A roof does more than merely provide protection—it contributes to a home’s aesthetics, value, and energy efficiency.
If you’re looking for the best roofing material, there are a few popular roof types. These include asphalt shingles, wooden shingles, clay tile roofing, metal, and slate roofs.
This article dives into the pros and cons of the best materials homeowners love to use when replacing their roofs. It also includes real photos of roof materials on residential homes.
So, read along and explore different roofing materials to find the perfect fit for your home.
Choosing the Best Roofing Material
The best roofing material for your home depends greatly on your needs, budget, and climate.
To make an informed decision, familiarize yourself with the different roofing materials.
Below, you can find some of the most popular roofing materials, their lifespans, aesthetics, maintenance requirements, and everything you need to know before choosing one.
Using this article and considering your budget, climate, home structure, and time, you can choose the best roofing material.
Did you know? Drip Edge flashing is an essential line item for every roof replacement estimate. Learn why drip edge flashing and how much it costs in our new guide!
What Are Different Types of Roofing Materials?
Here are some of the most common roofing materials:
Asphalt Shingles
The most common roofing material, asphalt shingles, is very cost-effective and comes in various styles and colors.
They are made of a base mat (usually fiberglass or cellulose fibers from wood), a layer of asphalt coating, and mineral granules. Asphalt shingles with a fiberglass base mat have excellent fire resistance.
Accordingly, asphalt shingles have a Class A fire resistance rating, which is the highest available for roofing materials.
The mineral granules protect your home against UV rays, and they come in a variety of colors.
No question, asphalt shingles are your best choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly roofing material in many colors, styles, and textures to match your home’s aesthetics best.
There are two types of asphalt shingles: architectural and 3-tab shingles.
Architectural asphalt shingles are the more durable and aesthetically versatile of the two. They are easy to install and last 20 to 30 years.
3-tab shingles are a type of asphalt roofing shingle that is one of the most common and affordable options for residential roofs. They are called “3-tab” because each shingle is divided into three distinct tabs, giving them a flat, uniform appearance.
Pros of Asphalt Shingles:
- Cost-effective
- Wide range of colors and styles
- Easy to install
Cons of Asphalt Shingles:
- Susceptible to wind damage
- Lifespan of 20 to 30 years
Asphalt Shingles Are Best For:
Cost-conscious homeowners and single-family residents. They are particularly suitable for homes in areas with mild weather conditions.
Wooden Shingles
Wooden shingles are a traditional roofing material made from cedar, redwood, or pine.
They have a natural and rustic aesthetic and can enhance the beauty of your home.
In addition, wooden shingles are pretty durable and still relatively cost-effective.
While wooden shingles cost around twice as much or more than asphalt shingles, they also offer a potential lifespan of nearly 50 years.
However, wooden shingles are more difficult to install because there are many technicalities to avoid rot and mold.
Indeed, wooden shingles are aesthetically pleasing in their natural state, though they can also be painted or stained.
Although wooden shingles can be treated with fire-retardant chemicals to improve their fire resistance, they are made of wood at the end of the day.
Class B-rated fire-resistant wooden shingles are available on the market, but regular maintenance and other safety measures are needed to avoid fire.
Wooden shingles are susceptible to fire and need regular maintenance, so consider that when choosing them for your home.
These shingles are best for homeowners seeking a traditional aesthetic and living in areas with a low fire risk.
Pros of Wooden Shingles:
- Aesthetic appeal
- Potential lifespan of up to 50 years
Cons of Wooden Shingles:
- Higher cost compared to asphalt shingles
- Requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and mold
- Susceptible to fire
Wooden Shingles Are Best For:
Wooden shingles are suitable for homeowners who seek a traditional look and live in areas with a low fire risk. They are also ideal for homes in dry climates.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is one of the roofing materials that is more expensive than shingle roofing yet also more durable.
It is made of various metals, such as steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and tin. Each of these metal roofing materials has its strengths.
In most climates, on average, metal roofing lasts 40-70 years, making it a more durable option than shingle roofing.
However, metal roofing is not at all as cost-friendly as shingle roofing in Chicago, IL. Metal roofs are very durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Pros of Metal Roofing:
- Long lifespan (up to 100 years)
- Resistant to extreme weather
- Low maintenance
Cons of Metal Roofing:
- High initial cost
- It can be very noisy during rain or hail
Metal Roofing Is Best For:
Homeowners who prioritize durability and live in areas with extreme weather conditions. They are willing to invest more upfront for a roof that lasts a lifetime.
Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tile roofing has a distinctive and beautiful appearance that lasts several decades. Made of fired clay, these tiles can improve any home’s aesthetics.
This type of roofing tile is a very eco-friendly option since clay tiles are made of natural clay and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
Clay tiles are durable even in extreme weather conditions and have natural insulation properties, which can help preserve energy.
However, clay tile roofing is expensive since clay tiles are difficult to make and install.
Likewise, these roofing tiles are heavy, so confirm that your home is built strong enough to support them.
Moreover, clay tiles are fragile, so installing clay tile roofing is an intricate job.
If a heavy object strikes your clay-tiled roof, breakage is possible. This makes your residence’s roof tricky to walk on and thus reduces accessibility.
Pros of Clay Tile Roofing:
- aesthetically-pleasing
- Long lifespan (50 to 100 years)
- Fire resistant
- eco-friendly
Cons of Clay Tile Roofing:
- Heavy (requires strong structural support)
- Expensive
- Fragile and challenging to install
Clay Tile Roofing Is Best For:
Homeowners in Mediterranean climates and those who prioritize aesthetics and durability over cost-effectiveness are ideal for these homes, as they can support the weight of the tiles.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is one of the natural choices for roofing materials. While offering a high-end and elegant look, slate roofing is also quite durable.
Similar to clay, slate roofing is very heavy, so your home needs a solid structure.
Indeed, slate roofs are highly durable and can last over a century since they are made from natural stone. They are also fire-resistant.
However, slate roofs are quite expensive, and the installation is also quite elaborate, which makes this roofing material even more expensive.
Pros of Slate Roofing:
- Elegant appearance
- Long lifespan (up to 100 years)
- Fire-resistant
Cons of Slate Roofing:
- Very heavy
- Expensive
- Requires specialized installation
Slate Roofing Is Best For:
Slate roofing is excellent for homeowners prioritizing a sophisticated look and durability over cost. It is also great for homes with strong structural support.
Solar Tiles
Compared to other roofing materials, solar tile roofing is more innovative.
Solar tile roofing is made from photovoltaic cells, and it can help save money on electricity bills since it generates electricity from solar energy.
Installing solar tiles is very time-consuming, plus the tiles themselves are far more expensive than other types of roofing material.
They are not a good option for homes in shaded areas and are more susceptible to damage than other options.
Pros of Solar Tiles:
- Generates electricity
- Eco-friendly
- Modern appearance
Cons of Solar Tiles:
- Expensive
- Time-consuming installation
- Less durable compared to traditional tile and shingle roofing materials
Solar Tiles Are Best For:
Homeowners in a sunny climate are willing to pay a high price for an eco-friendly roofing material.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are another excellent tile roofing option.
They are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. Concrete tiles offer a similar lifespan to clay tiles but have a lighter weight.
Concrete tiles’ durability against fire and wind makes them a good choice for homes in extreme weather conditions.
As a result, concrete tiles offer a long lifespan and can be a durable and cost-effective alternative to clay tiles.
However, concrete tiles are still relatively expensive, requiring more maintenance than other roofing materials.
Concrete tiles are lighter than clay or slate stiles but notably heavier than standard asphalt shingles. Their appearance can worsen with time since their color is prone to fading.
Pros of Concrete Tiles:
- Durable and fire-resistant
- Lighter than clay tiles
- Long lifespan
Cons of Concrete Tiles:
- Relatively heavy
- Requires maintenance to prevent moss growth
Concrete Tiles Are Best For:
Homes in areas with extreme weather conditions. Concrete tiles are for homeowners who look for a durable and aesthetically pleasing roofing material.
Best Roofing Materials in Chicago
Considering Chicago’s diverse climate, which includes hot summers and cold winters, choosing durable and resistant roofing materials is crucial.
Asphalt shingles and metal roofing are particularly popular in Chicago due to their durability and cost-effectiveness.
Certainly, asphalt shingles offer good insulation, which can help with the temperature variations in Chicago, IL.
On the other hand, metal roofing can handle the heavy snowfalls and strong winds typical of Chicago winters. Here is how our exterior design experts pick the best house paint to match brown roof shingles.
Residential Roofing Services In and Near Chicago, IL
If you own a home near Chicago and are looking for trustworthy, professional roofing services, HomeHero Roofing is a fantastic choice.
Here’s what we can do for you:
Roof Inspection: If you need a specialized opinion on your roof’s condition, our experts can inspect it to assess its condition. Our roof inspection service helps identify and deal with potential issues before it’s too late.
Roof Repairs: If your roof is damaged, HomeHero residential roofing services can help you repair your roof and prevent further costs and trouble in the future.
Roof Replacement: If your roof needs to be replaced or you’re looking to renovate your home’s roofing, our team of specialized roofers can replace it quickly and at a fair price.
Roof Installation: If you’re building a new house and looking for a specialized team to install your roof with the quality materials of your choice, HomeHero Roof installation services can ensure you get a beautiful and long-lasting roof.
Roof Maintenance: Our professional roofers can conduct regular inspections and assure you about the integrity of your roof. Our roof maintenance services can help extend the lifespan of your roof, putting your mind at ease about your home’s condition.
No doubt, we offer the best roofing materials in Chicago and serve all of Chicagoland’s suburbs.
Our experienced team can help you install, repair, inspect, replace, or maintain your home’s roof at the best price and in no time.
Don’t hesitate to contact us at HomeHero Roofing to schedule a free quote today!
Frequently Asked Questions
A roof’s lifespan depends on the material, ranging from 20-30 years (for asphalt shingles) to upwards of 50 years (for metal roofing).
The most influential factor in the lifespan of asphalt shingles is climate. Because asphalt shingles are susceptible to damage from wind, good weather conditions significantly contribute to their lifespan. Although they can last up to 30 years, once the granules on the roofing are gone, the roof needs to be replaced.
The most concerning sign of a damaged roof is missing shingles or tiles. However, other signs, such as leaks, sagging, discoloration, and excessive moss growth, can also be alarming.
