Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, so choosing the right material is critical for your safety. You’ll need something that not only complements your home but also withstands your region’s climate and suits your personal style.
That’s why we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll cover:
- Common types of roofing materials and their drawbacks.
- The lifespan of common roofing materials.
- The durability of common roofing materials.
- Additional features to keep in mind when selecting a roofing material.
Let’s get into it.
Common Types of Roofing Materials and Their Drawbacks
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material on the market, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best. While many homeowners opt for asphalt shingles due to their affordability, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Drawbacks of asphalt shingles:
- Short Lifespan: Typically lasts 12-20 years, with replacements needed more frequently in extreme weather conditions.
- Lower Durability: Compared to metal, asphalt shingles are less durable and more prone to cracking, warping, or blowing off under high heat, heavy rain, or frequent storms.
- Limited Energy Efficiency: They tend to absorb heat, making homes less energy efficient, especially in hot climates.
- Environmental Impact: Asphalt shingles contribute to landfill waste, with millions of tons discarded annually.
As a petroleum-based product, asphalt shingles are ideal for budget-conscious roofing projects where longevity and durability aren’t a priority.
Wood Shingles and Shake
Before asphalt shingles became widespread, wood shingles were the go-to roofing material. While they can add charm to rustic homes or buildings, the appeal of wood roofing is largely limited to aesthetics today. Wood roofs come with a range of performance issues, making them less practical.
Drawbacks of wood shingles and shakes:
- Fire Risk: Unless treated with fire-resistant coatings, wood roofing is highly flammable, making it a poor choice for fire-prone areas.
- Expensive Upkeep: Maintaining a wood roof over time can be costly, as repairs and treatments are often necessary to address wear and tear from decay and insect infestation.
- Moisture Sensitivity: Wood shingles are vulnerable to moisture damage, which can lead to rotting, warping, or mold growth, especially in humid climates.
- Inconsistent Appearance: Over time, wood can weather unevenly, leading to a patchy or inconsistent look that might detract from the overall aesthetic.
Clay or Concrete Tiles
Another roofing material you’ll come across in your search is clay or concrete tile roofs. Common for Mediterranean or Spanish-style buildings, these roofs are made from molded clay, terracotta, or concrete, and then baked at a high temperature. While they offer a distinct style, the ongoing maintenance of tile leaves much to be desired.
Drawbacks of clay or concrete tiles:
- Weight: Clay and concrete tiles are significantly heavier than other roofing materials. This requires extra structural support, which can increase installation costs and complexity.
- Fragility: Clay and concrete tiles are one of the most fragile roofing materials on the market, and prone to cracking if walked on for routine maintenance or struck by heavy objects, like tree branches or hailstones.
- Maintenance: Repairing cracked or broken tiles can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, concrete tiles may require periodic sealing to prevent moisture absorption or algae growth.
- Color Fading: Over time, the color of clay and concrete tiles can fade due to UV exposure, especially in sunny climates, which may require maintenance to preserve their original appearance.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is gaining popularity for its exceptional durability and longevity, making it a smart investment for homeowners seeking reliable protection for their property.
However, it’s important to recognize that metal roofs can be made from various materials, including aluminum, copper, and steel. Understanding the differences between these options is essential when evaluating the best type of metal roofing for your needs, as each material comes with its own set of considerations.
Drawbacks of aluminum and copper metal roofs:
- Noisy: A common misconception about metal roofing is that it’s noisy during rain. While an uncoated aluminum sheet on a barn or shed can be noisy, modern metal roofing products designed for residential and commercial properties are engineered to minimize sound, making them much quieter in comparison.
- Color Fading: Aluminum roofing is more prone to color fading over time due to sun exposure, requiring periodic repainting or finishing.
Drawbacks of stone-coated metal roofs (roofs made from steel sheets):
- Higher Upfront Cost: Stone-coated metal roofing is slightly more expensive to install than other roofing materials, but the long-term benefits, including its extended lifespan, make it a worthwhile investment.
As you can see, the drawbacks are few when it comes to stone-coated metal roofing. Need more convincing? Keep reading.
Which Roofing Material Lasts the Longest?
When it comes to roofing materials, cheaper isn’t better. Take asphalt shingles, for instance. Although the initial installation is cheaper, asphalt shingle roofs need to be replaced faster than other materials. With frequent exposure to the elements, the lifespan of asphalt shingles can be even shorter.
Here’s how roofing materials stack up when it comes to longevity:
Sources: State Farm and The Spruce
Which Roofing Material is the Most Durable?
When it comes to protecting your home, durability should always be a priority. For example, homes in Hawaii require a corrosion-resistant roof capable of withstanding high winds, heavy rainfall, wind-driven rain, and humidity. In hail-prone areas, a roof with a Class 4 hail impact rating is essential, while homes in snow-prone regions like New England need a roof that can endure repeated freeze-thaw cycles without compromising performance.
When prioritizing durability for the conditions in your area, be sure to:
- Hail: Choose a material with the highest Class 4 impact rating.
- Fire: Opt for a roof with a Class 4 fire rating for maximum safety.
- Hurricanes, Tornadoes and High Winds: Even if you’re not in Florida, look for materials that meet Miami-Dade’s hurricane zone requirements to protect against hurricanes, tornadoes, and strong winds.
- Salt Air and Humidity: Check that the roofing material can resist rust and oxidation in humid, salty air environments.
- Snow and Ice: Select a lightweight, non-porous material that can endure repeated freeze-thaw cycles without damage.
Additional Features to Consider When Selecting a Roofing Material
Since every roofing project is different, you’ll want to prioritize certain features when searching for the best roofing material. These include:
Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials because they reflect heat up and away from buildings. Think about the metal hood of a car. Even with the sun’s heat from above and the engine’s heat below, the metal hood quickly cools once the car is parked and the engine is off. Within minutes, the heat from the metal hood has dissipated and the car feels cool to the touch. Additionally, homeowners can reduce cooling costs by up to 25% with a metal roof. Asphalt roofing, on the other hand, absorbs heat like a sponge and will radiate that heat down into the home.
Sustainability: The demand for energy-efficient, sustainable and environmentally-friendly products is at an all-time high–and roofing products are no exception. Not only is metal 100% recyclable, but the long lifespan of metal roofing also eliminates the need and the waste from frequent roof replacements. For example, since asphalt shingles need to be replaced as often as every 12 years, they contribute 11-13 million tons of asphalt shingles to landfills each year (equivalent to 3,068 Olympic-size swimming pools).
Weight: Weight is often overlooked when choosing a roofing material, and many homeowners are surprised to learn that heavier is not better when it comes to roofing. Metal roofing is one of the lightest roofing materials on the market. The lightweight characteristics of metal benefit homeowners by:
- Providing an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio that adds reinforcing shear strength to the roof deck, which is especially important in hurricane and earthquake-prone regions.
- Eliminating the need for additional reinforcement or construction to support the weight of the roof.
Low-Maintenance: No homeowner wants their property constantly “under construction.” Some roofing materials require ongoing maintenance and treatments, so unless you want roofing crews and power tools to frequent your roof, look for a roof that requires little-to-no maintenance.
Warranty: A comprehensive and straightforward warranty shows the roofing manufacturer is confident in the quality of the product. Look for a roof that comes standard with a Lifetime Limited Warranty and be sure to read the fine print. Bonus points if the warranty can be transferred to new owners should you decide to sell your home.
Experience the DECRA Difference
When searching for the best roofing material, it’s hard to beat the durability, efficiency, longevity and design versatility of stone-coated metal roofing.
As the original stone-coated metal roofing manufacturer, DECRA Metal Roofing products have withstood the test of time since 1957. Manufactured at our facility in Corona, California, our products are tested above and beyond the requirements to ensure the quality DECRA is known for is present in every stone-coated metal roofing panel we produce.
Key benefits? DECRA Metal Roofing is warrantied for hail up 2.5 inches in diameter and winds up to 120 miles per hour. Plus, our roofs come equipped with the highest possible ratings for hail and fire.
Ready to see and feel the DECRA difference? Request a complimentary sample today.
Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in June 2022, but has been updated with relevant information.
