“Roof types” can mean roof shapes, such as gable or hip, or roofing materials. This guide covers the nine materials that matter when you re-roof: 3-tab asphalt, architectural asphalt, metal, clay tile, concrete tile, slate, wood shake, synthetic, and solar tiles.
Most guides stop at a list of pros and cons. Here, we compare each material by lifespan, cost, and how well it stands up to hail, wind, and heat, so you can match a roof to your home, your budget, and the storms your area actually sees. You will also find a quick primer on roof shapes, a lifespan table, and a four-factor framework for making the final call.
Roof shapes describe the structure of a roof, while roofing materials describe what covers it, and both affect how a roof performs. Shape decides how water and snow drain and which materials will work. Material determines cost, lifespan, and storm resistance.
When you replace a roof, the shape almost always stays the same. The material is the decision in front of you, and it drives the price, the warranty, and how the roof handles your climate. Shape still matters as a filter: steep slopes suit slate and tile, while low slopes rule out most shingles.
To see which materials your local team installs, explore our roofing material services.
The nine common roofing materials range from budget asphalt shingles to century-long slate and tile, and each fits a different mix of budget, climate, and home style. Asphalt remains the dominant choice, covering roughly three‑quarters of U.S. residential roofs in 2026, according to Strategic Market Research’s asphalt shingles market report.
These are flat, single-layer shingles with a uniform look and the lowest price of any common material. InterNACHI estimates their life expectancy at about 20 years. They are a sound choice for a tight budget or a home you plan to sell soon, but they offer the least wind and impact resistance of the shingle options.
Thicker, laminated shingles with a dimensional look and a life expectancy of about 30 years. They cost modestly more than 3-tab, typically carry higher wind ratings, and are available in impact-rated versions. Home Innovation reports that most builders now choose them for new homes, and they are the default for most re-roofs.
Steel, aluminum, or copper in standing seam panels or stamped shingles. Metal lasts 40 to 80 years, reflects heat, sheds snow, and is recyclable. The downsides, however, include a higher upfront cost, more noise in heavy rain unless the attic is well insulated, and hail that can leave cosmetic dents, which some policies exclude from coverage.
Kiln-fired tiles with a classic Mediterranean look and a lifespan of 100 years or more. Clay resists heat and fire and is made from natural, recyclable material. It is heavy, often needs structural reinforcement, can crack when walked on, and handles repeated freeze-thaw cycles poorly.
Molded tiles that mimic clay, slate, or wood at a lower material cost than clay. InterNACHI rates clay and concrete together at 100+ years. Concrete is similarly heavy, so the same structural check applies, and it performs best in warm climates without hard freezes.
Natural stone has a 60- to 150-year life expectancy, the longest of any common material. Slate is fireproof and distinctive, but it is heavy, expensive, and requires installers who specialize in it. Repairs also require care because walking on slate can break it.
Usually cedar, with a warm, natural look and a life expectancy of about 25 years. Wood needs regular maintenance to resist rot, moss, and insects, and it carries a higher fire risk unless treated. Check local fire codes before choosing it, especially in dry or wildfire-prone areas.
Engineered polymer or rubber products made to look like slate or wood shake at a fraction of the weight. Many carry high impact and wind ratings, which make them a storm-smart alternative to natural materials. Lifespan varies by product; InterNACHI lists simulated slate at 10 to 35 years, so compare manufacturer warranties closely.
Solar tiles build photovoltaic cells into the roofing surface, so the roof protects the home and generates power without separate rack-mounted panels. They carry a premium price, and output, cost, and warranty terms vary widely by manufacturer and are still evolving. They suit full replacements or new builds with strong sun exposure.
Inspection matters. Before recommending any of these materials, a Storm Guard inspector can check the roof’s slope, the condition of the decking, attic ventilation, and any existing storm damage. Those findings rule some materials in or out quickly.
A low-slope section may need a membrane, aging framing may not carry tile without reinforcement, and a home in a hail corridor should start with impact-rated products. The result is a short list built around your house, not a catalog.
For a side‑by‑side look at how long each material lasts, here’s InterNACHI’s lifespan chart with cost impact notes. Severe weather and very hot climates can shorten these ranges, and storm damage can end a roof’s life early, regardless of material.
Use this as a quick reference alongside the detailed material comparisons above.
| Material | Life expectancy (InterNACHI) | Impact on cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | ~20 years | Low |
| Architectural asphalt shingles | ~30 years | Low |
| Wood shake or shingle | ~25 years | Medium |
| Synthetic (simulated slate) | 10 to 35 years | Medium |
| Metal | 40 to 80 years | Medium to high |
| Clay or concrete tile | 100+ years | High |
| Slate | 60 to 150 years | High |
| Solar tiles | Varies by manufacturer | High |
Maintenance and installation quality matter as much as the material. Poor attic ventilation can shorten shingle life, clogged gutters let water back up under the roof edge, and missed flashing details cause leaks long before the material wears out. Regular inspections, especially after major storms, help any roof reach the upper end of its range.
Read lifespan and cost together. A roof with a higher upfront price can still cost less per year if its lifespan is much longer, provided you stay in the home long enough to benefit. For signs that your current roof is nearing the end, see our guide to roof types and how long they last.
Roofing costs vary by material, installation complexity, and local labor. The choice of material is usually the biggest driver, followed by roof size, pitch, tear‑off layers, decking repairs, and permit requirements.
Entry‑level roofs sit at the lowest end of the cost spectrum, with pricing driven by material type and expected lifespan. Architectural shingles add a modest premium for 10 more years of expected life. Synthetic products and wood shakes fall into the mid‑range, with product line, thickness, and fire or impact ratings moving the price within each category.
Metal, clay and concrete tile, and slate sit at the high end. Panel style and gauge influence the price of metal, while tile and slate add specialized labor and weight. Heavy materials can also require structural reinforcement, which adds to the project.
For details on how roof size, tear-off, and labor shape a quote, see the cost of each roofing material in our new roof cost guide.
The value question is the cost per year of service. If you plan to stay 30 years or more, a metal or tile roof installed once can cost less over time than two asphalt roofs. To price the options on your own roof, start with a free inspection and a written estimate from your local Storm Guard team.
The best roofing material for storm-prone areas is one with a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating and a high wind rating. Today, that includes impact-rated architectural shingles, many metal products, and many synthetic shingles. Climate then narrows the list further: heat, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles each favor different materials, as shown below.
| Material | Hail and impact | Wind | Best climate fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt | Low | Lower ratings | Mild climates, short ownership |
| Architectural asphalt | Class 4 versions available | Higher ratings available | Most US climates |
| Metal | Class 4 products common; may dent cosmetically | Strong when properly fastened | Hail, wind, snow, and hot regions |
| Clay tile | Can crack under large hail | Good with proper fastening | Hot, dry climates |
| Concrete tile | Some impact-rated products | Good with proper fastening | Hot and coastal climates |
| Slate | Hard, but can crack under large hail | Good | Cold and wet climates |
| Wood shake | Moderate | Moderate | Dry, moderate climates outside wildfire zones |
| Synthetic | Many Class 4 products | High ratings common | Hail-prone and mixed climates |
| Solar tiles | Product-specific | Product-specific | Strong sun exposure |
UL 2218 rates roofing impact resistance from Class 1 to Class 4, and Class 4 is the highest. In hail country, a Class 4 roof earns its higher price by surviving storms that would ruin standard shingles.
Some insurers also give a premium credit for impact-rated roofs; the Texas Department of Insurance, for example, notes that Class 4 coverings receive the highest credit, with the amount set by each insurer. Ask your own insurer what applies. If a storm has already hit, learn how to know if hail has damaged your roof.
Wind ratings depend on both the product and how it’s installed, since fastening and starter strips decide how well shingles resist uplift. Metal panels, concrete tile, and high-wind-rated architectural or synthetic shingles perform well near the coast. Hip roofs also handle wind better than gables. After a major storm, our storm and hail damage roof repair guide covers what to do next.
Heat shortens asphalt shingle life, so reflective metal and clay or concrete tile are strong picks in hot, sunny regions. In wet climates, algae‑resistant shingles, metal, or slate are good choices, while wood requires consistent upkeep. In cold regions with heavy freeze-thaw cycles, clay tile often struggles, while metal, slate, or architectural shingles tend to hold up better.
The right roof is the material that fits your budget, your storm risk, your home’s slope and style, and how long you plan to stay. Weighing those four factors usually narrows it down to two or three options:
It’s wise to bring in a roofer before you commit to a heavier or premium material. An inspection confirms whether the decking and framing can carry tile or slate, checks ventilation, and identifies any existing storm damage your insurer should know about.
It also provides a written report and estimate to compare against other quotes. Storm Guard teams provide professional roof installation across a range of materials, and your local team can tell you which options they install in your area.
Choosing a new roof? Schedule an inspection today! Find your local Storm Guard team for a free on-site inspection and a material recommendation built around your home.
The nine common roofing materials are 3-tab asphalt, architectural asphalt, metal, clay tile, concrete tile, slate, wood shake, synthetic, and solar tiles. Asphalt dominates US homes for its low cost, while tile, slate, and metal cost more but last far longer. The right choice depends on budget, climate, and home style.
“Roof types” refers to either structural roof shapes or roofing materials. Roof shapes, such as gable, hip, or flat, influence framework, drainage, and appearance. Roofing materials, by contrast, describe the surface covering (like asphalt, metal, or tile). This guide highlights materials, since choosing a covering is usually the key decision during a roof replacement.
Slate and clay or concrete tile are the most durable, lasting 60 to 150 years and 100+ years, respectively. Metal follows at 40 to 80 years. For storm resistance specifically, look for a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating, available in impact-rated asphalt, metal, and synthetic products.
Choose a Class 4 impact-rated material. Impact-rated architectural shingles, metal, and synthetic composites are built to resist hail and debris, and some insurers may offer premium credits for Class 4 roofs, so ask your provider what applies. In high-wind and coastal areas, also check the product’s wind rating and fastening requirements.
Asphalt shingles are the cheapest, with the lowest installed cost of any common material. They can be a practical choice for homeowners on a budget, but their 20- to 30‑year lifespan is the shortest among options. If you plan to stay in the home long‑term, compare the annual service costs for metal and tile to see which option offers better value over time.
Solar tiles are practical for some homes, mainly full replacements or new builds with strong sun exposure. They generate power without traditional panels but carry a premium price and evolving performance specs. Always verify current output, cost, and warranty with the manufacturer before deciding.
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