The 6 Best Roofing Materials for Your Home

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

6 Types of Roof Materials

When considering different types of roofing materials, it’s best to choose a complementary material that matches your home and meets your durability needs. Roof materials come in a wide variety for every style and budget.

Here are the top six types of roofing materials available to homeowners.

1. Asphalt

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material, used by the majority of homeowners across the country. Asphalt is a composite material made from mineral aggregates and bitumen and comes in a thicker multi-layer version or a thinner three-tab version.

Asphalt roofing is popular because it’s an incredibly sturdy roofing material for all climates and is budget-friendly when 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. 

• Cost per square foot: $1 to $1.20 

• Lifespan: 20 to 50 years

Pros

• Durable material

• Budget-friendly

• Available in a wide variety of colors

Cons

• Relatively short lifespan compared to other types

• Quality varies from product to product

2. Metal

Metal roofing is one of the fastest-growing roofing material options on the market. This roofing material is highly durable and will stand up to extreme weather conditions. It is also resistant to fire and fairly lightweight.

Metal roofing looks sleek and modern. It can take on the standard divet shape or even mimic more traditional asphalt or wooden shingles. The roofing can be made of aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or zinc. Metal roofing costs more than other common roofing materials. 

• Cost per square foot: $7 to $14

• Lifespan: 40 to 70 years

Pros

• Highly durable material

• Can last decades longer than asphalt shingles

• Sleek, modern appearance that adapts to many styles

Cons

• More expensive to install and repair

• Needs regular maintenance to prevent corrosion

3. Wood

Thanks to modern technology, wood is a feasible, long-lasting roofing material. Wood shingles or shake offers a rustic or Craftsman style and often looks better with age. Certain wood roofing products are made to be environmentally friendly from sustainable sources and are even biodegradable.

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.

• Cost per square foot: $6.30

• Lifespan: 30 years

Pros

• Offers classic look

• Environmentally-friendly natural product

Cons

• Expensive to install

• Not as durable against the elements

4. Slate

Slate is a beautiful roofing material option, typically 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’s not as easily damaged by the elements, although the shingles can still crack.

If your home doesn’t 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. Consult a local roofer to determine if your home can hold a slate roof.

• Cost per square foot: $10 to $30

• Lifespan: 125-200 years

Pros

• Highly durable material

• One-of-a-kind look

Cons 

• More expensive to install

• Material is heavy

• Difficult to repair

5. 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 make-up. Some synthetic roofing products are even fire-resistant.

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.

• Cost per square foot: $5 to $12

• Lifespan: 25 to 50 years

Pros

• Highly durable material

• Wide variety of colors and styles available

Cons

• Quality varies from product to product

• Not all roofers experienced with installation

6. Tile

Tile roofs are usually made from either clay or concrete. A clay tile roof is a signature style of Mediterranean architecture, often having an orange-red color. Concrete tiles offer a similar rolled shape but can be less expensive than the clay version—and dyed to any color. 

Both types of roofing tiles are extremely durable. They are said to last up to 50 years, but could last even longer with proper maintenance. These tiles are often used in warmer climates as they do not hold up well in areas with snow.

• Cost per square foot: $10 to $20

• Lifespan: 30 to 50 years

Pros

• Highly durable material

• Popular for Mediterranean and Spanish-styled homes

Cons

• More expensive to install

• Material is heavy

• Difficult to repair