If the time has come to replace your roof, you have many options, and it’s an important choice. The decision you make today will shape curb appeal, efficiency, and much more for decades to come. Let’s explore the pros and cons of the most prevalent materials to find the best for you.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material and have been for many decades. The industry estimates that over 75% of North American homes have an asphalt-based roofing material. These materials are efficient and provide excellent protection. Asphalt shingles also strike a great balance between initial cost and total cost of ownership.

3-Tab Shingles

Three-tab shingles are the most basic and affordable type of asphalt shingle. The modern version of this shingle has a fiberglass mesh base covered in asphalt and granules. The fiberglass makes them more resistant to tearing than original asphalt shingles. The upside to these shingles is that they’re relatively cheap to purchase and install. The downside is that they only last about 15 years, so you’ll have to replace them more often than other materials.

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles are asphalt shingles that have additional layers, which is why the industry also refers to them as laminated shingles. The additional layers add thickness and durability. The expected lifespan for architectural shingles is 30 years, and most warranties reflect that. They also provide superior wind and impact resistance.

You may also see architectural shingles referred to as luxury and designer shingles. Another advantage of the added thickness is that it opens up design options. There are many more colors available. Manufacturers can also make luxury shingles that look like other roofing materials. That includes wood, clay, and slate.

Cool Shingles

Some high-end architectural shingles also have advanced qualities. Cool shingles are a notable example and better reflect sunlight to keep a home cooler. According to the Cool Roof Rating Council, they can reduce cooling costs by as much as 15% annually. Cool shingles are also notable in that they’re one of the few roofing products certified by the EPA. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, as it may make you eligible for rebates and other incentives.

Metal Roofing Systems

Metal roofing had waned in popularity for residential use at one point, but that’s begun to change. Between 2015 and 2025, the market share increased dramatically and now represents one-fifth of the entire roofing market. That growth is likely due to innovations that have allowed for much more beautiful metal roofing. Metal roofs are also long-lasting and durable, often requiring fewer roof repairs than asphalt and other types.

Standing Seam vs. Exposed Fastener

Corrugated is the most basic type of metal roofing. Many homeowners still use it for their sheds and barns, but it’s no longer a popular choice for the main home. Most homeowners opt for either an exposed fastener or a standing seam metal roof. Metal roofs with exposed fasteners are less expensive to install and don’t require any seams that can fail down the line. They do tend to have an industrial look that many homeowners don’t like. Standing seam roofs are more expensive and require more maintenance. That said, they provide greater curb appeal, better protection for the home, and enhanced energy efficiency.

Steel and Aluminum

Aluminum and steel are the most common materials for residential metal roofs with standing seams and exposed fasteners. The reasons are that these materials provide excellent protection and are affordable for the average homeowner. Steel is stronger, so it lasts longer and provides better protection. Aluminum provides better corrosion resistance. You also have the option of zinc-coated steel, which improves its corrosion resistance.

Premium Metal Roofing Options

The most notable premium metal roofing materials are copper and zinc. Copper was once among the most popular roofing materials in the world. That changed when demand for copper rose dramatically coupled with a shrinking supply. Zinc is a popular modern alternative. It’s an abundant resource but a premium one that has high costs associated with it. Zinc is notable as the most environmentally friendly metal roofing. That’s because the industry can reuse the zinc an unlimited number of times. While aluminum and steel roofs last about 50 years, copper and zinc roofs can last 100 years or more.

Tile Roofing

Tile roofing gives a home a distinct Mediterranean aesthetic. These materials are eco-friendly and offer excellent sustainability. In the right conditions, they deliver excellent protection, energy efficiency, and durability. The traditional material for tiles is clay. In colder climates, clay can become brittle and not last as long. Concrete is an alternative. These tiles are cheaper and provide a similar appearance. They’re also less susceptible to cracking and other damage. If you choose the right tile for your home, it can easily last around 50 years.

Cedar Shingles and Shakes

Wood roofs provide a home with a distinctive appearance, and cedar remains the most popular material choice. You have the option of either cedar shingles or shakes. Manufacturers cut shingles so that they’re uniform, which provides a cleaner aesthetic. Shakes are rough-hewn and often available in varying sizes and shapes. That gives a more rustic look. With both shakes and shingles, the aesthetic becomes more complex as it ages. This is one of the only roofing materials that does that, and the expected lifespan is about 50 years.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofing is eco-friendly and offers an arguably unmatched natural beauty. It’s also among the best roofing materials for wind and impact resistance. There are two main types of slate available: soft and hard. Soft slate tends to be more affordable and can have a lifespan of 50 years or more. Hard slate is more expensive but can have a lifespan of 100 years or more. There are aesthetic differences between the types as well.

Composite Shingles

There are many synthetic roofing materials on the market. These are becoming quite sophisticated and can deliver 50-year and greater lifespans. There are already composite materials that look like architectural shingles, clay tiles, slate, and so forth.

Low-Pitch Roofing Options

Many homes have low-pitch areas on their roofs, such as over porches and garages. For those areas, it’s common to use membrane roofing, such as used for commercial buildings. TPO and EPDM are two of the most prevalent options and are both single-ply rubber membranes. TPO provides better impact and puncture resistance, but EPDM can be more cost-effective in colder climates due to its better temperature resistance.

Trusted Roof Replacement in Alpha

Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding is a roofing contractor that’s served Alpha, NJ and the surrounding areas since 1973. Our company provides both residential and commercial roofing services. We’re available for inspections, maintenance, and repairs. We offer Roof Maxx, which is a roof renewal treatment. Our local storm damage repair is standing by during severe weather. Our roofers perform new roof installations and reroofing and work with all roofing materials. We have a siding team that installs and repairs all siding materials. Our gutter team repairs gutters and installs seamless gutters. We also include gutter screens at no additional charge when you have new gutters installed alongside your new roof or siding.

If you have any questions or want to schedule an on-site consultation, call today, or contact us online.

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