Types of Roof Materials with Pictures: A Comprehensive Guide

Let's explore the world of roof materials. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material, making up about 80% of all roofs in the United States.

They're affordable, easy to install, and come in a variety of colors and styles. Asphalt shingles are also relatively lightweight, which is a plus for many homeowners.

Asphalt shingles typically last between 20 to 30 years, depending on factors like climate and maintenance. They're a great choice for most homes, but not ideal for areas with heavy snowfall or high winds.

Metal roofs, on the other hand, are known for their durability and longevity, lasting up to 50 years or more. They're also resistant to weathering, cracking, and fading.

Asphalt shingles cover roughly 80% of homes in the United States, making them the most common material for residential roofs.

The material used in the construction of a roof is an important decision, as it determines how long it lasts, its durability, and cost to install or replace.

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice, but there are many other materials that can provide a durable, long-lasting roof and offer different aesthetic or energy-saving advantages, such as tile roofing and metal roofing.

You want to choose a material that provides the most protection possible while not sacrificing your home's appearance, and also consider the cost and maintenance requirements of each option.

There are many different types of roofs to choose from, including asphalt shingles, tile roofing, and metal roofing.

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for many homeowners because they're affordable and easy to install.

Tile roofing is a durable option that can last for decades with proper maintenance.

Metal roofing is a great choice for homes in areas with high winds or heavy rainfall.

Some roofs have a simple slope, while others are more complex and require special installation techniques.

The style of the house, local climate, and the cost of different roofing options are all important factors to consider when choosing a roof type.

Asphalt shingles are the most common material for residential roofs, covering roughly 80% of homes in the United States.

The type of material chosen for a roof will determine how long it lasts, its durability, and cost to install or replace.

Deciding on the best material for your roof depends mostly on the climate and weather where you live.

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice because they're relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing for sloped roofs, and they're made with a fiberglass mat that provides extra strength and tear resistance.

These shingles are affordable, easy to install, durable, and come in a wide variety of colors. They're a great option for many homeowners because they're easy to repair and replace as needed.

Premium grades of "laminated" asphalt fiberglass shingles are typically warrantied for 50 years, making them a long-lasting choice.

Here are some common types of asphalt shingles:

Asphalt and Fiberglass shingles are a popular choice for sloped roofs, and for good reason. They're affordable, easy to install, durable, and come in a wide variety of colors.

The fiberglass mat embedded in the shingle provides an extra measure of strength and tear resistance. This makes them a reliable option for many homeowners.

Asphalt shingles can last up to 30 years, depending on what they're exposed to, like wind and sun. However, once the granules on asphalt roofing are gone, the whole roof needs to be replaced.

There are different types of asphalt shingles available, including three-tab shingles, architectural or dimensional shingles, impact-resistant asphalt shingles, and designer series or heavyweight shingles.

Here's a brief rundown of the differences between these types:

Built-Up Roofing, or BUR, is a type of asphalt roofing that's commonly used for flat or low-slope roofs.

It's made by layering asphalt and reinforcing felt, known as ply sheets, to form a composite material.

BUR is relatively inexpensive and holds up well against foot traffic, earning a Class A fire rating.

This means it scores highly at fire protection, which is a big plus for many building owners.

However, BUR can be more prone to damage from heat or moisture, and it's a heavy roofing option that may not work for some buildings.

It also releases unpleasant fumes during installation, which can be an environmental concern.

Despite these drawbacks, BUR is still a popular choice for many flat roof applications.

Wood shingles and shakes are a beautiful option, but they require more maintenance than asphalt roofs. They're often made from red cedar, Alaskan yellow cedar, or Eastern white cedar, which are naturally resistant to rot and insect attack.

These evergreens produce dimensionally stable wood, making it ideal for roofing. Wood shingles have a smoother surface because they're sawed, while shakes are split from the log and have a rough texture.

A wood roof can bring natural beauty and excellent insulator properties to your home. It can help with soundproofing and reduce energy costs.

Wood and shakes are a beautiful option for a roof, but be prepared for more maintenance compared to an asphalt roof.

Wood shingles and shakes usually come from red cedar, Alaskan yellow cedar, or Eastern white cedar.

These evergreens produce wood that is dimensionally stable and naturally resistant to rot and insect attack.

A wood roof is expensive and requires extra skill to install, which is why most people avoid it unless they're dealing with a historic house.

Cedar is a popular choice for wood roofing, and it's not just because of its natural resistance to rot and insects.

Wood acts as an excellent insulator, which can help with soundproofing and reduce energy costs.

However, fire resistance is more of a concern with wood roofing, and a wood roof needs a component system to achieve the highest fire rating.

Some wood roofs may be unrated for fire, so it's essential to check the documentation if you're considering this option.

Green roofs, or living roofs, are essentially small gardens in the form of a roof. They're excellent in managing water runoff, insulating a home, and putting clean oxygen back into the air. They're also great heat shields, perfect for hotter areas that could use some extra help managing the indoor temperature.

However, the cost of building and maintaining a green roof can add up quickly.

Tile roofing is a popular choice for homes in hot climates, particularly in southern coastal and desert regions. It's well-suited for areas with low rainfall and high temperatures.

Clay and concrete tile roofing are often grouped together because they have similar installation requirements. They're both masonry roofing materials that can be used with various architectural styles.

Clay tiles are made from earthen clay and can last upwards of 100 years. They're also resistant to high winds and have a Class A fire rating.

Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are made from a sand-based concrete solution and are often cheaper than clay tiles. However, they're heavier and more prone to water damage due to their porous nature.

Slate is a premium roofing material that's made from natural stone, and most of it comes from Vermont and Pennsylvania in the U.S.

It's one of the most expensive roofing options available, mainly due to its tricky installation process and high manufacturing costs.

A slate roof can last for 75 years or more if properly installed and maintained.

Traditionally, slate roofs are made with genuine slate, but you can also find synthetic slate tiles that offer a similar look at a lower cost and weight.

The thickness of the slate is directly related to its performance, with thicker slates being better.

Quarried slate can be expensive and requires an experienced professional for correct installation, and its quality can vary widely depending on the sourcing.

Clay and concrete tiles are popular options for tile roofing, often used in Spanish-style houses but suitable for other architectural styles as well.

Clay tiles are made from earthen clay and molded and fired for durability, making them a great option for homes in hot climates. They absorb less moisture, requiring less maintenance.

A major disadvantage of clay tiles is that they are expensive and can add a lot of weight to a home's structure, causing issues. Clay tiles are also incredibly fragile and can break when worked on.

Clay tiles have a Class A fire rating and a Class 3 or 4 hail rating, with Class 4 being the strongest resistance to hail damage. They are also very resistant to high winds.

Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are made from a sand-based concrete solution and share many of the advantages and disadvantages of clay tiles. They are long-lasting and strong, as well as capable of withstanding intense winds.

Concrete tiles may be somewhat cheaper than clay, but they are heavier and more porous, so weight and the potential for water damage may be concerns. One sign of an overly porous tile is efflorescence, or a chalky appearance due to calcium carbonate powder on the tile surface.

Both clay and concrete tiles can last a long time, with clay roofs potentially lasting 100 years or more, and concrete roofs lasting upwards of 50 years.

Synthetic materials are a game-changer in the roofing world. They offer extreme durability and are resistant to bug damage, rot, mold, algae, warping, buckling, and other common issues.

Synthetic composite roofing is a lightweight and affordable option that's perfect for homeowners on a budget. It comes in a wide range of beautiful styles, including slate and cedar shake.

Synthetic roofing is virtually maintenance-free and can last over 50 years without much upkeep. You'll only need to wash it off every now and then to keep it looking its best.

Rubber is a synthetic material that's been around for a long time, but its use in roofing is relatively new.

Rubber roofing, also known as EPDM roofing, is made from a highly engineered compound called ethylene propylene diene monomer. It's used primarily on flat or low-slope roofs in both commercial and residential buildings.

Rubber roofing is a popular choice for its durability and waterproof qualities. It's often used to seal flat roofs over garages and porches.

EPDM can also be used to make rubber shingles for roofing, which are highly rated against fire, lightning, and wind.

However, the adhesives used to install rubber roofing can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), affecting indoor air quality.

Many commercial buildings have membrane roofs, which are usually made of rubber or EPDM, but few houses do.

Synthetic composite materials are a game-changer in the world of roofing. They offer extreme durability and are lightweight, making them an affordable option.

Synthetic composite roofing is virtually maintenance-free, requiring only occasional washing to keep it looking its best. A synthetic cedar shake roof can last over 50 years without needing much attention.

Synthetic composite shingles have the highest impact and fire ratings, giving you peace of mind in extreme weather conditions. They also resist bug damage, rot, mold, algae, warping, and buckling.

Synthetic composite shingles are available in a wide range of styles, including slate and cedar shake, and come in various colors such as Golden Cedar, Walden, Shiloh, and Live Oak. They perfectly mimic the look of traditional roofing materials.

Composite shingles are backed by some of the industry's longest warranties, giving you added protection and security.

Metal roofing is a popular choice for houses, farm structures, and commercial buildings, with a long history of use. It's a huge category that includes factory-formed and finished roofing panels as well as roofing panels that are cut and formed at the building site.

Metal roofing comes in many different forms, like metal shakes and shingles, standing seam metal roofing, and stone coated steel. These options are popular due to their ability to take a beating, keep moisture away, and provide superior UV protection.

Metal roofs can withstand the impact of hail and things like water and fire, but the damage will eventually begin to show and can take away from the look of your home. They can also be installed directly over a worn-out older roof without tearing off the old roofing material.

Metal roofs are made from four basic alloys: steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. Steel is the most common and comes in subtypes like galvanized steel and Galvalume.

Metal roofing is a huge category that includes factory-formed and finished roofing panels as well as roofing panels that are cut and formed at the building site.

Metal roofing has a long history of use on houses, farm structures, and commercial buildings. Its main limitation is that it’s not suitable for use on complex or curved roofs.

Metal roofing comes in many different forms, like metal shakes and shingles, standing seam metal roofing, and stone coated steel. All are popular options due to their ability to take a beating, keep moisture away, and provide superior UV protection.

Metal roofs can withstand the impact of hail and things like water and fire, but the damage will eventually begin to show and can take away from the look of your home. Metal lacks the stylistic element of texture as well, with the surface being smooth across the board.

Metal roofing is made from four basic alloys: steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. Steel is the most common and comes in its own subtypes, such as galvanized steel (which has a zinc coating to protect against corrosion) or Galvalume (which has a zinc-aluminum blend for coating).

A properly installed metal roof is rated to withstand winds from an F2 tornado on the Fujita Scale. Metal roofs are lightweight and can weigh about half as much as asphalt shingles.

Corrugated roofing is a great solution for sheds and other garden structures. It's easy to spot because of its distinctive form, featuring a symmetrical pattern of alternating ridges and grooves.

Most corrugated roofing comes in sheet form, but large shingles are available from some manufacturers. This type of roofing can be made from steel, polycarbonate, or an asphalt-fiberglass composite.

Corrugated roofing is more appropriate for agricultural and commercial buildings and for small sheds than it is for houses. It's a good option for small structures because it's relatively easy to install.

One important advantage with corrugated roofing is that it can be fastened down over an existing shingled roof without removing the original roofing material. This can be a big time-saver and cost-effective option.

Rolled roofing is a budget-friendly option that's quicker to install than traditional shingles, but it's not very durable and has a lifespan of about ten years.

It's available in some colors like black, tan, gray, and green, but let's be honest, it's not the most attractive option.

Rolled roofing is a good choice for low-sloped roofs, but if appearances are a concern, it's probably not the best fit.

Flat roofs are not exactly flat, they have a slight incline to prevent water from collecting on the top, with a slope of 3-in-12 or less considered a flat roof.

The National Roofing Contractors Association recognizes this standard, and it's essential to hire skilled installers whenever flat roofing is repaired, replaced, or installed. They are inherently prone to leaking, after all.

Flat roofs are mainly used on commercial buildings due to their simplicity and practicality, but many contemporary homes now use flat roof styles.

Modified bitumen, TPO, EPDM rubber, and spray polyurethane foam are some materials commonly used for flat roofing systems. Depending on how the roof will be used, some materials are more suited for foot traffic.

Flat roofs can experience significant heat loss, especially if not properly insulated, with up to 25% of thermal transmission occurring through the roof in uninsulated homes.

Adding roof insulation is a smart upgrade for flat roofs, making energy efficiency and comfort a priority.

Some specialty roofs are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, like metal roofing, which is often used in areas prone to heavy rain or high winds.

Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are a common choice for many homeowners due to their affordability and ease of installation.

Local climate is a significant factor in determining the best type of roofing, and some specialty roofs are specifically designed to handle unique weather patterns.

Domed Vault Roofs add a touch of drama and visual interest to a structure with their self-supporting arches. They're great for areas with a lot of precipitation because they shed water easily.

Most architects choose domed vault roofs for their aesthetic appeal. They're often used on large structures like cathedrals and museums due to their Old-World charm and grandiose design.

Domed vault roofs are rarely installed on houses, but they're perfect for grand buildings that need a statement roof.

Shed roofs are a popular choice for contemporary homes because they offer more interior space than other types of roofs.

Their single slope incline at a certain angle makes them ideal for homes that need extra space.

Rubber skins and roofing membranes work well with shed roofs due to their steep incline.

Standing seam materials can also be used to create a more streamlined look.

Shed roofs are not just limited to homes, they're also used in structures like animal sheds, outhouses, and storage barns.

These structures benefit from the extra space and simple appearance that shed roofs provide.