wind uplift as much as possible.

Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient roofs like metal roofs, asphalt shingles, concrete tiles, and wood shingles, among other types of roofing, can help reduce heating and cooling costs, saving you money on your energy bills and being a little more kind to planet Earth.

Installation Methods

Some roofing materials, like metal roofing and asphalt shingles, are better suited to DIY installation. If you want to do the job yourself, it is important to choose a roofing material that you are comfortable with, and that is suitable for you to install yourself or with a friend or two.